Orthognathic Surgery

Orthognathic surgery is needed when jaws don't meet correctly and/or teeth don't seem to fit within the jaws. Teeth are first straightened and aligned with orthodontics and then corrective jaw surgery repositions misaligned jaws. An artist or architect follows the principle that “form follows function” in the creation of a pleasing work of art or a beautiful building. Orthognathic surgeons and orthodontists rely on the same basic premise in treatment planning patients for these surgical/orthodontic treatment plans. The jaws that hold the teeth are aligned for the teeth to function in a proper bite (proper function) on the inside. This creates a face in proper proportion (form), which when viewed from the outside takes on a normal appearance.

For a brief narrated overview of orthognathic surgery, please click the image on the right. It will launch our flash educational MiniModule in a separate window that may answer some of your questions about orthognatic surgery.

Who Needs Orthognathic Surgery?

People who can benefit from orthognathic surgery include those with an improper bite or jaws that are positioned incorrectly. Jaw growth is a gradual process and in some instances, the upper and lower jaws may grow at different rates. The result can be a host of problems that can affect chewing function, speech, long-term oral health and appearance. Injury to the jaw and birth defects can also affect jaw alignment. Orthodontics alone can correct bite problems when only the teeth are involved. Orthognathic surgery may be required for more complicated case where the jaws when needing repositioning to create a proper bite.

Difficulty in the following areas should be evaluated:

• difficulty in chewing, biting or swallowing
• traumatic bite (lower incisors biting into the palate behind the upper incisors)
• open bite
• protruding jaw, retruding jaw or asymmetric jaw
• speech problems
• chronic jaw or TMJ pain
• breathing problems

Any of these can exist at birth or may be acquired after birth as a result of hereditary or environmental influences or the result of trauma to the face. Before any treatment begins, a consultation will be held to perform a complete examination with x-rays. During the pre-treatment consultation process, feel free to ask any questions that you have regarding your treatment. When you are fully informed about the aspects of your care, you and your dental team (orthodontist, oral & maxillofacial surgeon, and general dentist) will make the decision as to the proper treatment plan to correct your bite problem.

Technology and Orthognathic Surgery

Dr. Smith uses modern computer techniques and three-dimensional models to show you exactly how your surgery will be approached. Using comprehensive facial X-rays and computer video imaging, we can show you how your bite will be improved and even give you an idea of how you'll look after surgery. This helps you understand the surgical process and to see the benefits of orthognathic surgery. During your surgery, a variety of technical innovations allow the surgery to be performed completely within your mouth without making large incisions on the outside of the face so you have no worry of extensive visible scarring. Using miniature versions of the bone plates and screws used by orthopedic surgeons to fix skeletal fractures without a cast are used in most of jaw surgery patients. This allows the proper alignment and stabilization of the jaws without having to wire the jaws together after surgery.

If you are a candidate for Corrective Jaw Surgery, Dr. Smith will work closely with your dentist and orthodontist during your treatment. The actual surgery can move your teeth and jaws into a new position that results in a more attractive, functional and healthy dental-facial relationship.