Orthognathic Surgery

What is Orthognathic Surgery?

Ortho means straighting.  Gnathic means jaws.  The object is to correct the wide range of minor and major facial and jaw irregularities.

Who needs Orthognathic surgery?

 Those individuals who have difficulty chewing, speech problems, chronic jaw pain, excessive wearing of teeth, unbalanced facial appearance, receding chin, protruding jaw, open bite and injury to the jaw.

How do I know if I need Orthognathic surgery? 

Many oral and maxillofacial surgeons see patients referred from general dentists or orthodontists who have evaluated your jaw irregularities. 

How does the oral and maxillofacial surgeon evaluate my jaw? 

The surgeon will do a thorough examination with facial measurements, photographs, x-rays and dental impressions.  A medical history will also be taken.

What are the steps for my Orthognathic surgery?

1. Pre-surgical orthodontics will move your teeth into a new position, so they will fit together properly when the jaws are surgical repositioned.

2.  You will wear braces to start positioning your teeth in the their new position.  You may also need to have your wisdom teeth removed so your teeth will not be crowded after surgery.

3. The oral and maxillofacial surgeon and your orthodontist will go over the surgeon’s finding and make a treatment plan for you.

4. As your surgery draws closer, the surgeon will take new x-rays and make models of your teeth.

5. When the team determines that your teeth are in the correct pre-surgical position, surgery will be scheduled. 

6. Orthognathic surgery is performed in a hospital or ambulatory surgical center under general anesthesia. 

7. In most cases, you will check into the hospital or surgical center on the day of your surgery.  Your anesthesiologist will discuss the general anesthetic procedure with you and answer any questions.  You will receive intravenous fluids and medication to prevent dehydration and infection and minimize swelling and discomfort. 

8.  During surgery, certain movements may require the jaws to be separated, with bone added or removed to achieve the proper alignment and stability.  In most cases, incisions are made inside the mouth and there will be no visible external scars.  If it is necessary, care is taken to conceal it in natural skin animation lines.