Procedures

Corrective Jaw Surgery

Orthognathic Surgery

Jaw surgery, or Orthognathic Surgery (Corrective Jaw Surgery), is needed when the jaws don’t meet correctly and/or teeth don’t seem to fit with the jaws. Teeth are straightened with orthodontics and corrective jaw surgery repositions a misaligned jaw. This ensures that teeth meet correctly and subsequently jaw function improves.

Who Needs Orthognathic Surgery or Corrective Jaw Surgery ?

People who can benefit from orthognathic surgery/corrective jaw 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 jaw pain and 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/corrective jaw surgery may be required for the jaws when repositioning is necessary.

Difficulty in the following areas should be evaluated:

  • difficulty in chewing, biting or swallowing
  • speech problems
  • chronic jaw pain or TMJ pain
  • open bite
  • protruding jaw
  • breathing problems

Any of these symptoms can exist at birth, be acquired after birth as a result of hereditary or environmental influences, or as a result of facial trauma. 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 can make the decision to proceed with treatment together.

Orthognathic Surgery or Corrective Jaw Surgery

Crescent Oral Surgery uses modern computer techniques and three-dimensional models to plan exactly how your jaw surgery will be approached. Our goal is to help you understand the benefits of orthognathic surgery/corrective jaw surgery. As well, our oral surgeons will discuss the risks involved so you may be fully informed.

If you are a candidate for corrective jaw surgery, we 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 functional, and healthy dental-facial relationship.

Corrective jaw surgery is a significant intervention requiring many months (up to 2 years) of preparation. The surgery is performed in the hospital and can last between one to four hours. Hospital stays of one to three days are normal.

Braces are maintained during surgery and may need to be in place for six to twelve months after surgery.

The greatest impact of orthognathic surgery/corrective jaw surgery is the recovery phase. Patients typically may be off work/school from two weeks to one month after surgery. Return to normal chewing function may take 2 months and full function may take one year.

Our goal is to ensure you are well taken care of during and after surgery. Weekly appointments are required for up to two months after surgery.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

To book an appointment for wisdom teeth removal, tooth extraction, dental implant or sleep apnea treatment, or any other dental concern, call the office you have been referred to (if you don’t have a referral, the office closest to you might be most convenient). You can also fill out our online form and we will get back to you as soon as we can, likely the same day. We look forward to hearing from you.

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