Jaw Surgery MiniModule For a brief narrated overview of the orthognathic surgery process, please click the image below. It will launch our flash educational MiniModule in a separate window that may answer some of your questions about Orthognathic Surgery.	Jaw Surgery Presentation To provide you with a better understanding of jaw surgery, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to orthognathic surgery are discussed.
Having trouble? Please make sure you have version 7 of the Flash browser plugin in order to correctly view this presentation. This software is available as a free download.

Orthognathic surgery is needed when jaws do not meet correctly and/or teeth do not seem to fit with jaw bones. Teeth are straightened with orthodontics and corrective jaw surgery repositions misaligned jaws. This not only improves facial appearance, but also ensures that teeth meet correctly and function properly. By correcting the position of these bones, some patients have also experienced improved breathing and improved sinus health.

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 the jaws when their repositioning is necessary.

Difficulty in the following areas should be evaluated

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

Any of these symptoms can exist at birth. Some symptoms are acquired after birth as a result of hereditary or environmental influences or as a 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 together will make the decision to proceed with treatment.

Technology and Orthognathic Surgery

Our Doctors use modern techniques and three-dimensional models to show you exactly how your surgery will be approached. This helps you understand the surgical process and the extent of the treatment prescribed. Our goal is to help you understand the benefits of orthognathic surgery.

If you are a candidate for corrective jaw surgery, our doctors will work closely with your dentist and orthodontist during your treatment. The surgery can move your teeth and jaws into a new position that results in a more attractive, functional and healthy dental-facial relationship.