Corrective jaw surgery (also known as orthognathic surgery) corrects jaw bone misalignments that orthodontic work alone cannot treat. Misaligned jaws can cause a variety of conditions, such as TMJ disorders, sleep apnea, misaligned teeth, and a protruding or underdeveloped jawline. When braces and other treatments are not enough to correct jaw misalignment, oral and maxillofacial surgeons can surgically adjust the shape and position of the jaw to improve the functionality of the patient’s bite and the overall balance of the facial structures.
Our surgeons have undergone extensive surgical training and have years of experience performing orthognathic surgery. Your surgeon will perform a thorough oral examination to determine if surgery is an option for treatment. Whether your jaw misalignment is a result of a facial trauma injury, birth defect, or other issues, your oral surgeon will work hand in hand with your orthodontist to plan your treatment and realign your bite.
Benefits of Orthognathic Surgery
Jaw misalignment can cause a variety of oral health problems, such as tooth decay, chewing problems, breathing problems, jaw pain, difficulty opening the mouth all the way, and other issues. Patients who receive corrective jaw surgery often see their quality of life improve. A few of the benefits of corrective jaw surgery include:
- Improved tooth alignment and chewing function
- Improved speech and breathing function
- Improved appearance of the teeth and jaws
- Reduction of jaw pain and discomfort
- Reduction of tooth decay and premature tooth loss
What can I expect from corrective jaw surgery treatment?
When undergoing orthognathic surgery, your treatment plan will vary depending on the nature of your condition. In general, your corrective jaw treatment will begin with your orthodontist. Your orthodontist will use braces to prepare your teeth and jaw for their new alignment. Once the teeth are in position, you will be ready to undergo orthognathic surgery. Your oral surgeon will separate the jaw and move the bones into their new alignment, securing them in place with small surgical-grade screws. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, so you will sleep comfortably throughout the surgery. After your jaw has had some time to heal, your orthodontist will make final, subtle adjustments to your bite with braces. Then, the braces will be removed, and the process is complete.
Am I a candidate for corrective jaw surgery?
If you have a protruding or retruding upper or lower jaw, breathing and snoring problems, difficulty biting or chewing normally, or discomfort in the teeth or jaw joint that cannot be corrected with orthodontic treatments alone, orthognathic surgery may be a viable treatment option for you. The best way to find out if corrective jaw surgery is right for you is to schedule an appointment with one of our oral surgeons. During your consultation, your surgeon will be able to determine the best course of treatment for your condition.
We invite you to contact one of our offices today to learn more about corrective jaw surgery in Glendale, Arcadia, Mission Hills, Newhall and Pasadena, California, and schedule your consultation with Dr. Cho, Dr. Hammoudeh, Dr. Odono, Dr. Tung or Dr. Urata.