Orthognathic Surgery
Orthognathic surgery is needed when jaws don't meet correctly and/or the teeth don't seem to fit with jaws. Teeth are initially straightened with orthodontics, and then corrective jaw surgery repositions misaligned jaws. Such Reconstructive Jaw Surgery ensures that the teeth bite together correctly to function properly and will often improve facial appearance.
Who Needs Orthognathic Surgery?
People who can benefit from orthognathic surgery include those with an improper bite (malocclusion) or jaws that are positioned incorrectly. Jaw growth and development is a gradual process and, in some instances, the upper and lower jaws may grow at different rates. This may result in problems that can affect chewing function, speech, breathing, long-term oral health, and appearance. An abnormally small lower jaw may even contribute to the development of sleep apnea. Injury to the jaw and birth defects can also affect jaw alignment. While orthodontics alone can correct bite problems if only the teeth are involved, Orthognathic Surgery may be required if the jaws also need repositioning to correct the bite.
Orthognathic Surgery Overview
For a brief narrated overview of the orthognathic surgery process, please click the image on the left. It will launch our flash educational MiniModule in a separate window that may answer some of your questions about orthognathic surgery at our Lansdale, Horsham and Harleysville, PA, locations.
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.
Problems in the following areas should be evaluated :
difficulty in chewing, biting or swallowing
speech disorders
chronic jaw pain
open bite
protruding jaw
breathing problems or sleep apnea
Such problems may occur with abnormal development of the jaws as a result of hereditary or environmental influences or trauma to the face.
Before any treatment begins, a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation must be completed and thorough treatment plan developed. A complete orthodontic examination with x-rays and models of the teeth are a necessary part of the diagnostic evaluation. A final surgical consultation with the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon is given to explain your treatment plan. During the pre-treatment consultation process, feel free to ask any questions that you have regarding your treatment.
Reconstructive Jaw Surgery is performed through incisions made inside the mouth. The jaw bones are fixed into their new positions using internal bone plates and screws for rigid fixation thus eliminating the need to wire patients’ jaws together in the majority of cases.
If you are a candidate for Corrective Jaw Surgery, the surgeons at OMS Associates 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.