If your upper or lower jaw does not grow properly, it can cause difficulty eating, breathing, talking or swallowing. In extreme cases, oral surgery can create a jaw structure that is more balanced and functional.
Corrective jaw surgery – also called orthognathic surgery – is performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) to correct a wide range of minor and major skeletal and dental irregularities, including the misalignment of jaws and teeth. Surgery can improve breathing, chewing and speaking. While the patient’s appearance may be dramatically enhanced as a result of the surgery, orthognathic surgery is performed to correct functional problems.
The following are some of the conditions that may indicate the need for corrective jaw surgery:
Difficulty chewing or biting food
Difficulty swallowing
Chronic jaw or jaw joint (TMJ) pain and headaches
Excessive wear of the teeth
Open bite (space between the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed)
Unbalanced facial appearance from the front or side
Facial injury
Birth defects
Receding lower jaw and chin
Protruding jaw
Inability to make the lips meet without straining
Chronic mouth breathing
Sleep apnea (breathing problems when sleeping, including snoring)
Your dentist, orthodontist and OMS will work together to determine whether you are a candidate for orthognathic surgery. The oral and maxillofacial surgeon determines which corrective jaw surgical procedure is appropriate and performs the actual surgery. It is important to understand that your treatment, which will probably include orthodontics before and after surgery, may take several years to complete. Your OMS and orthodontist understand this is a long-term commitment for you and your family, and they will try to realistically estimate the time required for your treatment.
