Orthognathic Surgery
surgical procedures
Surgical Procedure Links
- Dental Implants
- Bone Grafting
- Orthognathic Surgery
- Snoring / Sleep Apnea
- Facial Trauma
- Oral Pathology
- Impacted Canines
- Cleft Lip & Palate
- Wisdom Teeth
Orthognathic surgery is needed when jaws don't meet correctly and/or teeth don't seem to fit with jaws. 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.
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. While orthodontics alone can correct bite problems if only the teeth are involved, orthognathic surgery may be required if the jaws also need repositioning.
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 can exist at birth or may be acquired after birth as a result of hereditary or environmental influences or, 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 team of doctors will make the decision together to proceed with treatment.
Technology and Orthognathic Surgery
Dr. Nail uses radiographs obtained during your initial office visit to produce tracings of your facial profile and the position of your jaws. Dr. Nail will then analyze the position of your jaws and compare them to universally accepted normative values to diagnose the problem and develop treatment options that will provide you your ideal bite as well as optimize your facial appearance. Dr. Nail will use these diagnostic and prediction tracings, along with skeletal models, to show you how the surgical procedure is accomplished and help you to see the benefits of orthognathic surgery.