Orthognathic Surgery
Orthognathic surgery is needed when jaws don’t meet correctly and/or teeth don’t seem to fit with jaws. This can cause problems with eating, speaking, and breathing, as well as creating an abnormal facial appearance. Teeth can be straightened with orthodontics, and corrective jaw surgery repositions misaligned jaws. Often these procedures are done in conjunction with each other. This not only improves facial appearance, but also ensures that teeth meet correctly and function properly.
Who Needs Orthognathic Surgery?
Orthodontics alone can correct bite problems when only the teeth are involved. Orthognathic surgery may be required when repositioning of the jaws 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
