Home/ Corrective Jaw Surgery

Corrective jaw surgery is often recommended to treat certain conditions of the jaws and face related to growth, structure, and alignment of the jaws, TMJ disorders, or sleep apnea. These conditions can be congenital or injury related.

Surgery is also performed to correct orthodontic problems that cannot be easily treated with braces alone.  For instance, when the jaws do not meet properly and teeth do not seem to fit with the jaws, such as cross-bite, over-bite, or under-bite situations, the. 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.

Problems Resulting from Improper Alignment of the Jaws

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.

Difficulty in the following areas should be evaluated:

  • Chewing, biting or swallowing
  • Speech problems
  • Chronic jaw or TMJ pain
  • Open bite
  • Protruding jaw
  • Breathing problems

Following a thorough evaluation of the facial structures, teeth, and diagnostic records, an Oral Surgeon and an Orthodontist collaborate to develop the recommended treatment plan.  In many cases, treatment can take a few years to complete, with orthodontics and surgery.  This type of treatment can be life changing, improving facial appearance, function of the jaws, overall health, well-being and self confidence.