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Orthognathic Surgery

What is orthognathic surgery?

Orthognathic surgery is sometimes called “surgical orthodontics” because, just as an orthodontist repositions teeth, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon uses orthognathic surgery to reposition one or both jaws. Just as “orthodontics” means “straight teeth,” “orthognathic” means “straight jaws.” In fact, because moving the jaws also moves the teeth, orthognathic surgery is usually performed in conjunction with orthodontics so that the teeth are in proper position after surgery. The objective of orthognathic surgery is the correction of a wide range of minor and major facial and jaw irregularities, and benefits include an improved ability to chew, speak and to breathe. In many cases, an enhanced appearance can also result.

Who might need this type of surgery?

People who can potentially benefit from orthognathic surgery include those with an improper bite and those with jaws that are positioned incorrectly. Jaw growth is a slow and 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. While orthodontics alone can correct many “bite” problems if only the teeth are involved, orthognathic surgery may be required if the jaws also need repositioning. The following are some of the conditions that may indicate a need for orthognathic surgery:

  • Difficulty chewing or biting food
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Speech problem
  • Chronic jaw pain
  • Excessive wearing or grinding of teeth
  • Open bite
  • Unbalanced facial appearance
  • Facial injury or birth defects
  • Receding chin
  • Protruding jaw
  • Inability to make lips meet without effort
  • Chronic mouth breathing with dry mouth
  • Sleep apnea

What are the basic steps in the process?

Pre-surgical orthodontics will move your teeth into a new position, so they will fit together properly when the jaws are surgically repositioned. During this pre-surgical orthodontic phase of treatment, which usually lasts approximately 6 to 18 months, you will be wearing braces and will visit your orthodontist regularly for the necessary adjustments to your braces and ongoing evaluation.

Because your teeth are being moved into a position that will be correct after surgery, you may think that your bite is getting worse rather than better during this phase of your treatment. However, when the oral and maxillofacial surgeon realigns your jaws into proper alignment during the surgical procedure, the teeth will be moved into proper position.

After surgery, final orthodontic tooth movement is usually necessary to "fine-tune" your bite. Following removal of your braces, you will be required to wear a retainer to hold the established dental position.

You will be wearing braces to align the teeth prior to the surgery. You will be wearing braces during the surgical procedure itself. And lastly, you will have a post-surgical period of orthodontic finalization. The orthodontist and the oral and maxillofacial surgeon work as a team to inform you about all the aspects of your potential orthognathic surgery experience and to provide the expertise to make significant changes in your dentoskeletal discrepancy.

For more information, go to www.aaoms.org and click on Corrective Jaw Surgery.

C. Dwayne Trammell, DDS, MSD serves children and adult patients with contemporary orthodontics in his Carrollton and Plano offices. Our locations are convenient for families in Addison, Frisco, and the Seagoville area. Call today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Trammell.

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