Enhancing aesthetics and function
As the only movable bone of the skull, the lower jaw (mandible) is responsible for everyday activities like eating, speaking, swallowing, smiling and breathing. If your mandible is out of alignment with your upper jaw (maxilla), your teeth won’t fit properly, resulting in difficulty chewing, chronic jaw pain, headaches and in some cases speech abnormalities such as a lisp. While orthodontic treatment is a common option for mild to moderate jaw misalignment, jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) may be the only option in severe cases. The optimal time for jaw surgery is after the jaw has stopped growing, typically in the late teens or early 20s.
Care from a uniquely qualified oral surgeon
Corrective jaw surgery requires the expertise of oral surgeons, who are the only recognized specialists in reconstructive face and jaw surgery. Our board certified oral surgeons are uniquely qualified to perform complex corrective surgeries of the jaw. Their experience is complemented with a virtual surgery planning which enables our team to plan your procedure in intricate detail, thus providing you with a more predictable and optimal outcome (and a faster recovery).
Generally, orthodontic braces are necessary to align the upper and lower teeth, bringing them into the right position. During the jaw surgery procedure itself, we carefully align your jaw and secure it into their new position using small plates and screws. As the jaw fully heals, significant changes in the life of our patients occur, as you are able to enjoy the benefits of improved functionality and an enhanced appearance.
Conditions treated with jaw surgery
- Breathing problems, such as sleep apnea and mouth breathing.
- Problems biting, chewing, or swallowing.
- Congenital defects involving the face such as cleft palate.
- Chronic migraines.
- Unbalanced facial appearance or trauma.
- Poor occlusion (bite).
- Either a receding chin or a protruding jaw.
- TMJ pain.
We understand that orthognathic surgery invokes fear in our patients; our oral surgeons will provide you with care and expertise. Don’t wait, schedule your consultation now and learn how corrective jaw surgery can improve your quality of life and appearance.