Orthognathic Surgery

The corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) treats and corrects abnormalities of the facial bones, specifically the jaws and the teeth. Often, these abnormalities cause difficulty associated with chewing, talking, sleeping and other routine activities.

Orthognathic surgery can correct these problems and, in conjunction with orthodontic treatment, will improve the overall appearance of the facial profile

The following situations are some of the conditions that may indicate the need for orthognathic surgery:

• Difficulty chewing, or biting food and swallowing
• Chronic jaw or jaw joint (TMJ) pain and headache
• Excessive wear of the teeth
• Open bite (space between the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed)
• Unbalanced facial appearance from the front, or side
• Birth defects and facial injury
• Receding lower jaw and chin
• Protruding jaw
• Chronic mouth breathing and sleep apnea (breathing problems when sleeping, including snoring)

Orthognathic surgery may be unnecessary if orthodontic treatment can correct the problem.

This type of surgery is carried out while you are asleep under a general anaesthetic.  The details of the surgery performed will depend on what you are having done and will be explained to you by your oral and maxillofacial surgeon. The surgeon (usually) gains access to the bones inside the mouth via the gums.

Surgery might aim to reposition part or all of the top and/or lower jaw(s).

When you wake up from your anaesthetic, you will feel sleepy, swollen and sore around the mouth and face.

With the latest advances in orthodontics, this is sometimes the case. We will determine if orthognathic surgery is the correct treatment option for you.