What is Involved with Jaw Surgery
Corrective jaw surgery or technically known as orthognathic surgery is performed by Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons in conjunction with Dr. DiGiovanni to correct a wide range of minor and major skeletal and dental problems, including the misalignment of jaws and teeth, which, in turn, can improve problems with chewing, speech, breathing as well as esthetics. While the patient's appearance may be dramatically enhanced as a result of their surgery, orthognathic surgery is a medically necessary procedure primarily performed to correct functional problems. A typical orthodontic and jaw surgery treatment plan proceeds as follows:
- Placement of Braces (Pre-surgical Orthodontic set up typically 6-12 months)
- Jaw surgery procedure
- Post-surgical orthodontic treatment (typically 6-12 months)
Above: This patient underwent corrective jaw surgery to expand her upper jaw (increasing her airway) and reposition of the upper jaw superiorly (decreasing the tissue display).
Below: Patient underwent orthognathic surgery to correct and underbite and prognathic lower jaw.
If you have been told you or your child is a candidate for orthognathic surgery and you are interested in learning more about jaw surgery, please click this link to visit a helpful website. This site has very accurate and clear information on the specifics of jaw surgery.
This video further clarifies the jaw surgery procedure: