For a brief narrated overview of orthognathic surgery, please click the image below. It will launch our flash educational MiniModule in a separate window that may answer some of your questions about orthognatic surgery.
Orthognathic surgery is needed when jaws don't meet correctly and/or teeth don't seem to fit with the jaws. In almost all cases, there is a distracting facial deformity or the patient in need of this treatment just looks different than the normal person. Teeth are straightened with orthodontics, or braces. However, corrective jaw surgery repositions the misaligned jaws, something that braces alone cannot do.
Orthognathic Surgery not only improves facial appearance. It also ensures that teeth meet correctly and function properly.
Who Needs Orthognathic Surgery?
People who can benefit from Orthognathic surgery include those with an improper bite or jaws that are positioned incorrectly. 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. Injury to the jaw and birth defects can also affect jaw alignment. While orthodontics alone can correct bite problems if only the teeth need to be moved, Orthognathic surgery is required if just moving the teeth with braces cannot correct the bite and resolve the facial deformity.
Difficulty in the following areas should be evaluated:
Difficulty in chewing, biting or swallowing
Speech problems
Chronic jaw or TMJ pain
Open bite — upper and lower teeth can not be brought into contact when the mouth is "closed"
Protruding jaw
Recessive or receding jaw
Breathing problems
Excessive exposure of upper front teeth and gums at rest or in a smile.
Need for an active effort to bring upper and lower lips together, known as lip incompetence
Facial asymmetry
Any of these can exist at birth or may be acquired after birth as a result of hereditary, environmental influences or trauma to the face. Before any treatment begins, a consultation will be held to perform a complete examination with x-rays. Conferences with your General Dentist and Orthodontist will also be necessary.
During the pre-treatment consultation process, ask any questions that you have regarding your treatment. When you are fully informed about all aspects of your care, you and your dental team will together make the decision to proceed with treatment.
Technology and Orthognathic Surgery
Dr. Brousell uses modern computer techniques and models to show you exactly how your surgery will be approached. Using comprehensive facial X-rays and computer video imaging, we can show you how your bite will be improved and even give you an idea of how you'll look after surgery. This helps you understand the surgical process and the extent of the treatment. You will see the benefits you will obtain from Orthognathic surgery before treatment.
Of course, treatment plan alternatives will be discussed.
If you are a candidate for Corrective Jaw Surgery, Dr. Brousell will work closely with your General Dentist and Orthodontist during your treatment. The surgery will move your teeth and jaws into a new position that results in a more attractive, functional and healthy dental-facial relationship.
