Corrective Jaw Surgery

Orthognathic surgery refers to surgical moving or repositioning one or both jawbones to a new position. Orthognathic surgery involves surgery of the maxilla and mandible. Since the maxilla and mandible are in intimate association with the surrounding teeth as well as structures of the face and airway, the position and size of the maxilla and mandible significantly influence the dental occlusion, facial esthetics and airway dimension. Therefore, indication(s) for considering orthognathic surgery in order to improve the size and position of the maxilla and mandible are invariably aimed at improving dental occlusion, facial esthetics and airway dimension. 

The Purpose of Orthognathic/Jaw Surgery:

  • Improve facial cosmetics

  • Correct malocclusion (your bite is off)

  • Open your airway – make your breathing better

  • Correct sleep apnea

  • Align your teeth for corrective dentistry

  • Improving sleep has documented positive effects on longevity enhancing

  • A very tolerable procedure

  • Done as an outpatient in our surgical suite vs. a hospital environment – no added hospital fees

 SURGICAL FACTS:

  • Done from inside your mouth – no outside incisions

  • You can open and close your mouth when you wake up

  • Done as an in-office outpatient procedure

  • Diet is soft foods for 6 weeks

  • Minimal post-op pain

  • Significant facial swelling for about 10-14 days

  • Typically, 7-8 days off work or school

Preoperative course:

Surgery can range from 2-5 hrs depending on the planned treatment.

  • An anesthesiologist will be present to put you to sleep

  • You will not be wired shut after the procedure

  • Patients return home the same day

  • Presurgical Orthodontics to align your teeth before surgery

  • You will come in for a consultation, preoperative appointment prior to your surgery

  • Xrays will be obtained

  • Facial measurements

  • Facial photos

  • Digital oral scans of your teeth

Postoperative instructions:

  • Soft nonchew diet for 6 weeks

  • No strenuous activity for 6 weeks

  • Follow-up appointment in 1 week, 3 weeks, 6 weeks