Corrective Jaw Surgery, or Orthognathic Surgery, helps correct minor and major dental and facial irregularities. If you have misaligned jaws and teeth that interfere with your breathing, speaking, and chewing functions, you should book an appointment at Harris Orthodontics for an examination. Using orthodontics in conjunction with this surgery, Dr. Peyton Harris can correct functional problems and enhance your appearance. Working as a team with your dentist and oral surgeon, Dr. Harris will make an accurate estimate of the time needed to complete the process.
What is Orthognathic Surgery?
Orthognathic surgery, or corrective jaw surgery, is performed by a maxillofacial and oral surgeon to correct different types of dental and skeletal irregularities. The procedure will require the long-term commitment of the patient and their family. The key functions of the dentist, orthodontist, and surgeon are as follows:
- The dentist’s role is to maintain your oral health throughout the treatment.
- The orthodontist’s role is to align the teeth as per the plan created for the surgical procedure. The orthodontist will also make post-surgery adjustments.
- The surgeon will create the right plan for the surgical procedure before performing it.
When Will You Need Orthognathic Surgery?
Some of the common conditions that our patients requiring corrective jaw surgery present with include:
- Problems with biting, chewing, and swallowing food
- Open bite
- Chronic pain in the jaw or jaw joint and headache
- Unbalanced facial structure from the side or front
- Excess wear of the teeth
- Birth defects
- Facial injury
- Protruding jaw
- Receding lower jaw/chin
- Chronic mouth breathing
- Unable to meet the lips without straining
- Sleep apnea
Orthognathic Surgery involves a relatively long treatment tenure. It will also include orthodontics treatment both before and after the surgery. Before creating your customized treatment plan, Dr. Peyton Harris will fully explain the procedure and duration.
