Corrective jaw, or orthognathic, surgery is performed by Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons to correct a wide range of minor and major skeletal and dental irregularities, including the misalignment of jaws and teeth, which, in turn, can improve chewing, speaking and breathing. While the patient's appearance may be dramatically enhanced as a result of their surgery, orthognathic surgery is performed to correct functional problems.
Who Needs Corrective Jaw Surgery?
People who may benefit from corrective jaw surgery include those with an improper bite resulting from misaligned teeth and/or jaws. In some cases, the upper and lower jaws may grow at different rates. Injuries and birth defects may also affect jaw alignment. While orthodontics can usually correct bite, or "occlusion," problems when only the teeth are misaligned, corrective jaw surgery may be necessary to correct misalignment of the jaws.
Pre and Post Surgery Orthodontics
Patients who need corrective jaw surgeries also need a pre-surgical phase of Orthodontics as well as a post Orthodontic phase of Orthodontics to achieve the final beautiful result and to makse sure that your teeth are in a proper bite, functionally as well as esthetically. Using the latest in 3D cone beam CT imaging as well as the best visualization software (Anatomage - InVivo), Dr. Gune will be able to evaluate the need for surgical intervention for you or your child. If a surgical treatment plan were to be necessary, Dr. Gune will be able to show you a pre and post computer generated soft tissue (Face) prediction simulation based on hard tissue (Jaw bone) repositioning.
Correction of Common Dentofacial Deformities
Correcting an Open Bite: Some of the bone in the upper tooth-bearing portion of the jaw is removed. The upper jaw is then secured in position with plates and screws.
Correcting a Protruding Lower Jaw: The bone in the rear portion of the jaw is separated from the front portion and modified so that the tooth-bearing portion of the lower jaw can be moved back for proper alignment.
Correcting a Receding Lower Jaw or "Weak Chin": The bone in the lower portion of the jaw is separated from its base and modified. The tooth-bearing portion of the lower jaw and a portion of the chin are repositioned forward.
