© Copyright 2015, Allen G. Davis, DDS, MS, All Rights Reserved
Jaw Surgery
Orthognathic Surgery
Corrective jaw, or orthognathic, surgery is performed by an oral
maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) to correct a wide range of minor and
major skeletal and dental irregularities, including the misalignment of
jaws and teeth. Surgery 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.
Conditions that may indicate the need for corrective jaw
surgery:
•
Difficulty chewing, or biting food
•
Difficulty swallowing
•
Chronic jaw or jaw joint (TMJ) pain and headache
•
Excessive wear of the teeth
•
Open bite (space between the upper and lower teeth when the
mouth is closed)
•
Unbalanced facial appearance from the front, or side
•
Facial injury
•
Birth defects
•
Receding lower jaw and chin
•
Protruding jaw
•
Inability to make the lips meet without straining
•
Chronic mouth breathing
•
Sleep apnea (breathing problems when sleeping, including
snoring)
Dr. Davis will work closely with your OMS to determine whether you
are a candidate for corrective jaw, or orthognathic, surgery. The OMS
determines which corrective jaw surgical procedure is appropriate and
performs the actual surgery. It is important to understand that your
treatment, which will probably include orthodontics before and after
surgery, may take several years to complete. Your OMS and Dr. Davis
understand that this is a long-term commitment for you and your
family, and will try to realistically estimate the time required for your
treatment.
Correction of an Open Bite:
Some of the bone in the upper tooth-bearing portion of the jaw is
removed. The upper jaw in then secured in position with plate and
screws.
Correction of 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.
Correction of 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.
Allen G. Davis, DDS, MS
Board Certified Orthodontist
(760) 781-1086