OVERVIEW
Corrective jaw surgery is used to re-position a misaligned jaw. This improves facial appearance and improves the person’s bite. Generally this is part of a bigger orthodontic treatment.
At your consultation, facial x-rays and computer video-imaging are used to demonstrate how a patient’s bite will improve after surgery. All options will be discussed, and pros and cons will be weighed. Ultimately the decision to have surgery is yours.
If you do choose surgery, you can be sure the final result will be a happier, healthier, more functional jaw.
MISALIGNED JAW PROBLEMS AND CAUSES
Jaw problems make it hard for orthodontics to correct teeth misalignment. This problem may become increasingly difficult with age due to hereditary or environmental factors. It may also be due to birth defects or a jaw injury.
Your orthodontist may recommend a surgery evaluation in the hopes of getting the best possible result from your braces. Candidates for an orthoganathic surgery evaluation often have one or more of these indicators:
- Difficulty in chewing, biting or swallowing
- Speech problems
- Chronic jaw or TMJ pain
- Open bite
- Protruding jaw
- Breathing problems