Corrective jaw surgery is a long-term commitment with lifelong results.
What is corrective jaw surgery?
Corrective jaw surgery, or orthognathic surgery, is performed when the jaws do not align properly. The teeth are straightened with orthodontics and corrective jaw surgery repositions the misaligned jaws. This serves to improve facial appearance and ensures that the teeth meet and function properly. The surgery can include repositioning all or part of the upper jaw, lower jaw, and chin.
Who needs corrective jaw surgery?
Patients who benefit from corrective jaw surgery include those with an improper bite or jaws that are positioned incorrectly. Jaw growth occurs slowly, and the upper or lower jaw may grow differently. This can affect chewing, speech, facial appearance, and breathing. While braces alone may correct an improper bite, or "occlusion," due to tooth misalignment, corrective jaw surgery may be necessary to correct misalignment of the jaws.
Evaluating your need for surgery
Your orthodontist, dentist, and Dr. Walther will work together as a team if you are considering corrective jaw surgery. Corrective jaw surgery requires careful coordination between Dr. Walther and your orthodontist. Before any treatment begins, a consultation is held to perform a complete examination. During this initial consultation the specifics regarding your orthodontic and surgical care are discussed in detail and all questions are answered.
What is involved in corrective jaw surgery?
Before surgery, your orthodontist will place braces on your teeth. The teeth are moved into the proper position. As the initial pre-surgical orthodontics nears completion, Dr. Walther will perform a thorough evaluation. X-rays, models, photos, and facial measurements are taken to guide the surgery.
Corrective jaw surgery is then performed under general anesthesia in the operating room. Dr. Walther will reposition your jaws in accordance with your specific needs. Incisions are usually inside the mouth to prevent visible scarring. Tiny plates and screws are used to hold the jaws in place while healing occurs. Most patients return to school and work after 2 weeks. Healing occurs over approximately 6 weeks.
After the surgery occurs, most patients spend several additional months in braces while the bite is perfected.
Corrected Severe Underbite
Enjoy the benefits
You will work together with Dr. Walther and your orthodontist toward the best treatment possible. The improvement to the bite, function, appearance, and speech can have dramatic and positive effects on many aspects of your life.
