Orthognathic Surgery (Jaw Surgery)
Orthognathic surgery is corrective jaw surgery used to treat a variety of jaw deformites where orthodontics alone are unable to achieve a normal appearance and bite. Jaw deformites can be due to growth disturbances, congenital deformities, and trauma. By correcting the bite with orthodontics alone without treating the underlying jaw deformity, a patient can be left with suboptimal facial appearance and long-term dental health. The surgery can often be performed on an outpatient basis, or with just a brief overnight stay in the hospital. Technology used to stabilize the new bite eliminates the need for the teeth to be wired together after surgery. This allows patients to talk and move their jaws normally immediately following surgery. Drs. Pavlick and Reppas have collectively performed thousands of corrective jaw surgeries and trained under some of the “fathers” of modern jaw surgery.
Who Needs Orthognathic Surgery?
People who can benefit from orthognathic surgery include those with an improper bite or jaws that are positioned incorrectly. Jaw growth is a gradual process and in some instances, the upper and lower jaws may grow at different rates. The result can be a host of problems that can affect chewing function, speech, long-term oral health and appearance. Injury to the jaw and birth defects can also affect jaw alignment. Orthodontics alone can correct bite problems when only the teeth are involved. Orthognathic surgery may be required for the jaws when repositioning is necessary.
Difficulty in the following areas should be evaluated:
- Difficulty in chewing, biting or swallowing
- Speech problems
- Open bite
- Underbite, Overbite, or “gummy smile”
- Breathing problems
Any of these symptoms can exist at birth, be acquired after birth as a result of hereditary or environmental influences, or as a result of trauma to the face. Before any treatment begins, a consultation will be held to perform a complete examination with x-rays. During the pre-treatment consultation process, feel free to ask any questions that you have regarding your treatment. When you are fully informed about the aspects of your care, you and your dental team can make the decision to proceed with treatment together.
Orthognathic Surgery Presentation
To provide you with a better understanding of orthognathic surgery, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to orthognathic surgery are discussed.
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Technology & Orthognathic Surgery
Drs. Pavlick and Reppas uses modern computer techniques and three-dimensional models to show you exactly how your surgery will be approached. Using comprehensive facial x-rays and computer video imaging, we can show you how your bite will be improved and even give you an idea of how you’ll look after surgery. This helps you understand the surgical process and the extent of the treatment prescribed. Our goal is to help you understand the benefits of orthognathic surgery.
If you are a candidate for corrective jaw surgery, Drs. Pavlick and Reppas will work closely with your dentist and orthodontist during your treatment. The actual surgery can move your teeth and jaws into a new position that results in a more attractive, functional, and healthy dental-facial relationship.
Orthognathic Surgery Overview
For a brief narrated overview of the orthognathic surgery process, please click the image below. It will launch our flash educational MiniModule in a separate window that may answer some of your questions about orthognathic surgery.
Having trouble? Please make sure you have version 7 of the Flash browser plugin in order to correctly view this presentation. This software is available as a free download.