Orthognathic Surgery
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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Orthognathic surgery is needed when the jaws don't meet correctly and/or teeth don't seem to fit with the jaws. Teeth are straightened with orthodontics and corrective jaw surgery repositions misaligned jaws. This not only improves the facial appearance, but also ensures that teeth meet correctly and function properly.
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 problems that result can affect chewing function, speech, long-term oral health and appearance. Injury to the jaws 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 the bite problem is due to the position of the jaws and cannot be corrected by moving the teeth with braces.
Difficulty in the following areas should be evaluated:
- difficulty in chewing, biting or swallowing
- speech problems
- chronic jaw or TMJ pain
- open bite
- protruding jaw
- breathing problems
Any of these symptoms can exist at birth or be acquired after birth as a result of hereditary or environmental influences (eg. trauma, thumbsucking) During the pre-treatment consultation, please ask any questions regarding your treatment. When you are fully informed about the aspects of your care, you and your dental team will make the decision to proceed with treatment together.
Orthognathic Surgery Overview
For a brief narrated overview of the orthognathic surgery process, please click the image on the 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.
Technology and Orthognathic Surgery
Dr. Dobbin 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.