Corrective Jaw (Orthognathic)  Surgery, Baltimore, MD

We perform orthognathic surgery  when a patient’s jaws don't meet properly and the non-functional bite requires surgical correction. Treatment involves straightening the teeth orthodontically prior to surgery, then surgically repositioning the jaws. This surgery not only ensures that the teeth meet correctly and function properly but also improves facial appearance. Orthognathic surgery can eliminate jaw muscle pain and prevent abnormal wear or loss of teeth.

Our doctors are well versed in the advances in orthognathic surgery. We are able to address jaw and bite problems with minimal post-operative disability.

Who Can Benefit From Orthognathic Surgery?
People with an improper bite or jaws that are positioned incorrectly can benefit from orthognathic surgery. Jaw growth is a gradual process and, in some instances, the upper and lower jaws may grow at different rates. This can result in a host of problems that can affect chewing, speech, appearance, and long-term oral health. Injury to the jaw and birth defects (such as a cleft palate) can also affect jaw alignment. Orthognathic surgery may be required if the discrepancy between the upper and lower jaws is so great that orthodontics alone cannot correct the bite. 

The following are some conditions that may indicate the need for orthognathic surgery:

• difficulty chewing, biting, or swallowing food
• 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) and inability to make the lips meet without straining
• acquired facial injuries or birth defects (such as cleft palate)
• receding chin or  protruding jaw
• sleep apnea (breathing problems when sleeping, including snoring)

Evaluating Your Need for Corrective Jaw Surgery

We will work together with your dentist and orthodontist to determine whether you are a candidate for orthognathic surgery and which corrective jaw procedure we need to perform. You will most likely require orthodontics before and after surgery, and the orthodontics after surgery may take a year or more to complete. We understand that this is a long-term commitment for you and your family. We will try to realistically estimate the time required for your treatment.

Corrective jaw surgery may reposition all or part of the upper jaw, lower jaw and chin. We will fully inform you about your case and your treatment options and determine the best course of treatment for you.

What Is Involved in Corrective Jaw Surgery?
Prior to surgery, orthodontic braces move the teeth into a new position. Because your teeth are being moved into a position that will fit together after surgery, you may at first notice that your bite is getting worse rather than better. When we reposition your jaws during surgery, however, your teeth should fit together properly.
As your pre-surgical orthodontic treatment nears completion, additional or updated records, including x-rays, pictures and models of your teeth, may be taken to help determine if you are ready for surgery.

Depending on the procedure, we will perform your corrective jaw surgery under general anesthesia in a hospital, at an ambulatory surgical center, or in our surgery suite in our office. Surgery may take from one to several hours to complete.

We will reposition your jawbones in accordance with your specific needs. In some cases, bone may be added, taken away or reshaped. Surgical plates, screws, wires and rubber bands may be used to hold your jaws in their new positions. Incisions are usually made inside the mouth to reduce visible scarring; however, some cases do require small incisions outside of the mouth. When this is necessary, care is taken to minimize their appearance.
We will provide you with post-operative instructions for a modified diet, which may include soft foods and liquids and guide you in transitioning to a normal diet. You will be asked to refrain from using tobacco products and to avoid strenuous physical activity.

Pain following corrective jaw surgery is usually controlled with oral medication.  Patients are generally able to return to work or school from one to three weeks after surgery, depending on how they are feeling. While the initial healing phase is about six weeks, complete healing of the jaws takes between nine and twelve months.
Enjoy the Benefits

Corrective jaw surgery moves your teeth and jaws into positions that are more balanced, functional and healthy. Although the goal of this surgery is to improve your bite and function, most patients also experience enhancements to their appearance and speech. The results of corrective jaw surgery can have a dramatic and positive effect on many aspects of your life.