Orthognathic, or corrective jaw surgery is performed to correct conditions of the jaw and face related to structure, growth, sleep apnea, TMJ disorders, and cleft palate. These conditions can be congenital or injury related.
Often, surgery is done to correct orthodontic problems that cannot be easily treated with braces alone. Orthognathic surgery is needed when the jaws do not meet properly and teeth do not seem to fit with the jaws. Teeth are straightened with orthodontics, and corrective jaw surgery repositions misaligned jaws. This not only improves facial appearance, but also ensures that teeth meet correctly and function properly.
Problems Resulting from Improper Alignment of the Jaws
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.