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Orthognathic (corrective) jaw surgery consultation
What is Orthognathic jaw surgery?
When a person’s upper and lower jaws differ in size, position, and shape, there is a strong possibility that orthodontics alone cannot correct the person's bite. If this is the case, the orthodontist would recommend a treatment plan involving orthognathic (jaw) surgery.
In children, orthognathic surgery is often delayed until after all of the permanent teeth have erupted, unless medical conditions necessitate that the surgery be performed earlier. In adults, orthognathic surgery can be combined with soft tissue contouring to improve the aesthetic results.What is involved?
If your treatment requires orthognathic surgery, your orthodontist at Dr. James E. Johnson DDS, & Associates P.C. and an oral maxillofacial surgeon would work together on a combined treatment plan involving the repositioning of both jaws and teeth, resulting in a uniform bite.Preoperative diagnosis and planning for patients with jaw asymmetries and deformities includes a photographic analysis and a complete orthognathic work-up involving cephalometric and panorex radiographs, dental impressions, and models. Your orthodontist, in coordination with a craniofacial surgeon, would do this.
Orthognathic surgery is often needed after reconstruction of cleft palate or other major craniofacial anomalies. The orthodontic procedures involved often include braces before and after surgery, and retainers after the final removal of braces. Careful coordination between the surgeon and orthodontist is essential to ensure that the teeth will fit correctly after the surgery.