For some adults, orthodontic treatment alone cannot fully correct their orthodontic problem. Surgical orthodontics, also called orthognathic surgery, is corrective jaw surgery performed to treat and correct abnormalities of the facial bones, specifically the jaws and the teeth. In conjunction with orthodontic treatment, orthognathic surgery will improve the overall appearance of the facial profile, and help the patient to achieve a functional and healthy bite.
Conditions that generally require surgery include:
- Difficulty in chewing, biting, or swallowing
- Chronic jaw or jaw joint (TMJ) pain
- Excessive wear of the teeth
- Open bite
- Unbalanced or asymmetric facial appearance from the front or side
- Facial injury or birth defects
- Receding chin
- Protruding jaw
- Inability to make the lips meet without straining
- Speech problems
- Chronic mouth breathing and dry mouth
- Sleep apnea (breathing problems when sleeping, including snoring)
Receiving treatment to correct any of such conditions is a commitment, not only to your health, but to your happiness as well. While treatment, which may include surgery and orthodontic treatment, may take several years to complete, the results will last a lifetime. There is no reason to live with painful or uncomfortable jaw conditions.
