Orthognathic surgery or "surgical orthodontics" are surgical procedures done to reposition one or both jaws in order to correct a multitude of jaw & facial deformities.  The potential benefits include an improved ability to chew, speak & breath.  In most cases, an improved & more balanced facial appearance will result.  Because moving the jaws also moves the teeth, orthognathic surgery is most commonly performed in conjunction with orthodontics in order that the teeth are in proper position after surgery.

While orthodontic treatment alone or "braces" can correct most problems of a poor bite or crooked teeth, if the jawbones are involved then orthognathic surgery may be required for a good result.  Sometimes the malocclusion or poor bite is too great to correct by moving teeth alone & orthognathic surgery is required to reposition the jaws.
Poor jaw alignment may occur as a result of a variety of factors including differences in growth rates between the upper & lower jaws.  Traumatic injuries, birth defects, premature loss of teeth or pathology may result in deformities of the jaws treatable with orthognathic procedures.

Patients who may benefit from orthognathic surgery may have any of these problems:

• unequal growth of the upper & lower jaws
• difficulty chewing or biting food
• speech difficulties
• swallowing difficulties
• jaw pain  (TMJ pain)
• open bite ( space between the upper & lower teeth when the mouth is closed)
• unbalanced facial appearance
• retruded chin
• protruded chin
• inability to make upper & lower lips touch easily (lip incompetance)
• chronic mouth breathing
• sleep apnea (excessive snoring or breathing difficulties when sleeping)

The doctors at O.M.S. Associates have extensive experience in treating a multitude of facial bone problems.  We have several orthodontists that we work with closely.  If you think we may be of assistance please call any of our offices to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors.