Orthognathic Surgery (Jaw Surgery)
Orthognathic surgery is needed when the top and bottom jaws don’t meet correctly and/or teeth don’t adequately fit within the jaw. Teeth are straightened with orthodontics, and corrective jaw surgery repositions a misaligned jaw. This not only improves facial appearance, but also ensures that teeth meet correctly and function properly.
Who Needs Orthognathic Surgery?
People who can benefit from orthognathic surgery include those with an improper bite, or jaws that are positioned incorrectly. 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 may affect chewing function, speech, or long-term oral health and appearance. Injury to the jaw and birth defects can also affect jaw alignment. Orthodontics alone can correct bite problems when only the teeth are involved. Orthognathic surgery may be required for the jaws when repositioning is necessary.
To provide you with a better understanding of orthognathic surgery, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to orthognathic surgery are discussed.
Orthognathic Surgery Presentation
Difficulty in the following areas should be evaluated:
- Difficulty in chewing, biting, or swallowing
- Speech problems
- Chronic jaw or TMJ pain
- Open bite
- Protruding jaw
- Breathing problems
Any of these symptoms can exist at birth, be acquired after birth as a result of hereditary or environmental influences, or as a result of trauma to the face. Before any treatment begins, a consultation will be held to perform a complete examination with x-rays. During the pre-treatment consultation process, feel free to ask any questions that you have regarding your treatment. When you are fully informed about the aspects of your care, you and your dental team can make the decision to proceed with treatment together.
Technology & Orthognathic Surgery
Dr. Belton uses modern computer-aided techniques and three-dimensional models to show you exactly how your surgery will be approached. Using comprehensive facial x-rays and computer video imaging, we can show you how your bite will be improved and even give you an idea of how you’ll look after surgery. This helps you understand the surgical process and the extent of the proposed treatment.
If you are a candidate for corrective jaw surgery, Dr. Belton will work closely with your dentist and orthodontist during your treatment. The actual surgery can move your teeth and jaws into a new position that results in a more attractive, functional, and healthy dental-facial relationship.
What to Expect
- Corrective jaw surgery is a significant intervention requiring many months of preparation.
- The surgery is performed in the hospital and can last between one to four hours.
- Hospital stays of one to three days are normal.
- Braces are maintained during surgery and may need to be removed six to twelve months after surgery.
- The greatest impact of orthognathic surgery is the recovery phase.
- Patients typically may be off work/school from two weeks to one month after surgery.
- Return to normal chewing function may take 2 months and full
function may take one year.- Our goal is to ensure you are well taken care of during and after surgery.
- Weekly appointments are required for up to two months after surgery.
Center for Oral, Facial and Implant Surgery
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was in so much pain and they were able to squeeze me into their busy schedule. As usual i get very nervous when having to deal with any work done to my teeth but Dr. Belton and his staff were extremely professional and caring. Dr. Belton made sure to take care of me after a failed root canal i got done somewhere else. He answered any questions i had and talked me thru the whole process and was very friendly as well as his staff. This is my second time coming here and I am very pleased that i did. Dr. Belton himself even goes out of his way to call you later on during the day to check up on you which I appreciated. I highly recommend people to come here. Thank you Dr. Belton and your staff for your service.
- Elizabeth R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Staff and doctor made me feel very safe and special. They assured me that all will go well and that they are all prepared for an emergency. They were able to squeeze me in for same day surgery which was a great relief because I would not have been able to make it at another time. Dr. Belton called me later on in the day to see how I was doing and THAT I deeply appreciate. You were all good to me and my husband and I thank you all so very much!!
- Danielle A
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The staff is knowledgeable. They are able to answer questions. They are efficient. It was a great experience because they worked smoothly together. Seamlessly moving from one stage to the next. They understood this was my first time in their office. They took the time to explain what they were doing yet never seemed patronizing. The doctor is skilled and puts a person at ease. Very gracious and professional. I was pleasantly surprised to have a call later in the evening to see how things were post procedure. Loved that followup. It only took a moment, but mattered a lot to me. I was very impressed. Every part of the team was exemplary.
- Annette Q
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Fantastic service
- PBHS T