What is orthognathic surgery?

Orthognathic surgery, or jaw straightening surgery, involves a spectrum of surgical procedures on the upper jaw, lower jaw and chin, to improve both form and function.

Orthognathic surgery may be undertaken to improve how the teeth fit together, to normalize or optimize facial proportions and/or to treat obstructive sleep apnea.

Whether you want to improve your appearance or are experiencing functional problems, orthognathic surgery can be a life-changing procedure.

What orthognathic surgery can treat

• Bite discrepancies, including overbite, underbite, crossbite and/or openbite.
• Facial imbalances such as asymmetry, upper and/or lower jaw under-development, lower jaw excess or chin deficiencies.
• Obstructive sleep apnea

Who is a good candidate for orthognathic surgery?

Good candidates for orthognathic surgery include:

• Those who have a bite discrepancy
• Those looking to improve facial disproportion
• Those who have spent years in orthodontics in an attempt to correct a skeletal problem
• Nonsmokers
• Individuals with a positive outlook and realistic goals

Orthognathic surgery is not the only modality to correct bite discrepancies, facial imbalances or obstructive sleep apnea, and other less invasive procedures may be appropriate.

Your plastic surgeon will evaluate your facial anatomy thoroughly and will discuss what procedures might best remedy your concerns.