Orthognathic Surgery (Jaw Surgery)

Setback Surgery in San Diego’s Mission Valley

When jaws don’t meet correctly and/or teeth don’t seem to fit with jaws, orthognathic surgery may be needed. Teeth are straightened with orthodontics, and corrective jaw surgery then repositions the misaligned jaw. This not only improves facial appearance, but also ensures that teeth meet correctly and function properly.

Orthognathic Surgery (Top)
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Orthognathic Surgery (Bottom)
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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 can affect chewing function, speech, 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.

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 result from trauma to the face. Before any treatment begins, a complete examination will be performed.

Orthognathic Surgery Presentation

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.