What is Orthognathic Surgery?
Orthognathic surgery, more commonly known as
corrective jaw surgery, describes a number of
surgical procedures used to correct various
facial skeletal deformities that are often
associated with a dental malocclusion. When the
orthodontist recommends orthognathic surgery for
a patient, it is generally because the jaws have
grown disproportionately or in the wrong
direction. The resulting malocclusion is beyond
the scope of routine orthodontic treatment.
Individuals with these conditions may
experience difficulty with speech and chewing,
or they may have difficulty comfortably bringing
their lips together, swallowing, or even
breathing (see Sleep Apnea). Certain deformities
can be associated with jaw habits that produce
jaw joint and muscle pain. Over time, an
uncorrected dental malocclusion can lead to
excessive wear on the biting surfaces of the
teeth.
The majority of facial skeletal
deformities are developmental, that is, the
result of abnormal growth of the jaws. Less
often these conditions are acquired, following
an injury to the face or a degenerative problem
such as arthritis of the jaw joints. Orthodontic
care combined with orthognathic surgery is often
regarded as the preferred treatment, in many
cases providing the most functional, stable, and
aesthetic result.
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