Orthognathic Surgery

What is Orthognathic Surgery?

Orthognathic surgery (also known as corrective jaw surgery) is an “umbrella term” used to describe a surgical procedure that corrects a “bite problem” or skeletal issue with the upper or lower jaw.

Typically, when only the teeth are involved, issues with overbite, underbite and tooth crowding can be treated by traditional orthodontic methods.

Orthognathic surgery, or again, corrective jaw surgery, is indicated when problems with teeth and bite alignment (misaligned jaws) cannot be corrected through traditional means, e.g., braces or Invisalign.

Left untreated, patients may experience difficulty in chewing, speaking and sleeping – and may sustain serious, long-term oral health issues. It may put your mind at ease to know that most orthognathic surgeries are performed as routine, in-office procedures.

Are you a candidate for orthognathic surgery? Only a comprehensive examination can provide us with such knowledge. We will need to evaluate you carefully with both an examination and 3-D Panoramic Scan. We can then make specific recommendations regarding the best treatment.

Conditions that can be treated with Orthognathic Surgery include:

• Open bite, protruding jaw, misaligned jaw or receding chin
• Congenital defects such as a cleft palate
• Malocclusions (bite problems)
• Speech problems
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea
• Other breathing problems
• Difficulty chewing, biting or swallowing
• Chronic jaw or jaw joint, (TMJ) pain, incl. headache
• Unbalanced facial appearance (facial asymmetry)
• Chronic dry mouth
• Facial trauma

Dr. Sciarrino has spent three decades providing the finest in dental surgery to Fairfield County patients.

Your Recovery After Jaw Surgery

As orthognathic surgery is generally performed inside your mouth, there will often be no visible trace of a surgical procedure. After the surgery, you’ll likely be able to control minor pain and swelling with over-the-counter or prescription pain medication. Following the procedure, we may recommend a soft food or liquid diet for a specified period of time. We will closely monitor your condition and help you navigate through the remaining phases of your orthodontic treatment plan. In some cases, orthodontic appliances such as braces and retainers may be used before and after the surgical phase of treatment to ensure that you end up with an effective and aesthetically satisfying result.