Lower Jaw

Also known as mandibular osteotomy or orthognathic surgery, is a surgical procedure that involves repositioning the lower jaw or mandible to correct various jaw-related issues. There are 3 main mandibular osteotomy patterns: sagittal split osteotomy, vertical ramus osteotomy, and inverted L osteotomy.  This type of surgery is typically performed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons in collaboration with orthodontists. 

Here are some common reasons for lower jaw surgery:

• Malocclusion: Lower jaw surgery may be performed to correct underbite (protruding lower jaw), overbite (protruding upper jaw), open or cross bite.
• Facial asymmetry: When the lower jaw is unevenly developed, it can lead to facial asymmetry or cant. Surgery can be used to reposition the mandible and improve facial harmony.
• Breathing problems and sleep apnea: Some individuals may experience breathing difficulties due to the position of the lower jaw. Lower jaw surgery can help open the airway and improve breathing.  In recent studies, orthognathic surgery can improve sleep apnea in 90% of patients.

The process of lower jaw surgery typically involves the following steps:

• Consultation: An oral and maxillofacial surgeon and orthodontist conduct a thorough evaluation, which includes cone beam CT scans,, photographs, and dental impressions, to assess the patient’s condition and treatment plan. 
• Orthodontic preparation: Before surgery, patients may undergo orthodontic treatment to level and align the teeth for the surgical procedure
• Surgery: During the surgery, the surgeon makes incisions inside the mouth to access the lower jaw. The mandible is then repositioned as needed to correct the jaw issue. In some cases, additional procedures, such as bone grafting, may be necessary.
• Recovery: After the surgery, patients can expect swelling, bruising, and some discomfort, which gradually subsides over several weeks. A soft or liquid diet may be required during the initial recovery phase. Numbness of the lower lip and chin is common and usually resolves over the course of 2-3 weeks, but may last for as long as 6 months.  
• Orthodontic follow-up: Post-surgery, orthodontic treatment continues to fine-tune the bite. 
• Long-term care: Ongoing orthodontic care and regular dental check-ups may be necessary to maintain the results of the surgery.

Lower jaw surgery can significantly improve a person’s facial aesthetics, bite function, and overall quality of life.  

Upper Jaw

Also known as maxillary osteotomy, Lefort 1 osteotomy, or orthognathic surgery, is a surgical procedure performed to correct various jaw-related skeletal discrepancies.  This surgery is typically performed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons in collaboration with orthodontists to correct functional and aesthetic problems. Upper jaw surgery can address the following issues: 

• Malocclusion: When the upper and lower teeth do not align correctly, it can lead to issues such as overbite (protruding upper jaw), underbite (protruding lower jaw), open or cross bite. Upper jaw surgery can help reposition the maxilla to achieve proper alignment with the lower jaw and establish facial harmony.
• Facial asymmetry: If the upper jaw is unevenly developed, it can result in facial asymmetry. Surgery can help correct these asymmetries by repositioning the maxilla. These asymmetries are typically referred to as a cant.
• Breathing problems/sleep apnea: Some individuals may have breathing difficulties due to a small or recessed upper jaw. Upper jaw surgery can help expand the airway and improve breathing.  Upper jaw surgery can be a treatment option for certain types of obstructive sleep apnea when the obstruction is related to the position of the maxilla.  In recent studies, orthognathic surgery can improve sleep apnea in 90% of patients. 

The process typically involves the following steps:

• Consultation: A comprehensive evaluation by an orthodontist and oral and maxillofacial surgeon is conducted to assess the patient’s condition. This includes taking cone beam CT scans,, photographs, and dental impressions.
• Orthodontic preparation: Before surgery, the patient usually undergoes orthodontic treatment to level and align the teeth to prepare them for the surgical procedure.
• Surgery: During the surgery, the surgeon makes incisions inside the mouth to access the upper jaw. The maxilla is then repositioned as needed to correct the jaw issue. In some cases, additional procedures, such as bone grafting, may be necessary.
• Recovery: After the surgery, patients typically experience swelling and discomfort, which gradually subside over several weeks. A liquid or soft diet may be necessary during the initial recovery period.
• Orthodontic follow-up: After the surgery, orthodontic treatment continues to fine-tune the bite and ensure proper alignment of the teeth.
• Long-term care: Patients may need ongoing orthodontic care and regular dental check-ups to maintain the results of the surgery.

Upper jaw surgery can have a significant impact on a person’s overall appearance, bite, and quality of life.