Corrective Jaw Surgery

Corrective jaw surgery can be used to correct misalignments or injuries in the upper and/or lower jaw. This surgery can be performed to improve function or can specifically address problems with breathing, occlusion (bite), chewing ability, and/or speaking. The surgery often dramatically affects appearance as well, although this is usually not the primary reason the surgery is performed.

Jaw surgery can involve procedures such as an osteotomy (bone cutting), bone grafts, distraction osteogenesis (stretching of the bone) and eventual orthodontic (braces) care. Sometimes jaw correction is conducted in stages, and the course of treatment can last from a few months to a year or more.

In order to perform the procedure successfully, the jaw bone(s) will be repositioned in accordance with the patient's specific needs. Inconspicuous incisions are typically made inside the mouth in order to achieve the best aesthetic and functional results.