Orthognathic surgery, more commonly known as corrective jaw surgery, is sometimes necessary to help address severe skeletal and dental irregularities, which cannot be just corrected with traditional braces or Invisalign. Orthodontic work done in conjunction with corrective jaw surgery is also called surgical orthodontics.
Surgical orthodontics may be necessary for someone who’s upper and lower jaws, which hold the teeth, are out of position. Consequently, the upper and lower teeth don’t fit, impairing the ability to bite, chew, or speak. Your orthodontist will work in conjunction with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to position your jaws and teeth for optimal function.
These treatment approaches involves a team with an orthodontist preparing and finalizing the alignment of the teeth along with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to treatment plan and perform the corrective jaw procedures in a hospital setting.
Most common jaw surgeries are described below with animation:
