Orthognathic surgery is corrective surgery to the jaw. It involves repositioning the jaw and the adjoining facial bones. This type of surgery is most often carried out in the late teenage years or on adults. Most patients require surgery on one jaw only, although occasionally the repositioning of both jaws is necessary.

WHY USE A COMBINED ORTHODONTIC AND SURGICAL APPROACH?

A large percentage of the population have a bite problem. However, only a small proportion of people with such problems require correction with a surgical procedure. When a problem exists with the position, shape or size of the jaw bone, an operation may be necessary to correct the problem. The surgeon can not align or straighten teeth so it is almost always necessary to combine the operation with orthodontic treatment, since placing the teeth in the correct positions with the jaws is usually required. The orthodontist and surgeon work closely together in order to achieve the best functional and aesthetic results possible