Orthognathic surgery is surgery of the jaws and facial structures to correct problems of abnormal growth and development. This type of surgery is usually done in the hospital.
Some signs of imbalance in growth that may require orthognathic “corrective” facial surgery include:
- difficulty chewing or biting food
- difficulty swallowing
- speech problems
- chronic jaw pain
- excessive wearing of teeth
- open bite (space between upper and lower front or back teeth when mouth is closed)
- unbalanced facial appearance
- facial injury or birth defects
- receding chin
- protruding jaw
- inability to make lips meet without effort
- chronic mouth breathing with dry mouth
- sleep apnea (breathing problems when sleeping, such as snoring)
Orthognathic surgery often requires a team approach with the oral and maxillofacial surgeon and the orthodontist. If you have any questions please feel free to call our office at (757) 430-7690.
