Procedures
Orthognathic Surgery
Orthognathic Surgery Presentation
To provide you with a better understanding of orthognathic surgery, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to orthognathic surgery at our offices in Fairfax, Reston, Centreville, Burke and Woodbridge, VA are discussed.
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Orthognathic Surgery Overview
For a brief narrated overview of the orthognathic surgery process, please click the image below. It will launch our flash educational mini module in a separate window that may answer some of your questions about orthognathic surgery.
Having trouble? Please make sure you have version 7 of the Flash browser plugin in order to correctly view this presentation. This software is available as a free download.
Orthognathic surgery is needed when the bones of the jaws are not correctly aligned and consequently the teeth do not fit together properly. Teeth are straightened with orthodontics, and corrective jaw surgery repositions the misaligned jaws. This not only improves facial appearance, but also ensures that teeth meet correctly and function properly.
Who Needs Orthognathic (Jaw) Surgery?
Jaw growth is a gradual process and in some instances, the upper and lower jaws may grow at different rates. This causes problems that can affect chewing function, speech, long-term oral health, and appearance. Injury to the jaw and birth defects can also affect jaw alignment. While orthodontics can fix crowded teeth alone, jaw discrepancies can be treated with a combination of orthodontics and corrective jaw surgery.
Difficulty in the following areas should be evaluated:
- protruding jaw or recessive jaw
- open bite or lack of overbite of the top and bottom teeth
- excessive show of gums when smiling
- poor jaw alignment after trauma or accident
- patients with sleep apnea who no longer wish to use the CPAP machine
Any of these can exist at birth or may be acquired after birth as a result of hereditary or environmental influences or, trauma to the face. Before any treatment begins, a consultation will be held to perform a complete examination with x-rays. During the pre-treatment consultation process, feel free to ask any questions that you have regarding your treatment. When you are fully informed about the aspects of your care, you and your dental team will make the decision to proceed with treatment together.
Technology and Jaw Surgery
Our doctors use modern computer techniques and three-dimensional models to show you exactly how your surgery will be approached. Using comprehensive facial X-rays and computer video imaging, we can show you how your bite will be improved and even give you an idea of how you'll look after surgery. This helps you understand the surgical process and the extent of the treatment prescribed, and to see the benefits of orthognathic surgery.
If you are a candidate for Corrective Jaw Surgery, our doctors will work closely with your dentist and orthodontist during your treatment. The actual surgery can move your teeth and jaws into a new position that results in a more attractive, functional and healthy dental-facial relationship.
Sequence Of Treatment
Once a consultation has been completed by your orthodontist, we would like to evaluate you by performing a clinical examination, reviewing your radiographs, and evaluating your pre-treatment models. A comprehensive treatment plan will be developed in conjunction with your orthodontist.
Several progress checks will be made during your orthodontic treatment and then the final work up will be completed prior to surgery. This includes models, photos, 3-dimensional records and radiographs. The specific details of your surgery including indications, options, risks, and complications will be discussed with you at length before surgery is performed. Clearance for surgery including a history and physical, lab work, and X-rays are obtained from your primary care medical doctor before all procedures.
Surgery is performed in a hospital setting or done in our AHAAC certified outpatient surgical setting. The same anesthesiologist, instrumentation and surgical staff are provided in our outpatient surgery center as one would find at our hospital. Determination of eligibility for this facility will be determined in advance of your surgery.