Jaw Surgery

Types

Maxillary Osteotomy (Upper Jaw)

This procedure is used for patients with a receded or deficient upper jaw, as well as patients with an open bite (apertognathia).

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When operating on the upper jawbone, cuts are made below both eye sockets, so the entire top jaw, including roof of the mouth and all upper teeth, can move as one unit. The teeth and jaw are moved forward until the teeth are in a position that allows them to fit firmly with the bottom teeth.

Once the jaw is realigned, tiny screws are used to hold the bone in its new position. These screws are smaller than a bracket used for braces, and become integrated into the bone structure.

Mandibular Osteotomy (Lower Jaw)

This procedure is typically used for patients with a receded lower jaw or an open bite.

When operating on the lower jawbone, the cuts are made behind the molars and lengthwise down the jawbone so the front of the jaw (teeth and all) can move as one unit. Once completed, the jaw slides smoothly to its new position, and screws hold the jawbone together until it heals.

A severely receded lower jaw is often accompanied by a deficient chin, which can be remedied with cosmetic surgery. Typically, surgeons can alter the jaws and restructure the chin, if needed, during the same surgery.

Apertognathia

Apertognathia is a condition patients are unable to properly use their teeth due to the significant oval-shaped gap between the upper and lower teeth in the front. This gap results from excess bone growing only above the molars. What is normally a flat, even surface, is now angled so the upper teeth do not touch when the patient bites together. To remedy this condition, surgeons shave away or completely extract the excess bone.