Jaw Surgery

Types

Upper jaw surgery

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Maxillary Osteotomy (Upper Jaw)

Someone who has a significantly receded upper jaw or an open bite (apertognathia) might benefit from maxillary osteotomy.

In this procedure, the surgeon makes cuts below both eye sockets so the entire top jaw, including the roof of the mouth and all upper teeth, can move as one unit. The teeth and jaw are moved forward until the upper and bottom teeth fit together properly.

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

Lower jaw surgery

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Chin surgery

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A person who has apertognathia (open bite) has difficulty chewing due to a significant oval-shaped gap between the upper and lower front teeth. This gap results from excess bone growing only above the molars. What is normally a flat, even surface is angled instead so the upper teeth do not touch when a person bites down. To remedy this condition, surgeons shave away or extract the excess bone.

Mandibular Osteotomy (Lower Jaw)

A significantly receded lower jaw (retrognathia) can be corrected by a procedure called mandibular osteotomy.

In this procedure, the surgeon makes cuts behind the molars and lengthwise down the jawbone so the front of the jaw can move as one unit. As a result, the jaw slides smoothly to its new position. Screws hold the jawbone together until it heals.

Genioplasty (Chin Surgery)

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