What is Orthognathic Surgery?
Simply put, it is corrective jaw surgery. It is surgery to correct conditions of the jaw and face related to structure, growth, sleep apnea, TMJ disorders, jaw misalignment, or congenital problems like cleft palate that cannot be easily treated with braces. While an orthodontist uses techniques to straighten out teeth, those approaches have no effect on the location and relationship of the upper and lower jaws.
What can Cause the Jaw to be Misaligned?
Injury or birth defects are common causes and patients can have problems with chewing, speech, long-term oral health, and appearance. The last should not be underestimated as the profile and appearance of our face is central to our sense of self. Unhappiness with how we face the world can have negative long-term consequences. While it may be tempting to ask a plastic surgeon to address perceived issues of the face, they are specialists in moving soft tissue and this may not be the root cause of the problem. Only a board certified oral surgeon should tackle these jaw related issues.
If you are unhappy with your facial profile or your bite has never been quite right, contact McGann Facial Design today to schedule a consultation with Dr. McGann. As most procedures can be performed in the comfort of the office under anesthesia, a trip to McGann Facial Design might be exactly the fix to the facial blues!
To read more about corrective jaw surgery on the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons website, click here.
