Orthognathic Surgery

Orthognathic Corrective Jaw Surgery

Orthognathic surgery can correct a misaligned smile that is the result of improper jaw development or positioning. Also known as jaw surgery or corrective jaw surgery, orthognathic surgery in DC at Pashapour Oral + Facial Surgery can help treat improper jaw development, jaw birth defects, and trauma that has negatively affected the functionality of the jaw. As we mature, jaw growth is a gradual process, but, in some cases, the development of the upper and lower jaw may occur at different rates. This can result in many functional concerns that may make it difficult for a patient to chew, sleep, breathe, or speak comfortably.

In addition to improper jaw development, the jaws may function less than optimally if you were born with a jaw defect or have been in an accident or trauma that affected your jaw. In severe cases of jaw misalignment, patients may experience a chin or lower jaw that recedes into the neckline or an overly prominent jaw that seems to protrude excessively.

What is orthognathic surgery?

Orthognathic surgery is a surgical procedure designed to treat improper jaw development or jaw damage. Orthognathic surgery can correct the relationship of your upper and lower jaw, resulting in a healthier bite alignment. Orthognathic surgery may involve surgery on just the upper jaw, just the lower jaw, or, in some cases, both jaws. While a misaligned smile can be treated by an orthodontist if the problem only extends to the teeth, jaw surgery is necessary to help correct a misaligned smile if the cause for the misalignment is occurring due to the current positioning of the jaw. Following orthognathic surgery, orthodontic treatment may be necessary to continue to improve your bite alignment.

 

What types of jaw surgeries are available in DC?

There are many jaw surgeries available that treat a variety of symptoms relating to the jaw. Some of the most common forms of orthognathic surgery include open bite surgery, Le Fort I osteotomy, class II malocclusion surgery, and class III malocclusion surgery. Open bite surgery is an orthognathic surgery designed to correct a malocclusion, which results when the teeth are misaligned or not in correct positioning when the jaws are closed. In the case of an open bite, the teeth of the upper jaw do not come into contact with the teeth of the lower jaw when the mouth is closed. To correct an open bite, a portion of the bone above the teeth of the jaw will be removed. The jaw will then be positioned correctly and secured with medical plates and screws.

A Le Fort I osteotomy is a type of jaw surgery designed to correct a malocclusion of the jaw that results in the upper teeth falling behind the lower teeth when the mouth is closed. A Le Fort I osteotomy is one of the most commonly performed orthognathic surgeries and involves bringing the middle of the face forward in relation to the lower jaw. The upper jaw will be surgically separated and moved into the proper positioning. Dr. Pashapour and his surgical team will bring the upper jaw forward into correct alignment with the lower jaw. The upper jaw will then be held in place by medical plates and screws as the jaw heals.

A class II malocclusion occurs when 1 or both jaws develop improperly and result in an overbite. In more mild cases, an overbite can be corrected with orthodontics, but, in more severe cases, the overbite may be caused by an improperly developed jaw. We will separate portions of the lower jaw and reposition them into their proper placement. Medical screws and plates will be used to secure the lower jaw into its new positioning, effectively correcting the overbite.

A class III malocclusion means that 1 or both jaws develop improperly, resulting in an underbite. Orthognathic surgery is required to correct an underbite that is caused by the improper development and positioning of the jawbones. To correct an underbite, we can shorten the lower jaw or lengthen the upper jaw so that the jawbones are in better alignment. Again, once the upper or lower jaw is properly repositioned, medical plates and screws are used to secure the jawbone.

Types Of Jaw Surgery
Open Bite Surgery
Corrects An Open Bite
Le Fort I Osteotomy
Corrects A Misaligned Bite Where The Upper Teeth Fall Behind The Lower Teeth
Class II Malocclusion Surgery
Corrects An Overbite
Class III Malocclusion Surgery
Corrects An Underbite
GUMMY SMILE SURGERY
Removes Excess Gum Tissue To Lengthen The Teeth
PROGNATHIC MAXILLA SURGERY
Treats A Protruding Upper Jawbone
RETROGNATHIC MAXILLA SURGERY
Improves Recessed Upper Jawbone
PROGNATHIC MANDIBLE SURGERY
Treats A Protruding Lower Jawbone
RETROGNATHIC MANDIBLE SURGERY
Improves Recessed Lower Jawbone
GENIOPLASTY SURGERY
Repositions The Chin To Improve Facial Balance

 

When is jaw surgery recommended?

Jaw surgery is recommended for patients who have a misaligned bite due to the improper positioning of 1 or both jaws. Orthognathic surgery is also designed to help treat patients who have experienced improper jaw development as they matured. For patients with a birth defect affecting the jawbone, jaw surgery can help to correct this improper development of the jaw. Finally, orthognathic surgery is also used as a treatment for patients who have experienced trauma or been involved in an accident that has damaged the jaw.

 

What should I expect after orthognathic surgery in DC?

The recovery period following jaw surgery will greatly depend on which type of orthognathic surgery you have undergone and the severity of your jawbone’s misalignment. Following jaw surgery, you may be allowed to return home the same day depending on how you feel after your procedure. If we believe you may benefit from additional monitoring, we can admit you to stay 1 night in the hospital. The initial healing after orthognathic surgery may take 5-6 weeks, but it is important to note that your jaw will continue to heal in the months after your orthognathic surgery. We will provide you with detailed instructions to follow after your orthognathic surgery in DC.

How can I get started with orthognathic surgery?

Dr. Pashapour and his staff at Pashapour Oral + Facial Surgery would be happy to discuss the details of jaw surgery with you. To schedule an appointment in Washington, DC or Arlington, please call our office at 703-566-1990 or request an appointment online.

Corrective Jaw Surgery

PATIENT TESTIMONIAL - JAW SURGERY WITH DR. PASHAPOUR

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Georgetown University The University of Pennsylvania School Of Dental Medicine Drexel University College Of Medicine University Of Medicine & Dentistry Of New Jersey

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