Orthognathic Surgery
Find Lasting Relief From Jaw Problems
Improve Jaw Comfort With Orthognathic Surgery in Norfolk
Orthognathic surgery in Norfolk, VA can correct jaw problems that affect your bite, speech, chewing, and facial balance. This treatment may help when jaw growth, an injury, or another condition causes the upper and lower jaws to fit together poorly.
The oral and maxillofacial surgeons at Eastern Virginia OMS have advanced training in jaw surgery and the complex structures of the face. They carefully plan treatment to improve jaw position, support healthy function, and create lasting results. The surgeons also coordinate with orthodontists and other dental providers to help keep each stage of care on track.
Visit Eastern Virginia OMS to learn how orthognathic surgery can improve jaw function, comfort, and confidence.
See the Benefits of Corrective Jaw Surgery
Correcting the position of your jaws can make everyday activities easier and improve your oral health. Orthognathic surgery may be recommended to correct problems with jaw alignment or the way your teeth meet.
Your oral surgeon will plan treatment based on your jaw structure and specific needs. Your corrective jaw surgery may involve reconstruction of the upper or lower jaw to improve its position and function. Depending on the problem, treatment may include mandibular ramus surgery, a maxillary osteotomy, a mandibular osteotomy, or maxillomandibular advancement. These procedures carefully reposition parts of the jaw to create better alignment.
Improve Your Bite
Bring the upper and lower jaws into better alignment for more comfortable biting and chewing.
Make Chewing Easier
Improve jaw position so eating a wider variety of foods can feel more natural. You'll be able to enjoy a greater variety of foods. With a more varied diet, your overall health may improve.
Support Clearer Speech
Correct certain jaw problems that may affect how you form sounds and speak. When speaking becomes easier, you feel more confident.
Reduce Jaw Strain
Improving your jaw alignment may help reduce excess stress on the jaw joints and surrounding muscles.
Improve Facial Balance
Once the jaws are repositioned, it can create better balance between the teeth, jaws, and facial features.
Move Forward With a Jaw Surgery Plan Built for You
You can't get corrective jaw surgery just anywhere. But you can trust our board-certified surgeons to perform it with the specialized skill needed. Your oral and maxillofacial surgeon will use detailed imaging and careful planning to guide your care. We'll develop a treatment plan that is built around your needs. IV sedation is available to keep you calm and comfortable throughout the procedure.
Jaw surgery may correct an overbite, underbite, open bite, uneven jaw growth, or other problems with jaw alignment. Treatment may also include orthodontic care before and after surgery to help your teeth meet properly. We'll work closely with your orthodontist to ensure outstanding results.
Visit Eastern Virginia OMS to learn more about orthognathic surgery in Norfolk, VA.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthognathic Surgery
Q What is orthognathic surgery?
Orthognathic surgery is a type of corrective jaw surgery that changes the position of the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both. It is often used when the jaws do not line up correctly and orthodontic treatment alone cannot fix the problem. Surgery can improve biting, chewing, speaking, and overall jaw function.
Q What problems can corrective jaw surgery treat?
Corrective jaw surgery can treat problems caused by jaws that are too far forward, too far back, or uneven. It may help correct an open bite, underbite, overbite, or other major bite problems. Treatment may also lessen difficulty with chewing or speaking and address jaw problems caused by injury or abnormal growth.
Q How do I know if I need orthognathic surgery?
Orthognathic surgery may be appropriate when differences in jaw position prevent the teeth from coming together correctly. It can address more complex alignment problems that cannot be fully corrected with braces or other orthodontic care alone. A detailed exam and imaging help determine whether surgery is an appropriate treatment.
Q Does orthognathic surgery require braces?
Orthognathic surgery often includes orthodontic treatment before and after the procedure. Braces or clear aligners help prepare the teeth so they line up properly once the jaws are repositioned. The orthodontist and oral surgeon plan each stage together to support proper alignment and a bite that works well.
Q What does corrective jaw surgery involve?
During corrective jaw surgery, the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both are moved into a planned position to improve alignment and function. Depending on the condition, treatment may include a maxillary osteotomy, mandibular osteotomy, mandibular ramus surgery, or jaw reconstruction. Small plates and screws may be placed to keep the jaw steady and properly aligned as the bone grows stronger.
Q What should I expect during recovery from orthognathic surgery?
Recovery after orthognathic surgery takes place gradually over several weeks, while complete bone recovery takes longer. Swelling, soreness, and temporary changes in eating are common early in recovery. Patients receive instructions for diet, oral care, activity, and medications to support recovery while the jaw becomes stronger.
Q What can I eat after corrective jaw surgery?
Eating after corrective jaw surgery usually begins with liquids and very soft foods that require little or no chewing. As the jaw recovers, patients can slowly add other foods based on their surgeon's instructions. Following the recommended diet helps protect the surgical areas and gives the jaw time to become stronger.
Q How can orthognathic surgery improve jaw function?
Orthognathic surgery can create better alignment between the upper and lower jaws, helping them move and function more effectively. Better jaw alignment may make biting, chewing, and speaking easier while reducing strain caused by an uneven bite. Correcting jaw position can also create better balance among the teeth, jaws, and other facial features.
