Jaw Surgery

Jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, is a procedure that can greatly improve your oral health, function, and comfort. It involves surgically repositioning the upper and lower jaws to correct misalignments caused by traumatic facial injuries, chronic facial pain, or congenital defects.

Dr. Holtzen, a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, utilizes the latest technology to plan and perform jaw surgery. If you're considering jaw surgery, contact our office for a consultation today.

Benefits of Jaw Surgery

Orthognathic surgery offers numerous lifelong benefits, including:

1. Improved ability to bite and chew food
2. Correction of speech problems
3. Enhanced facial aesthetics and self-confidence
4. Relief from chronic facial pain or TMJ pain
5. Prevention of excessive tooth wear

Reasons for Jaw Surgery

There are several conditions that may require corrective jaw surgery, such as:

• Facial asymmetry
• Difficulty chewing
• Excessive wear of teeth
• Bite problems, such as an open bite
• Lips unable to close together without straining
• Facial trauma
• Congenital defects
• Weak or recessed chin
• Protruding jaw
• Chronic mouth breathing
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• TMJ disorders

Jaw Surgery Procedure

The treatment for a misaligned jaw will depend on the cause and individual health considerations. During your initial visit, Dr. Holtzen will evaluate your oral health and take 3D scans of your face and jaws to create a customized care plan. Orthodontic treatment will be initiated prior to jaw surgery, using braces to prepare your teeth and jaws. Once ready, the surgery will be performed under general anesthesia.

During the procedure, incisions will be made to access the jaw bones. Whenever possible, incisions are made inside the mouth to minimize visible scarring. The surgeon will manipulate and align the jaw, securing it in place with plates or screws. Sutures will be placed as needed, and you will recover in our facilities overnight.

After the surgery, your orthodontist will continue aligning your teeth with braces. The braces will be removed once the desired orthodontic results have been achieved. The total treatment time will vary depending on the duration of braces wear. Initial healing typically takes about 6 weeks, while complete healing may take up to a year.