Jaw surgery is surgery that helps align your upper jaw (maxilla) and lower jaw (mandible). If your jaws don’t line up, it can affect your bite and make it hard for you to eat and speak.

Orthognathic surgery involves a spectrum of surgical procedures on the upper jaw, lower jaw and chin, to improve both form and function.

Orthognathic surgery may be undertaken to improve how the teeth fit together, to normalize or optimize facial proportions and/or to treat obstructive sleep apnea.

Bones are the framework for the face. The size and position of facial bones determine how well the teeth fit together. Together, the positions of the jaws and teeth affect chewing, speaking, and the working of the jaw joint. The jaws also hold and support soft tissues, like the muscles, lips, and tongue. And, of course, the jaws and teeth are factors in the face’s shape and appearance.

• The temporomandibular joints (TMJs) allow the lower jaw to move smoothly.

• The lower jaw (mandible) supports the bottom row of teeth and gives shape to the lower face and chin. This is the bone that moves as the mouth opens and closes.

• The upper jaw (maxilla) holds the upper teeth, shapes the middle of the face, and supports the nose.

• A good bite (occlusion) means that the upper and lower teeth are straight and fit together properly.

The lower jaw holds the tongue, which moves freely as you speak and eat. The upper jaw shapes the floor of the nasal cavity, allowing normal airflow. Normally, muscles are evenly developed on both sides of the face.

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Whether you want to improve your appearance or are experiencing functional problems, orthognathic surgery can be a life-changing procedure.

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 orthognathic surgery can treat

• Bite discrepancies, including overbite, underbite, crossbite and/or openbite.

• Facial imbalances such as asymmetry, upper and/or lower jaw under-development, lower jaw excess or chin deficiencies.

• Obstructive sleep apnea

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