What is Orthognathic surgery?
Orthognathic surgery is a proceedure performed on the bones of the jaws to change the position of the jawbone. Surgery may be performed to correct deformities causing facial imbalances, such as large jaws, small jaws or small chins. A person’s teeth may not fit together correctly or their eyes may appear to protrude or cheekbones may appear flat.
Your orthodontist or oral maxillofacial surgeon can evaluate your unique situation and determine whether or not you should consider this type of surgery. Typically, the surgery is considered when the health of your teeth, gums and jaw joint are at risk. Although the procedure may improve the appearance of your face by producing a more normal or balanced appearance, cosmetic reasons for this surgery are rarely recommended due to risks and complications with any surgery. In many cases, your orthodontist can correct the positioning of your teeth which may eliminate the need altogether for Orthognathic surgery.