Patients require orthognathic surgery when one or both of their jaws are misaligned due to either excessive overgrowth or undergrowth. This misalignment results in teeth which don't seem to fit together properly. The goal of orthognathic surgery is to correct this mismatch of the jaws and teeth. Not only will this allow the teeth to meet correctly and function properly but also it will improve facial appearance as well.
The goal of orthodontics is to correct the crowding of teeth and abnormal tooth angulations and rotations. Orthodontics cannot correct an abnormal jaw position, only orthognathic surgery can fix misaligned jaws. In summary, orthodontics corrects abnormal tooth position; orthognathic surgery corrects abnormal jaw position.
Different misalignments in a jaw's position can produce different symptoms. Common problems associated with misaligned jaws include:
Over the years I've performed many orthognathic consultations. I find the challenge in doing these consultations and treatment plans has always remained the same. First how do I describe the way a patient's bite differs from a normal bite? Secondly, how do I describe the changes in function as well as dental and facial appearance in terms that a patient will understand? It is my wish for my future patients to gain further insight and education by viewing other patient's pre and post-surgical dental and facial pictures. All of these cases are patients whom I have personally treated and photographed. In some cases I have included photos of study models and x-rays to help identify a problem or show some of the intermediate steps required prior to the surgical end result. Most cases, however, are simple before and after photos. You will note orthodontic braces are a common feature present in many of these case studies. In order to produce quality surgical outcomes, I have to work closely with the orthodontist. I've been fortunate to work with many fine orthodontists. I have given them credit, too, as they are an integral part of the surgical outcome.
I recommend trying to find dental and facial appearances which you feel are similar to yours. In describing the patients' condition, and treatment plans, I purposely tried to avoid using medical or dental terminology but unfortunately some professional jargon is unavoidable. So we can all speak the same language I've tried to "hyperlink" the dental terminology directly to its definition. If you can't remember what a "Crossbite" is then click on crossbite and its definition will pop up. Also if you wish to focus on just one specific clinical feature, let's say for example, "Underbite", you can hyperlink to specific cases of Underbites which are listed below the definition of "Underbite" on the terminology page.
Finally I want to thank my patients for allowing me to use their photographs. Many of these patients have told me the surgery I performed has changed their life in a very positive meaningful way. Recently, one of my assistants told me you can see these changes in the eyes of the patients post-operatively. In reality, sometimes I feel these patients have a greater change on me than I have on them. There has never been a greater thrill for me than to be involved in giving a patient a pleasing smile. I am grateful for the chance to do so and to have had the opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of my patients.
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