Corrective Jaw & Facial Surgery
Genioplasty/Mentoplasty
Genioplasty/Mentoplasty is a type of cosmetic surgery that is used to improve the appearance of a person’s chin. This can take the form of chin height reduction or chin rounding by osteotomy, or chin augmentation using implants.
Reduction Genioplasty
A particular process, known as a sliding genioplasty, involves mobilizing a horseshoe-shaped piece of the bottom part of the chin bone by osteotomy and sliding it either backwards or forwards, finally fixing it in place with a titanium step plate using titanium screws. The bone segments can also be fixed by using 26 or 27 gauge wires and IMF given for 3-4 weeks.
Facial asymmetry
Facial asymmetry is often caused by deformities of the mandible or maxilla. Mandibular deformities are often pronounced, and various surgical procedures have been developed to treat such conditions. Deformities of the maxilla are similarly deviated from the normal. Although they are not always as noticeable as those of the mandible, they adversely affect function, esthetics and mental well-being. There are instances where both jaws are at fault and require treatment. More recently, osteotomies in the anterior of the maxilla or mandible have been performed with success. If the blood supply to the segment of bone and teeth is respected, a variety of procedures is possible in mandibular-maxillary surgery. Mandibular deformities are often pronounced, and various surgical procedures have been developed to treat such conditions.
Deformities of the maxilla are similarly deviated from the normal. Although they are not always as noticeable as those of the mandible, they adversely affect function, esthetics and mental well-being. There are instances where both jaws are at fault and require treatment. More recently, osteotomies in the anterior of the maxilla or mandible have been performed with success. If the blood supply to the segment of bone and teeth is respected, a variety of procedures is possible in mandibular-maxillary surgery.
Jaw Surgery
Orthognathic surgery is needed when jaws don’t meet correctly and/or teeth don’t seem to fit with jaws. Teeth are straightened with orthodontics and corrective jaw surgery repositions a misaligned jaw. This not only improves facial appearance, but also ensures that teeth meet correctly and function properly.
Who Needs Orthognathic Surgery?
People who can benefit from orthognathic surgery include those with an improper bite or jaws that are positioned incorrectly. Jaw growth is a gradual process and in some instances, the upper and lower jaws may grow at different rates. The result can be a host of problems that can affect chewing function, speech, long-term oral health and appearance. Injury to the jaw and birth defects can also affect jaw alignment. Orthodontics alone can correct bite problems when only the teeth are involved. Orthognathic surgery may be required for the jaws when repositioning is necessary.
Difficulty in the following areas should be evaluated:
- Difficulty in chewing, biting or swallowing
- Speech problems
- Chronic jaw or TMJ pain
- Open bite
- Protruding jaw
- Breathing problems
Any of these symptoms can exist at birth, be acquired after birth as a result of hereditary or environmental influences, or as a result of trauma to the face. Before any treatment begins, a consultation will be held to perform a complete examination with x-rays. During the pre-treatment consultation process, feel free to ask any questions that you have regarding your treatment. When you are fully informed about the aspects of your care, you and your dental team can make the decision to proceed with treatment together.
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Technology & Orthognathic Surgery
Our doctors use modern computer techniques and three-dimensional models to show you exactly how your surgery will be approached. Using comprehensive facial x-rays and computer video imaging, we can show you how your bite will be improved and even give you an idea of how you’ll look after surgery. This helps you understand the surgical process and the extent of the treatment prescribed. Our goal is to help you understand the benefits of orthognathic surgery.
If you are a candidate for corrective jaw surgery, our doctors will work closely with your dentist and orthodontist during your treatment. The actual surgery can move your teeth and jaws into a new position that results in a more attractive, functional, and healthy dental-facial relationship.