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Orthognathic Surgery

Corrective Jaw Surgery

One or both jaws may grow too much or too little. The resulting abnormality may interfere with proper teeth alignment, speaking and chewing. The tongue and lips may be forced to move awkwardly during speech and swallowing in an attempt to compensate for the jaw mal relationship. There may be a speech defect or excessive mouth breathing. An improper bite may threaten the long-term health of the gums and teeth. The jaw joint (TMJ) can also be adversely affected by a jaw mal relationship. In addition, jaws of different sizes—that don’t match—can affect appearance.

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​When an individual’s jaw fails to grow properly, both functional and psychological difficulties may be experienced. Functionally, this abnormality may interfere with proper chewing, create difficulties swallowing, cause a speech defect, result in chronic mouth breathing and lead to jaw pain. Psychological difficulties that can accompany this kind of problem are also important considerations. Some abnormalities may involve only misaligned teeth and can be corrected orthodontically with braces or other appliances. More serious problems may require surgery to move all or part of the upper jaw, lower jaw or both into a more normal position. Surgical correction of jaw irregularities (orthognathic surgery) is undertaken after thorough study and consultation with an orthodontist and restorative dentist. Once the precise nature of the abnormality is determined, the surgical strategy is planned and the outcome may be reasonably predicted. Surgery can be performed in a hospital or ambulatory surgical center under general anesthesia. Corrective jaw surgery moves teeth and jaws into a new position that is more balanced, functional and healthy.

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Before Surgery

After Surgery

Jaw Surger

Treatment

When unequal jaw growth is the source of the problem, corrective jaw surgery may be necessary. Orthodontic treatment (braces or other appliances) may also be needed to allow the teeth to align properly.

 

Corrective jaw surgery involves moving all or part of the upper and/or lower jaw into a more favorable position. For example, the entire jaw can be moved backward if it’s too large. The goal of treatment is to improve function and restore facial balance. Some people have facial abnormalities involving just the upper face, cheek bones and nose. These can also be surgically corrected. The bones are repositioned so the facial features are more symmetrical. This is usually accompanied by the return of normal breathing, speaking and eating patterns. After the jaws are moved into their new position, rubber bands or wires attached to the teeth may be used to fasten the jaws together during healing. Alternatively, rigid internal fixation with miniature screws and plates may be used to allow you to open and close your jaws sooner after corrective surgery.

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The following are some of the conditions that may indicate the need for corrective jaw surgery:

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  • Difficulty chewing or biting food

  • Difficulty swallowing

  • Chronic jaw or jaw joint (TMJ) pain and headaches

  • Excessive wear of the teeth

  • Open bite (space between the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed)

  • Unbalanced facial appearance from the front or side

  • Facial injury

  • Birth defects

  • Receding lower jaw and chin

  • Protruding jaw

  • Inability to make the lips meet without straining

  • Chronic mouth breathing

  • Sleep apnea (breathing problems when sleeping, including snoring)

Who Needs

WHY Choose Our Doctors?

Dr. Andrew Skigen & Dr. Anthony Massaro

20+ Years of Experience

Oral Surgery Specialists

Early Hours

0% 12 Month Financing

Accepts Dental Insurance

Enjoy the Benefits

Corrective jaw surgery moves your teeth and jaws into positions that are more balanced, functional and healthy. Although the goal of this surgery is to improve your bite and function, some patients also experience enhancements to their appearance and speech. The results of corrective jaw surgery can have a dramatic and positive effect on many aspects of your life. So make the most of the new you!

Jaw surgery
can have a

dramatic effect
on many aspects
of life.

Take a closer look at your bite and appearance. Does your chin stick out? Does it recede? Do your teeth fit together properly? Do you have “buck” teeth? Are your teeth straight? If you suspect there’s cause for concern, ask Dr. Skigen to examine your face and bite!

 

Contact our office today to schedule an appointment!

Lessing the Trauma of Facial Injury

Because of his dental background, Dr. Skigen is uniquely qualified to deal with any injury to the face, jaws, mouth or teeth. Cuts and lacerations anywhere on the face require meticulous attention. If stitches are needed, placement must be precise to ensure a proper cosmetic result. When facial bones are broken, the experience and training of Dr. Skigen is invaluable. For a fractured jaw, metal braces may be attached to the teeth and wires or strong rubber bands used to hold the jaws in place and allow the bones to heal. Patients with few or no teeth may need dentures or special dental splints to align and fix the fracture. Severe fractures can require surgery to wire together broken bones or secure them with metal plates.

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SEEK HELP AT THE FIRST SIGN OF TROUBLE

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Any suspicious lesion or growth on the face, neck or in or around the mouth, should be checked out by Dr. Skigen without delay. Lumps and sores or reddish or whitish patches can be signs of cancer. Dark, slowly healing or crusty lesions on the skin may also be signs of cancer. Upon examination, Dr. Skigen can diagnose potential problems. If needed, a biopsy is done; lab tests then determine if there is a malignancy. Remember, early detection and treatment of head and neck cancer greatly increases the chance of complete recovery. Don’t ignore suspicious lumps or sores. If you discover something, make an appointment for a prompt examination.

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ALL YOU WILL FEEL IS RELIEF

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Pain is a sure sign something is wrong. Unfortunately, fear of pain often prevents people from seeking needed oral care. Dr. Skigen is trained in the most advanced anesthetic and pain control procedures. During surgery, one or more of the following can be used in controlling pain and anxiety: local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Prior to any surgery Dr. Skigen can review the type of anesthetic to be used, as well as the way you’re likely to feel during the operation. The main goal is to ensure maximum patient comfort and safety.

Facial Injury
FAQ

Do you still have questions? Schedule an Appointment Today!

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