PATIENT INFORMATION

  Dental Implants
  Wisdom Teeth
  Facial Trauma
  Bone Grafting
  Oral Pathology
  Orthognathic Surgery
  TMJ Disorder
  Sleep Apnea

Orthognathic Surgery

Orthognathic surgery is needed when jaws don't meet correctly and/ or teeth don't seem to fit with jaws. Usually due to growth, malpositioned teeth are straightened with orthodontics and corrective jaw surgery repositions misaligned jaws. 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 when there is skeletal deformity, and jaw repositioning is necessary.

Patient Symptoms include:

• Difficulty in chewing, biting or swallowing in the area
• Speech problems
• Chronic jaw or TMJ pain
• Open bite
• Protruding jaw
• Breathing problems
• Sleep Disorders
• undesirable facial appearance

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, Dr. Wells will assess your situation, provide a treatment plan, and assemble a team where necessary to facilitate correction of your problem.