Jaw Reconstruction to Reposition Misaligned Jaws in Dallas and the Park Cities Area
You may need orthognathic (corrective jaw) surgery if your jaws don’t meet correctly, or are misaligned, such as if your teeth don’t seem to fit within the jaws. While orthodontics can straighten crooked teeth, corrective jaw surgery is used to straighten crooked jaws and is performed by an oral-maxillofacial surgeon.
The process has multiple benefits, including the improvement of facial aesthetics and ensuring that your teeth meet correctly and function as they should. You may benefit from jaw reconstruction if you have difficulty speaking, chewing, sleeping, or swallowing, and if you notice cosmetic issues like a protruding jaw or facial asymmetry.
What Is Orthognathic Surgery?
Orthognathic surgery, also known as corrective jaw surgery, is a specialized procedure that corrects misaligned jaws and teeth to improve function, appearance, and overall oral health. Performed by experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeons, this surgery can address issues such as difficulty chewing, speech problems, sleep apnea, and facial asymmetry.
At Johnson Oral Facial Surgery in Dallas, TX, our expert team utilizes advanced technology and personalized treatment plans to ensure the best results for our patients. Whether you need jaw surgery for medical or cosmetic reasons, we are here to provide exceptional care every step of the way.
Why Is Jaw Surgery Necessary?
Some jaw discrepancies are too complex for orthodontics alone, making orthognathic surgery essential for proper alignment when other treatments are insufficient. This surgery not only corrects alignment but also enhances facial aesthetics and overall oral function. Additionally, it can treat conditions like sleep apnea, offering relief from related symptoms. By opting for orthognathic surgery, patients can significantly improve both their appearance and quality of life.
What Does the Orthognathic Surgery Procedure Involve?
Orthognathic surgery is a multi-step process that aligns your teeth and jaws for improved function and appearance. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
- The journey begins with an orthodontist fitting braces onto your teeth. These braces play a crucial role in aligning the teeth and jaws into their future, ideal positions. Typically, this phase lasts between 18 to 24 months.
- Midway through your orthodontic treatment, a surgical appointment will be scheduled. By this stage, your teeth will have adjusted enough to proceed with the next phase.
- Following the surgery, the healing process spans several months. You’ll be guided to stick to a soft foods diet to aid recovery. Comprehensive post-operative care instructions will be provided to ensure a smooth healing process.
- As your jaw heals, your orthodontist will make any necessary adjustments to the braces. This fine-tuning ensures the successful completion of your treatment.
Schedule
an Appointment
To schedule an appointment with Johnson Oral Facial Surgery for a consultation on orthognathic surgery in Dallas, TX, please give us a call today at (214) 206-4646 or reach out online for a swift response.
Am I a Good Candidate for Jaw Reconstruction?
Before treatment begins, you’ll need a consultation for a complete examination with X-rays with our board-certified oral-maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Chris Johnson. During the pre-treatment consultation, make sure to ask any questions you have regarding jaw reconstruction so you are fully informed about all aspects of your care. If you are a good candidate for the surgery, our team will work closely with your dentist and/or orthodontist for optimal treatment results.
Conditions that can be treated with corrective orthognathic surgery include:
An Unbalanced Appearance From the Front or Side
A board certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon is the most qualified at performing surgery in the mouth. They go to extensive training and residency that is a minimum of 4-6 years after dental school. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is the expert for wisdom teeth removal. It is not about who “can” extract wisdom teeth, it is about who “should” extract wisdom teeth and who “can” manage complications, should they arise.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Orthognathic surgery can correct facial asymmetry or imbalance caused by misaligned jaws. This could include issues where the upper and lower jaws are not proportionate or positioned correctly, affecting how the face looks from the front or side. The surgery can improve the harmony of facial features, giving the patient a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Chronic Jaw Pain and Headache
Misalignment of the jaws can put undue stress on the muscles, joints, and ligaments around the jaw, which can lead to chronic pain, discomfort, and even headaches (often referred to as temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ). Corrective surgery can reposition the jaws to relieve pressure, alleviate pain, and improve overall jaw function, leading to reduced headaches and discomfort.
Malocclusion From Under-Bites or Overbites
Malocclusion refers to an improper bite, where the teeth don’t align properly when the jaws close. An underbite (lower teeth protrude beyond the upper teeth) or an overbite (upper teeth protrude excessively over the lower teeth) can affect chewing, speaking, and overall jaw function. Corrective surgery can reposition the jaws to create a proper bite, improving both function and appearance.
Difficulty Chewing or Swallowing
Open Bite, Protruding Jaw, or Receding Chin
An open bite occurs when the upper and lower teeth do not touch when the mouth is closed, leading to difficulty with biting and chewing. A protruding jaw or a receding chin can also affect appearance and functionality. Corrective orthognathic surgery can adjust the position of the jaws to close the bite, reduce jaw protrusion or receding, and improve both the aesthetic and functional outcomes for the patient.
Congenital Defects
Some individuals are born with congenital defects that affect the development of the jaws and facial structure. These defects could result in a variety of issues, including facial asymmetry, difficulties with bite and chewing, and speech problems. Corrective orthognathic surgery can address these defects by repositioning the jaw bones to improve both functionality and appearance, helping patients lead a more normal life with better facial symmetry and oral function.
What Issues Can Jaw Surgery Fix?
Orthognathic surgery addresses the following issues by realigning the jaw bones to achieve better structural harmony, functional efficiency, and an improved appearance.
It is typically performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and often involves pre-surgical planning and post-surgical therapy to ensure the best outcomes.
Here are some reasons why orthognathic surgery are a popular choice:
Jaw Alignment Issues
Orthognathic surgery can fix jaw alignment issues including overbites, underbites, crossbites and open bites.
Facial Asymmetry
Orthognathic surgery can correct facial imbalances caused by a misaligned jaw. This can improve both the aesthetic appearance and functional alignment of the face.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Orthognathic surgery can reposition the jaws to open the airway and improve breathing during sleep, reducing or eliminating the symptoms of OSA.
Chronic Jaw Pain and Headaches
Corrective jaw surgery can alleviate pressure on muscles and nerves, reducing chronic pain and discomfort on the jaw, face and neck.
Protruding Jaw/ Receding Chin
A protruding jaw or a receding chin can affect facial aesthetics and functional abilities. Orthognathic surgery can reposition the jaw to achieve a more balanced facial profile.
At Johnson Oral Facial Surgery, our board-certified oral-maxillofacial surgeon specializes in jaw surgery procedures and can provide you with the highest level of expertise and care.
Frequently Asked Questions Corrective Jaw Surgery in Dallas, TX
What are the outcomes of corrective jaw surgery?
Patient narratives often showcase the positive results and improved oral health that can be achieved through corrective jaw surgery.
What are some potential issues caused by misaligned jaws?
Misaligned jaws can lead to challenges in eating and enjoying food, which might also contribute to digestion issues.
What happens during the recovery period after corrective jaw surgery?
- Healing Process: You’ll start with a soft food diet to avoid strain on the jaw, gradually reintroducing other foods per your provider’s guidance.
- Post-Operative Care: Following instructions on pain management, hygiene, and activity restrictions is essential to prevent complications and promote healing.
- Orthodontic Adjustments: If you have braces, your orthodontist may make adjustments to ensure proper alignment as your jaw heals.
Why is orthognathic surgery necessary?
This type of surgery is essential for correcting complex jaw misalignments that cannot be addressed through nonsurgical methods like braces or mouth guards.
How does jaw surgery aim to address sleep apnea?
Jaw surgery aims to address structural issues that may contribute to sleep apnea by altering the jaw position to improve airflow.
Schedule an Appointment
Contact our Dallas location today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how orthognathic surgery can transform your smile.
Call at (214) 206-4646!




