Jaw surgery?

Corrective jaw surgery is used to treat a variety of different jaw deformities including overbite and underbite problems. This includes mandibular and maxillary surgery and genioplasty (chin) procedures.

Surgery may be an option if you have jaw problems that can't be resolved with orthodontics alone. In most cases, you also have braces on your teeth before surgery and during recovery after surgery until healing and alignment are complete.

An oral & maxillofacial surgeon performs jaw surgery as part of an interdisciplinary team that includes an orthodontist and other dental specialists. Your orthodontist and oral surgeon will work together to help develop a treatment strategy that’s appropriate for your condition.

 

Signs you may need jaw surgery

 

We can only perform corrective jaw surgery after the bones have finished growing. Where jaw problems can't be resolved with orthodontic treatment alone, older teenagers and adults with the conditions listed may benefit from this type of treatment:

  • Chronic jaw pain or jaw joint pain and headaches

  • Excessive wear of the teeth

  • Underbite or a protruding jaw (lower jaw overlaps the upper jaw)

  • Overbite or a receding lower jaw and chin (lower jaw sets behind the upper jaw)

  • Crossbite (larger lower jaw and smaller upper jaw)

  • Openbite (a vertical gap between the front upper and front lower teeth when a person is biting down)

  • To make biting, chewing, or swallowing easier

  • Inability to rest the lips together in a closed position

  • Sleep apnea (breathing problems or snoring)

  • Chronic mouth breathing

  • Unbalanced facial appearance

  • Excessive gum display, gumminess or gummy smile (when you smile and too much gum tissue shows above the top teeth)

  • To repair a facial injury or congenital condition such as a cleft palate

  • Jaw tumours or jaw cysts

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Diagnosis & treatment

Once the primary assessment has taken place we will carry out a detailed medical and dental history and examine problem areas. Tests and X-rays like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or a computerised tomography (CT scan), can help us examine your jaws, temporomandibular joints and teeth. 

After a comprehensive evaluation, our team of multi-disciplinary specialists will collaborate to provide a treatment strategy. In most cases, treatment is simple, non-invasive and conservative.

If surgery is needed, our oral & maxillofacial surgeons have extensive experience in the full range of jaw surgery procedures.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“A million thanks to Paul for giving my young man a million-dollar smile. It's been a painless and seamless experience and that is all down to your kind, understanding and positive approach Dr Paul. We couldn't be happier and take great pleasure in wishing you all great success”

— RACHEL F.

What to do if you think you may need jaw surgery?

If you are suffering from any of the conditions listed above, contact us to schedule a consultation to accurately diagnose your concerns and suggest a course of treatment that will deliver the best outcome possible.