Jaw surgery Jacksonville NC

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 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. This may result in problems that affect chewing, 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 combined with orthodontic treatment is necessary when the jaws need to be repositioned.

Difficulty in the following areas should be evaluated:

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 facial trauma. Before any treatment begins, a consultation will be held to perform a complete examination with x-rays and models. During the pre-treatment consultation process, feel free to ask Dr Bedford Smith or any of the oral surgeons at our Eastern Carolina oral surgery offices any questions that you have regarding your treatment. When you are fully informed about the aspects of your care, you and your dental team will make the decision to proceed with treatment together.

If you are a candidate for Corrective Jaw Surgery, we 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.