Corrective Jaw Surgery

Corrective jaw surgery, also known as Orthognathic Surgery, involves procedures that realign disproportioned jaw bones to enable the best possible bite for mastication, speech and to balance the facial profile. Developmental problems include overgrowth, undergrowth and asymmetry of the jaws and facial skeleton.

Who is it for?

Individuals with jaw and facial disproportion may seek corrective surgery from an OMS, with indications for treatment including facial asymmetry, jaw and tooth misalignment, difficulties with chewing, and/or speech. Orthognathic surgery is also used in managing congenital craniofacial syndromes, such as cleft lip and palate. It is also one of the treatments for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), particularly with certain facial pattern types.

Treatment

Orthognathic surgery is generally conducted in conjunction with orthodontic treatment (braces) to optimally correct the bite and to provide good facial balance. Treatment is often undertaken in the teenage years and early adult life when facial growth is complete or nearing completion. However, corrective jaw surgery can be offered to adults of all ages.

Corrective jaw surgery is generally safe and accurately performed when done by OMS surgeons who have the necessary medical, dental and surgical training enabling close collaboration with orthodontists.

The Procedure

The surgery is performed under a general anaesthetic, almost always through the mouth, and only rarely are incisions made on the face. Precision bone cuts (osteotomies) enable repositioning of the jaw fragments that are held in position with bone screws and plates.

While most patients seek orthodontic treatment in combination with orthognathic surgery to straighten their teeth and to correct a bad bite, the treatment often has major positive changes in a person’s facial appearance.

Corrective jaw surgery is a routine, safe procedure when done by an experienced OMS surgeon, with some of the more complicated procedures being conducted in collaboration with an orthodontist.

Early after surgery, patients may experience:

  • Pain, swelling and fatigue.
  • Limited mouth opening requiring a soft diet.
  • Adjustment to a new appearance in some cases.

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Note: The information covered within this web page and across this website is not intended as a substitute for professional medical or dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is listed to provide you with a general overview to help you communicate effectively when you seek the advice of an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

What is ANZAOMS?

The Australian and New Zealand Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (ANZAOMS) is the professional representative organisation for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMS).

Our focus is on the advancement, advocacy for, and continuing education of OMS, through engagement with all levels of government, regulators, key public and private stakeholders and the general public.

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ANZAOMS acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we meet and work, and all Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia. We recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ continuing connection to land, place, waters and community. We pay our respects to their cultures, country and elders past present and emerging.

ANZAOMS recognises the unique role of Māori as Tangata Whenua and embraces Te Tiriti o Waitangi recognising Māori as tino rangitiratanga of Aotearoa/New Zealand while embracing the three guiding principles of the Treaty – Partnership Participation and Protection. We will endeavour to implement bicultural policies and practices that incorporate and value Māori cultural concepts, values and practices.