Procedure

Orthognathic Surgery involves surgically repositioning the bones of the upper, lower jaw or both. This type of treatment is usually combined with Orthodontic treatment carried out by an Orthodontist. The aim of Orthognathic Surgery is to correct the bite and at the same time create facial balance and proportion.

The Orthodontist prepares the patient for surgery by placing the teeth in a position so that when the jaws are moved the teeth will fit together. After appropriate preparation by the Orthodontist surgery can then be carried out to move the jaw(s). It is possible to move both upper and lower jaws to the appropriate position in one surgical procedure. Single jaw surgery typically takes about an hour to perform under general anaesthetic.

Recovery

Following single jaw surgery patients can expect to be swollen post operatively for approximately two weeks. In lower jaw surgery the most commonly encountered complication can be numbness or tingling of the lower lip due to interference with the inferior dental nerve, which runs through the lower jaw.

This generally recovers fully, though patients must be aware that the lip may be numb for weeks or even months following surgery. Bimaxillary or upper and lower jaw surgery can take a three week recovery period. During this time a soft diet is required and you will be reviewed, by Mr Coombes and the Orthodontist.

Occasionally, for cosmetic purposes facial harmony can be achieved or augmented by cheek and / or chin implant surgery alone.