Corrective Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery)

Visit our brand new, state-of-the-art offices for corrective jaw surgery. Enjoy an awesome staff and low wait times—we respect your time and treat you with a gentle touch.

Call us for more information:
Virginia Beach: (757) 424-2672
Norfolk: (757) 489-1511

Orthognathic surgery corrects significant abnormalities of the jaw. These may affect the maxilla (upper jaw), the mandible (lower jaw), or both. These conditions can develop for several reasons. For example, they may result from birth defects, growth issues, or traumatic injuries to the jaw.

Orthognathic surgery is typically performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. It is used to correct malocclusion, also known as a bad bite, when orthodontic treatment alone is not effective.

In addition, this type of surgery may involve procedures such as:

• Reconstruction of the upper or lower jaw
• Mandibular ramus surgery
• Maxillary osteotomy
• Mandibular osteotomy

There are several classifications of malocclusion that may require orthognathic surgery:

Class I Occlusion:
In this case, the lower front teeth sit just behind the upper front teeth when biting. Although this is less severe than other types, it can still cause issues if left untreated.

Class II Malocclusion:
This occurs when the lower front teeth sit far behind the upper front teeth. As a result, the teeth may contact soft tissue behind the upper teeth. This condition, often called an overbite, can lead to discomfort, bone damage, excessive wear, and even tooth loss.

Class III Malocclusion:
This condition is commonly known as an underbite. It occurs when the lower jaw extends beyond the upper jaw. As a result, the lower jaw appears more prominent.

Reasons for Orthognathic Surgery

Jaw misalignment can place excessive stress on the muscles that control jaw movement. These muscles generate strong forces during chewing, clenching, and grinding. As a result, misalignment can damage both the function and appearance of your teeth. If left untreated, it may lead to several complications.

For example:

Tooth wear:
In cases such as an overbite, pressure is not evenly distributed across the teeth. As a result, certain teeth wear down more quickly. In addition, this uneven stress may contribute to TMJ, headaches, and tooth loss.