Corrective jaw, or orthognathic, surgery is performed by Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons to correct a wide range of minor and major skeletal and dental irregularities, including the misalignment of jaws and teeth, which, in turn, can improve chewing, speaking and breathing. While the patient's appearance may be dramatically enhanced as a result of their surgery, orthognathic surgery is performed to correct functional problems.

Following are some of the conditions that may indicate the need for corrective jaw surgery:

• Difficulty chewing, or biting food

• Difficulty swallowing

• Chronic jaw or jaw joint (TMJ) pain and headache

• Excessive wear of the teeth

• Open bite (space between the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed)

• Unbalanced facial appearance from the front, or side

• Facial injury or birth defects

• Receding chin

• Protruding jaw

• Inability to make the lips meet without straining

• Chronic mouth breathing and dry mouth

• Sleep apnea (breathing problems when sleeping, including snoring)

Corrective jaw surgery may reposition all or part of the upper jaw, lower jaw and chin. When you are fully informed about your case and your treatment options, you and your dental team will determine the course of treatment that is best for you.