Orthognathic Surgery

What is Orthognathic Surgery?

Orthognathic surgery is performed on the jaws to put them into the correct opposition. Orthognathic (pronounced or-thog-na-thik) means literally ‘straight jaws’. This will improve a person’s ability to chew and speak. The surgery may also improve facial appearance.

It is usually performed in conjunction with orthodontic treatment (braces) to align and straighten the teeth.

When is orthognathic surgery indicated?

Symptoms and signs that may indicate a need for orthognathic surgery include problems with the following:

• Chewing or biting food

• Speaking clearly

• Jaw pain

• Unbalanced facial appearance

• Uneven or rapid wearing down of teeth

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

• Receding chin

• Protruding jaw

• Inability to make lips meet without effort

• Chronic mouth breathing with dry mouth and inflamed gums

• Sleep apnoea (breathing problems during sleep, such as snoring)

How do you treat these conditions?

At your initial consultation, Dr Chellappah will take a thorough history, perform a comprehensive examination and review any x-rays which your Dentist or Orthodontist may have organised. He will take scans or moulds of your teeth.

Dr Chellappah will explain to you the options for surgical management of your condition and discuss the procedure and any associated risks in depth. He will also advise you of what to expect in the post-operative period.

What does orthognathic surgery involve?

Dr Chellappah will carefully cut the bones and move the jaw(s) as required. For example, a small jaw may be lengthened, or a large jaw may be reduced in size. Incisions are usually made inside the mouth, so no scars appear on the face.

Once the jaws are placed in the desired position, they are fixed permanently with small bone plates and screws made of titanium.

Depending on the complexity of the case, the surgery may take one hour (for a single jaw procedure) to four hours (or more in some cases) for combined upper and lower jaw surgery.

Where will I have my orthognathic surgery?

These procedures are performed in hospital under general anaesthetic. You will be asleep for the duration of the procedure. You will be admitted on the day of your procedure and usually will be discharged 2-3 days afterwards following review by Dr Chellappah.

How long is the recovery after surgery?

You must maintain a soft, non-chew diet for a period of time after your operation. You will also need to avoid contact sports after your surgery. This is usually for 4-8 weeks to allow sufficient time for bony healing.

Swelling is normal after orthognathic surgery and usually settles over a period of a few weeks.

Dr Chellappah may apply elastics to your braces to guide your teeth and retrain the muscles of the jaw following surgery. You braces may remain for several months after your surgery.

He will explain any specific post-operative instructions relevant to your injury at your consultation and again after your surgery.