Orthognathic surgery, also known as corrective jaw surgery, is a transformative procedure designed to address functional and aesthetic abnormalities of the jaws. For patients experiencing difficulty chewing, problems speaking, suffering from sleep apnea, or dealing with jaw pain due to structural issues, orthognathic surgery can offer significant and lasting relief.
Orthognathic surgery involves the surgical repositioning of one or both jaws to correct a wide range of craniofacial irregularities. Unlike orthodontics, which focuses on aligning teeth, orthognathic surgery addresses issues stemming from jaw misalignment that cannot be corrected with braces alone. Most patients need braces before and after corrective jaw surgery. Dr. Baker will be in close contact with your orthodontist before and after surgery, especially during the planning process.
The planning process begins with a clinical examination. When appropriate, X-rays and an intraoral scan are also obtained. When Dr. Baker and your orthodontist feel that your teeth are in the ideal location for surgery you will have a final pre-surgical planning consultation. During this appointment, you and Dr. Baker will go through your plan step-by-step to ensure the objectives are obtained.
Dr. Baker performs corrective jaw surgery in a hospital. Most patients stay 1 or 2 nights in the hospital following surgery. The length of stay is determined by the type of surgery you have, your age, and your health. Dr. Baker has experience working with medical insurance so that you have a realistic estimate prior to proceeding with surgery.