Orthognathic Surgery

Corrective jaw surgery — also called orthognathic surgery — is performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) to correct a wide range of minor and major skeletal and dental irregularities, including the misalignment of jaws and teeth. Surgery can improve chewing, speaking and breathing. While the patient's appearance may be dramatically enhanced as a result of his or her surgery, orthognathic surgery is performed to correct functional problems.  

Orthognathic conditions

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 headaches

  • 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

  • Birth defects

  • Receding lower jaw and chin

  • Protruding jaw

  • Inability to make the lips meet without straining

  • Chronic mouth breathing

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

Dr. Nguyen will work together with the oral surgeon to determine whether you are a candidate for orthognathic surgery. The oral and maxillofacial surgeon determines which corrective jaw surgical procedure is appropriate and performs the actual surgery. It is important to understand that your treatment, which will probably include orthodontics before and after surgery, may take several years to complete.  

With the experiences of Dr. Nguyen, Dr. Nguyen's staff and the oral surgeon, your desire to achieve a beautiful facial aesthetic and smile will be achieved.

If you are ready to take a life changing experience, please call our office 714-839-6300 for a complimentary consultation.