Orthognathic surgery addresses skeletal discrepancies in the jaws and face, correcting misalignments that affect chewing, speaking, and breathing. This complex procedure often involves repositioning the upper jaw (maxilla), lower jaw (mandible), or both. For example, it can correct an overbite, underbite, or open bite, leading to improved facial harmony and function.
Achieving proper jaw alignment offers significant benefits beyond aesthetics. It can alleviate temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, improve sleep quality by addressing sleep apnea, and enhance the ability to chew and speak clearly. Historically, addressing these issues was more challenging, but advancements in surgical techniques and diagnostic imaging now allow for more precise and predictable outcomes.