Orthognathic Surgery

Life-Changing Surgical Jaw Correction

An improper bite or misaligned jaws are common conditions that oral surgeons are qualified to treat. Many times, orthodontics can correct bite problems and minor misalignment, but when the problem is more severe, it’s time for an oral surgeon to step in.

Orthognathic surgery, also known as corrective jaw surgery, is performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to surgically reposition the jaws. This life-changing procedure allows patients to properly eat, speak, bite, and breathe, and results in better facial symmetry.

Dr. Fletcher, Dr. Gill, Dr. Hayek, and Dr. Ambrogio carefully analyze every patient’s condition to create a custom treatment plan. Jaw surgery is a delicate procedure and when performed by our experienced oral surgeons, can drastically improve the quality of life for our patients. Our offices are located in Avon, Glastonbury, and Enfield, CT. You will have follow-up appointments and 3D scans taken at our office, but the surgery itself will be performed in a hospital or surgical suite.

When Corrective Jaw Surgery is Necessary

If you are suffering from any of these difficulties, you may be a candidate for orthognathic surgery:

• Difficulty biting, chewing, or swallowing
• Significantly protruding upper or lower jaw
• Speech problems, breathing problems, or sleep apnea
• Difficulty closing your lips comfortably
• Receding chin
• Lingering facial pain or headaches
• The top and bottom teeth protrude outward and do not meet, known as an open bite

The Orthognathic Surgery Procedure

You, your orthodontist, and your oral surgeon will all work as a team to complete your orthognathic surgery treatment. The first step in the process is to work with your orthodontist to prepare your mouth for the procedure. This is done by using braces to properly align your teeth to each jaw. The orthodontic treatment phase usually lasts 6–18 months, and periodic scheduled adjustments will be made, just like with any braces treatment. As your teeth are aligned, we will take 3D scans of your mouth throughout treatment to monitor their location.

The next step is to have one or both of your jaws surgically moved to their new position that allows for proper oral function and maximum facial aesthetics. This procedure is performed in a hospital by your oral surgeon and can take several hours, depending on the amount and type of surgery required. You will be under general nesthesia during surgery. The oral and maxillofacial surgeons at Avon Oral, Facial and Dental Implant Surgery use state-of-the-art technology to secure the jaws in place with plates and screws (rigid fixation).

Because we use advanced techniques for orthognathic surgery, you will not need to have your mouth wired closed while you recover. You may wear elastics in your mouth to guide your jaws into the new biting position.

Our office proudly offers EXPAREL^®, the safe and long-lasting pain management option. It provides comfort following surgery and reduces or eliminates the need for narcotic medication. Learn more about EXPAREL.

Recovery After Jaw Surgery

It will be about two weeks before you are able to return to school or work. After about four to eight weeks of healing time, your orthodontist will make slight adjustments to your braces, which will likely stay on another 6–12 months following surgery. After your braces are removed, you will wear a retainer to complete your treatment and to maintain your new smile for years to come.

Our orthognathic surgery patients can expect remarkable positive transformations to occur, including vast improvements in their ability to chew, speak, and breath. Enhanced facial balance and aesthetics can also be achieved with this surgery. The surgeons and team at Avon Oral, Facial and Dental Implant Surgery are expertly trained in orthognathic surgery techniques and are always thrilled to see their patients grow in self-confidence because of this life-changing treatment.