Jaw Surgery

While jaw growth is generally a slow, steady process, in some cases the growth of the upper and lower jaw advance at different rates, creating a mismatch in size and alignment. This can cause serious problems with a variety of routine activities like talking, chewing, breathing, and even sleeping. Thankfully, though, jaw surgery can help.

Orthognathic surgery, or jaw surgery, is a surgical orthodontic procedure that can correct abnormalities in the facial bones, jaws, and teeth. While jaw surgery can greatly improve facial symmetry and appearance, it’s a fairly involved procedure, so we generally use it to correct functional problems. That said, we’ll often use orthodontic treatment in combination with jaw surgery to help correct the shape and alignment of the jaws along with the alignment of the teeth.

While jaw surgery is still an involved treatment, modern technology has drastically improved the process. Using advanced digital imaging technology, we can create a three dimensional model of your bite structure and show you the functional and aesthetic benefits of jaw surgery. Computer-aided treatment allows us to dramatically increase the predictability and efficacy of treatment while minimizing both treatment and recovery times.

While modern technologies have made orthognathic surgery far more effective, safe, and convenient than in the past, it’s still an involved process, so we’ll use orthodontic treatment to correct a problem wherever possible. Dr. Dorsch will complete a thorough orthodontic evaluation and talk in detail with you about your orthodontic situation and treatment options, selecting the best overall option for your long-term orthodontic health.

Dr. Dorsch wrote his thesis, lectured, and published articles involving jaw surgery as well as worked at Children’s Mercy Hospital for 13 years and at The University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry for 15 years. He treated over 100’s of these types of cases.