Orthognathic Surgery
Corrective Jaw Surgery
Orthognathic surgery is needed when the top and bottom jaws don’t meet correctly and/or teeth don’t adequately fit within the jaw. Teeth are straightened with orthodontics, and corrective jaw surgery repositions a misaligned jaw. This not only improves facial appearance, but also ensures that teeth meet correctly and function properly.
Orthognathic Surgery Presentation
To provide you with a better understanding of orthognathic surgery, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to orthognathic surgery are discussed.
Who needs orthognathic surgery?
People who can benefit from orthognathic surgery include those with an improper bite, or jaws that are positioned incorrectly. Jaw growth is a gradual process and in some instances, the upper and lower jaws may grow at different rates. The result can be a host of problems that may affect chewing function, speech, or long-term oral health and appearance. Injury to the jaw and birth defects can also affect jaw alignment. Orthodontics alone can correct bite problems when only the teeth are involved. Orthognathic surgery may be required for the jaws when repositioning is necessary.
Difficulty in the following areas should be evaluated:
- Difficulty in chewing, biting, or swallowing
- Speech problems
- Chronic jaw pain
- Open bite
- Protruding jaw
- Breathing problems
Any of these symptoms can exist at birth, be acquired after birth as a result of hereditary or environmental influences, or as a result of trauma to the face. Before any treatment begins, a consultation will be held to perform a complete examination with x-rays. During the pre-treatment consultation process, feel free to ask any questions that you have regarding your treatment. When you are fully informed about the aspects of your care, you and your dental team can make the decision to proceed with treatment together.
Do You Need Jaw Surgery?
Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Technology & Orthognathic Surgery
Dr. Burnett and Dr. Bays use modern computer-aided techniques and three-dimensional models to show you exactly how your surgery will be approached. Using comprehensive facial x-rays and computer video imaging, we can show you how your bite will be improved and even give you an idea of how you’ll look after surgery. This helps you understand the surgical process and the extent of the proposed treatment.
If you are a candidate for corrective jaw surgery, Drs. Burnett or Bays will work closely with your dentist and orthodontist during your treatment. The actual surgery can move your teeth and jaws into a new position that results in a more attractive, functional, and healthy dental-facial relationship.
What to Expect
- Corrective jaw surgery is a significant intervention requiring many months of preparation.
- The surgery is performed in the hospital and can last between one to four hours.
- Hospital stays of one to three days are normal.
- Braces are maintained during surgery and may need to be removed six to twelve months after surgery.
- The greatest impact of orthognathic surgery is the recovery phase.
- Patients typically may be off work/school from two weeks to one month after surgery.
- Return to normal chewing function may take 2 months and full
function may take one year. - Our goal is to ensure you are well taken care of during and after surgery.
- Weekly appointments are required for up to two months after surgery.
Oral & Facial Surgery Center of Joplin
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Appreciate the experience from beginning to end. Doctor did a great job of explaining and staff was very kind and made me feel comfortable.
- Ashley K
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Bays and the entire staff are very professional, knowledgeable, friendly and courteous. I could go on but you understand I enjoy my appointments with them.
- Ronald L. F
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great service. They made me feel at ease and very comfortable. Doctor Barnett was so kind and took time to talk and see if I had any questions . I would recommend highly! Thank you
- Louella Y
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Everyone was amazing and made me feel comfortable while being nervous!!!! I loved how sweet and caring each person was. It was an overall great experience!!!!
- Samantha T
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Doctor much preferred to any other for dental procedures. Repeat appointments thru the years.
- Lera D
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Knowledgeable, caring, friendly and professional. Doc and his staff instill confidence and ease. I highly recommend this team of professionals.
- Shirley J
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Everyone was great! Friendly and pleasant. Helped make an unpleasant procedure seem routine.
- Fred G
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Love it alot not my first time
- Ruth C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. and all staff were friendly and put me at ease before, during, and after procedure.
- Zoe S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
My experience went very well, the doctor explained everything he was doing, and made sure it was comfortable throughout the process,
- Trish F
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Best of best very well pleased
- Randy W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr Burnett is the best!
- Hailey F
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
They were all very nice, some a little more than others but there wasn’t one person who was less than pleasant. I got my wisdom teeth out and I am high fear and a hypochondriac, I’d never been put under before but Dr. Bays was really great at putting my nerves to rest. So far I haven’t had much pain but it is only the first day. Honestly I don’t remember anything from the time I got the IV basically until the surgery was over and then it was a little fuzzy. I went to them because they came highly recommended from a previous office I worked at and now I understand why. I would definitely recommend them to anyone.
- Kiley T
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was extremely apprehensive for an extraction of a tooth that had a previous root canal. Everyone was kind. I am very appreciative of Dr Bays patience and skill.
- Vickie S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great staff and wonderful service!
- Heather A
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great team. I highly recommend this place and anyone would be lucky to have them.
- Christian Moreno
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I would definitely recommend this place to anyone who’s having any oral dental Work done!
- Melissa J
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Everyone is so kind and reassuring! They listen very well to everything you say to make sure things are done correctly.
- Alyssa V
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I had some problems with my teeth from a previous Dentist. It was going to take someone special for me to regain my trust with another Oral Surgeon.. Dr. Burnett assured me from the beginning he would take care of me and my teeth. I have 5 dental implants some with bone grafts and in my opinion he is one of the elite oral surgeons in the country. Dr. Burnett explains the process in length, and you know he takes pride in his profession and wants you to have the best experience and outcome.
- Kimbra T
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr.Burnett and his staff are Awesome! I would not go to anyone else..
- Roger K
