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
What a great group of people! Dr. Bays is so considerate and the nurses and office people are very nice. A great experience.
- Kendall H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I had my wisdom teeth surgery here and was not looking forward to it at all. The staff were all very nice and supporting.
- Meadow R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was disappointed when they sent an antibiotic that I'm allergic to to the pharmacy. I even confirmed they were aware of my allergy when I checked in. I also asked to see my teeth after the surgery and that did not happen nor was there an explanation why that didn't occur. After calling, they did send another antibiotic. Besides those two things, my experience was amazing.
- Mackenzie M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The staff was very kind. The ladies all helped me by answering my questions, having a normal conversation and even had the ladies hold my hand to help keep me calm through the entire process. Doctor was very kind and polite and explained everything he was doing in a calm manner. Doctor was never pushy. Doctor was informed about my past dental experience and made sure Iwas comfortable as possible the entire time.
- McKenzie M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Professional, experienced, efficient, and accommodating. This includes the whole staff. Highly recommend.
- John H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I highly recommend!
- Kynzi S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I had 3 wisdom teeth removed today and had the best experience! Everyone was super nice and friendly and I loved that they explain everything to you and make sure to answer any questions you may have (: I was in and out, which helped everything feel like it went super smooth! My driver was also very appreciative that they kept him up to date, since he couldn’t come back to the room with me, letting him know I was doing great and helped that there’s a driver for them to explain everything to, especially when I was feeling all loopy lol.
- Merly T
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Excellent place, everyone is very friendly and the care they give is top notch.
- Terry B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I would highly recommend Oral and Facial Surgery and Dr Burnett. My experience was amazing
- James R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very thorough explanation and follow up were excellent.
- Brenda K
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Probably the kindest and caring doctors office I have ever been to.
- Theresa H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I would recommend this office for your needs. I hope to not need their services again, lol, but will certainly return if I do.
- Giselle G
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Bays and his team of professionals where very respectful, attentive and made both my husband and I feel like a part of their dental family! Always responded immediately to any question or concern that I might have had!! I would highly recommend them for bone grafting and positioning of post for implants!
- JoAnn E R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Everyone is professional and nice was in and out. No problem took very little time had no pain at all whatsoever after the procedure.
- Joie N
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Wonderful team, very caring; kept me informed of what we were doing so that i felt like I was part of the procedure. I had been suffering from wisdom Teeth pain and multiple infections for 20 years. They took care of the problem and scheduled me for extraction quickly.
- Joshua T
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
One person was a little snitty on the phone Other than that it was good
- Bev P
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very happy with the staff and procedure
- Karen O
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Doctor and staff make you very comfortable about procedure being done. They are all awesome!!
- Carolyn W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very caring & professional staff, excellent surgeon
- Ellen N
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Praise God! I had two wisdom teeth on opposite sides removed and I hardly felt anything!!! There aren’t enough good words to express how wonderful, talented, professional, and caring Dr. Burnette is!!! And his staff are also very professional and nice! I drove myself home 50 miles no problem. Cant recommend this doctor, staff and facility enough! So thankful! 79 year old great grandma!
- Lois H
