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
Dental procedures are never fun….. but the staff and Dr Burnett make it as painless and pleasant as possible…… even blankets are provided. Everyone is happy and friendly. Blessed
- Melisa C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Excellent care. Very thorough and informative. Very friendly and caring.. would definitely use again and recommend to others.
- Sandi M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Everyone was wonderful. There was no waiting. They had me in and out very fast. Will definitely recommend.
- Kelly Y
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr Bays did a wonderful job & loved the asst.s, would highly recommend this office!
- Helen H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I hate dental work and it makes me anxious. This team took all the stress and anxiety out of the situation. Dr. Bays is very friendly and thoughtful. The entire office- from front desk, assistants, and nurses to Dr.- were great. Clean and nice setting. Would highly recommend to anyone.
- Amanda S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Burnett was awesome.....very kind and efficient and I had very little pain. The healing process was amazing. His staff was wonderful too. I highly recommend Dr Burnett and Staff.
- Jeanne W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Best overall doctor I have ever seen. Explains the procedure how I can understand it and uses a sense of humor.
- Mary T
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great experience. Everyone was very professional and kind.
- Sam C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was overwhelmed with the staff and doctor thank you for all you do the only complaint it took way to long to get in for appointment and abstraction
- Michael O
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very professional and courteous. Excellent job explaining the procedures for whatever they are going to be performing.
- Matthew B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Everything was amazing all th staff was awesome. The surgery was seamless with minimal swelling and pain. Everyone was compassionate and took amazing care explaining everything. I would go to them again and again with my oral surgery problems
- Alli H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Everyone was professional and kind. It was a positive experience for me.
- Kristi W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Answered all my questions with concise and clear answers.
- Jim G
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
No issues whatsoever. All the staff were kind and informative from start to finish.
- Erin P
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Friendly professional staff. At the Consultation appointment I was given all the information and options along with the cost so there were no surprises. When I came back for the procedure, Dr Bays explained everything he was doing and his staff assisting him was amazing. Had a great experience.
- Kari W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Don’t wait to take a pain killer
- Hadley w W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The staff was great and I hade a really great experience there! The staff is great and really nice!
- D.J. V
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The extraction of my cracked molar was done quickly and I had very little discomfort afterwards. I did not require pain meds.
- Marlin R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I had a very positive experience and will go back if I need another implant.
- Kristie J
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very pleasant experience
- Maribeth M