Orthognathic (Jaw) Surgery in Lancaster, Lititz, and Hummelstown / Harrisburg, PA

Orthognathic Surgery is a life-changing surgery for patients with these particular jaw asymmetries. People who can benefit from orthognathic surgery include those with an improper bite or jaws that are positioned incorrectly (overbite, underbite, open bite). Upper and lower jaw growth that occurs during adolescence is a gradual process and in some instances, can occur at different rates. The result can be a host of problems that can affect chewing function, speech, long-term oral health and facial appearance. Orthodontics alone can correct bite problems when only the teeth are involved. Orthognathic surgery may be required for the jaws when repositioning is necessary. The surgeons at Conestoga Oral Surgery have extensive training in the diagnosing, treatment planning, and surgical techniques of corrective jaw surgery. 

Difficulty in the following areas should be evaluated:



• Difficulty chewing or biting into food
• Difficulty swallowing
• Chronic jaw pain or temporomandibular joint pain
• Excessive wear of the teeth
• Open bite
• Receding chin
• Protruding jaw
• Inability to make the lips meet without straining
• Chronic mouth breathing and dry mouth
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea
  

AAOMS Presentation on Orthognathic/Jaw Surgery

Typically, patients with these jaw discrepancies are initially evaluated by an orthodontist and then referred to an oral surgeon in the pre-orthodontic phase for an initial jaw surgery consultation. During this visit, we will discuss an overview of the surgery and provide you with a general timeline for overall therapy. The patient then returns to the orthodontist to begin the orthodontic, pre-surgical preparations. Once, the majority of orthodontic therapy is completed, the patient returns to our office for a pre-surgical workup. Using state-of-the art technology, including digital impressions, Cone Beam CT/3D imaging, and computer assisted virtual surgical planning, our surgeons carefully tailor your surgery to suit your functional and esthetic needs. The surgery is performed in a hospital setting and patients are usually discharged to home within the first 24 hours after surgery. Patients are free to move their jaws normally after surgery and have a modified soft, non-chew diet for approximately 6 weeks during the healing phase. Post-surgical orthodontics (finishing orthodontics) are then completed.

To learn more about this life-changing surgery feel free to call us at (717) 394-3033 to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced surgeons at Conestoga Oral Surgery.