Orthognathic Surgery (Jaw Surgery)

When the jaw is in the wrong position, it can cause a host of problems that may affect chewing, swallowing, and breathing, as well as facial appearance. Improper jaw alignment may be caused by injury, birth defect, or a difference between the growth rates of the upper and lower jaws. Whatever the reason, bringing the jaw and teeth into better balance can improve the functionality and overall health of your jaw.

Dr. Stein and Dr. Koslovsky use the most advanced treatment options to correct a wide range of major and minor skeletal and dental deformities in the jaw. If you’re suffering from chronic jaw pain, biting and chewing difficulties, or any other jaw related problems, we can help.

What is orthognathic surgery?

Traditional orthodontics, otherwise known as braces, may correct misaligned teeth. However, misalignment is typically caused by poor positioning of the jaw itself. Orthognathic surgery, or jaw surgery, can reposition a misaligned jaw in order to ensure that teeth meet properly and the jaw functions effectively. In some cases, orthognathic surgery can also help improve facial appearance by correcting facial imbalances, such as a receding chin or protruding jaw.

POSSIBLE SYMPTOMS OF MISALIGNED JAWS
Chewing, biting, and swallowing difficulties	Breathing problems
Speech problems	Excessive wear on teeth
Chronic jaw pain (TMJ pain)	Inability to fully close mouth
Chronic headaches	Chronic dry mouth
Open space in bite	Protruding jaw
Facial imbalance	Sleep apnea (snoring and cessation of breathing during sleep)
Receding chin

How is orthognathic surgery performed?

Correcting jaw deformities and bringing the teeth and jaw into proper alignment is often a team effort between an orthognathic surgeon and an orthodontist. Dr. Stein and Dr. Koslovsky will evaluate your condition and perform jaw surgery to reposition your jaw. Depending on your condition, your orthognathic surgeon may reposition all or part of your upper jaw, lower jaw, or chin. In addition, your orthodontist may provide braces to move your teeth into a better position both before and after your surgery. Working together, your orthognathic surgeon and your orthodontist can help you achieve a balanced, attractive, healthy, and functional smile.

Can I see what my jaw will look like before I have my surgery?

Yes! Dr. Stein and Dr. Koslovsky use the most sophisticated 3D computer modeling system to show you how your jaw surgery will proceed, as well as what your face will look like once the surgery is completed. Dr. Stein and Dr. Koslovsky will also thoroughly discuss all the details of your treatment with you before your procedure.

How does 3D Orthognathic surgery work?

3D orthognathic surgery is one of the newest forms of technology that assists in planning and presenting the patient’s skeletal and facial changes and outputs them to an exact surgical guide. The 3D technology has a variety of tools within it to assist our orthognathic surgeons in planning or presenting information. Our 3D technology allows for Dr. Stein and Dr. Koslovsky to precisely plan surgical options in advance and serves as an ideal guide to educate our patients on the possibilities of jaw surgery.

How do I get started with orthognathic surgery?

Dr. Stein, Dr. Koslovsky, and our staff would be happy to discuss jaw surgery with you. Please call  212-888-4760, or schedule an appointment online to arrange for a private consultation at our office.