Orthognathic (Orthodontic) Surgery in Charles County, MD

What Is Orthognathic Surgery?

Orthognathic surgery, often called corrective jaw surgery, is performed to correct minor and major skeletal and dental irregularities, as well as structural and orthodontic conditions that cannot be fully resolved with braces or other orthodontic treatment. The surgery involves moving facial bones and teeth in order to achieve a balanced, aligned skeletal structure that supports healthy teeth and gums, as well as restoring normal eating, breathing and speaking function.

What Kinds of Problems Does Orthognathic Surgery Correct?

Orthognathic surgery is only one step in the corrective orthodontic treatment of some patients. Our orthodontists will evaluate your individual condition to determine whether you are a candidate for corrective jaw surgery. It is important to understand that your treatment, which will also probably include braces or other orthodontics before and after surgery, may require several years to complete. At Sequence Orthodontics, we know that this is a long-term commitment for you and your family, and we will help you to realistically estimate the required treatment time, as well as cost.

Among the conditions that typically indicate the need for orthognathic surgery is the following:

• Facial injury
• Birth defects
• Receding jaw or weak chin
• Difficulty biting or chewing food
• Difficulty swallowing
• Chronic pain in the jaw or other TMJ issues
• Excessive wearing of the teeth
• Open bite, or a bite that doesn’t close fully, or leaves space between the upper and lower teeth
• Lips that don’t meet without straining
• Unbalanced facial appearance as seen from the front or side
• Protruding jaw
• Chronic mouth breathing and related problems
• Sleep apnea and related breathing problems when sleeping, including snoring

What Are the Advantages of Having Orthognathic Surgery?

Orthognathic surgery provides a slew of benefits, including improved eating, speaking and breathing functions, as well as improved oral and general health as a result of properly aligned bones and teeth. For most patients, the surgery also improves appearance by balancing facial features, restoring harmony to the overall facial structure. In some patients, this may result in a dramatically enhanced appearance, although orthognathic surgery is not typically performed as cosmetic surgery, but to correct structural and functional problems.

What Should I Do Next?

If you live in Charles County or St. Mary’s County, Maryland and think you may be a candidate for orthognathic surgery, Sequence Orthodontics, conveniently located in Waldorf and Leonardtown, offers advanced comprehensive orthodontic care provided by experienced specialists. Contact our office for an orthodontic consultation and evaluation.