What the heck is orthognathic surgery?
Surgery to correct conditions of the jaw and face related to structure, growth, sleep apnea, TMJ disorders, or other orthodontic problems that cannot be treated with braces alone. One or both of the jaws are moved in order to fix these problems.
Why do I need it?
I have an underbite and my upper and lower jaws are lined up incorrectly, (you will see this once I post my x-rays)which can result in pain and growth problems later in life. In my surgery, the surgeon will be moving the upper jaw forward to meet with my lower jaw, as seen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zP-AY8GVtdY In addition, a genioplasty will be performed.
Genioplasty
This is a procedure done to reshape the chin. In my case, a piece of my chin will be taken out to shorten the length of my face.
Rhinoplasty
When the upper jaw is moved, as it will be in my surgery, the nose stretches out significantly. Considering my nose is already the prominent part of my face, a rhinoplasty will be performed to reduce the size of my nose.
Click on the following link to read a booklet written on dealing with orthognathic surgery, which was written by my orthodontist, Dr. Sarver: http://orthocj.com/2000/06/a-patients-guide-to-orthognathic-surgery/
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