Areas of practice
Congenital Craniofacial Anomalies and Orthognathic Surgery
Assessment and surgical treatment of jaw deformities and congenital conditions of the craniofacial region.
Overview
Orthognathic surgery corrects the position of the upper and/or lower jaw when a mismatch between them affects the bite, chewing, speech, breathing or facial balance.
Treatment is usually planned together with an orthodontist. It often involves orthodontic preparation before surgery and orthodontic finishing afterwards.
Topics in this area
Underbite Jaw Surgery — Correcting a Prominent Lower Jaw
Assessment and combined surgical and orthodontic treatment when the lower jaw sits too far forward and the bite is reversed.
Receding Jaw Surgery — Treatment for an Underdeveloped Lower Jaw
Assessment and combined surgical and orthodontic treatment when the lower jaw sits too far back and the bite is deep.
Jaw Asymmetry, Facial Asymmetry and Open Bite
Assessment and treatment of jaw and facial asymmetry and of open bite of congenital or developmental origin.
Who may need an evaluation
- Marked forward or backward position of the lower or upper jaw.
- Open bite or jaw asymmetry.
- Difficulty chewing or speaking related to the position of the jaws.
- Congenital anomalies of the craniofacial region.
What the consultation may include
- A discussion of your concerns, expectations and any previous orthodontic treatment.
- A clinical examination of the face, the bite and jaw-joint function.
- Analysis of imaging and, where needed, photographs and dental models.
- A discussion of the orthodontist’s role and an approximate treatment sequence.
What to bring
- An identity document and, where applicable, a referral from your GP or specialist.
- Existing medical records: discharge summaries, outpatient notes and test results.
- Imaging studies (X-rays, CT, MRI) on a disc or other digital medium, together with the written reports.
- A list of your current medicines, known allergies and chronic conditions.
- Information from your orthodontist, if you have one — treatment plan, photographs, models.
Treatment planning principles
- The decision to operate is based on functional and anatomical criteria, not appearance alone.
- The plan is agreed between the surgeon, the orthodontist and the patient.
- Timing depends on completion of growth and on orthodontic preparation.
Risks, alternatives and individual variation
After jaw surgery, temporary swelling, limited mouth opening and temporary changes in sensation of the face and lips are possible.
Every surgical procedure carries general risks — for example those related to anaesthesia, bleeding, infection, delayed healing or scarring. The specific risks depend on your health, and on the type and extent of the procedure.
Possible alternatives — including observation, non-surgical treatment or referral to another specialist — are discussed openly during the consultation.
Outcomes and recovery time vary between individuals and cannot be guaranteed in advance.
Frequently asked questions
Is orthodontic treatment always required?
In most cases orthognathic surgery is combined with orthodontic treatment. Whether it is needed, and to what extent, is assessed individually.
From what age can surgery be considered?
Usually after growth of the facial bones is complete. The right timing is determined after an examination.
This information does not replace a medical examination. Whether a treatment is suitable for you, and who will perform it, is determined after an individual consultation.