Birth conditions, facial injury, or more commonly, unequal growth of the jaws, can produce jaw discrepancies and malocclusion that require orthognathic (jaw) surgery.

Jaw discrepancies interfere with the proper alignment of the teeth, and may also affect speech articulation, breathing, chewing ability, and comfortable closure of the lips.

A maxillofacial surgeon, orthodontist, and your general dentist can evaluate and treat the problem in a comprehensive way. Jaw surgery is performed in tandem with orthodontic treatment so that both the jaws and teeth are correctly positioned for proper occlusion (bite) and an improved facial appearance.