Orthognathic Jaw Surgery in Yakima, WA

Orthognathic surgery is needed when jaws don't meet correctly and/or teeth don't seem to fit within the jaws. Similar to how teeth are straightened with orthodontics, corrective jaw surgery repositions misaligned jaws. This not only improves facial appearance, but also ensures that teeth meet correctly and function properly.

Who Needs Orthognathic Surgery?

People who can benefit from orthognathic surgery include those with an improper bite or with jaws that are positioned incorrectly. Jaw growth is a gradual process and in some instances, the upper and lower jaws may grow at different rates. The result can be a host of problems that can affect chewing function, speech, long-term oral health and appearance. Injury to the jaw and birth defects can also affect jaw alignment. Orthodontics alone can correct bite problems when only the teeth are involved. Orthognathic surgery may be required when repositioning the jaws is necessary.

Difficulty in the following areas should be evaluated:

• Difficulty in chewing, biting or swallowing
• Speech problems
• Chronic jaw or TMJ pain
• Open bite
• Protruding jaw
• Breathing problems

Any of these symptoms can exist at birth, be acquired after birth as a result of hereditary or environmental influences, or as a result of trauma to the face. Before any treatment begins, a consultation will be held to perform a complete examination with x-rays. During the pre-treatment consultation process, feel free to ask any questions that you have regarding your treatment. When you are fully informed about the aspects of your care, you and your dental team will make the decision to proceed with treatment together.

Technology and Orthognathic Surgery

If you are a candidate for Corrective Jaw Surgery, Dr. Tew will work closely with your dentist and orthodontist during your treatment. He can use modern computer techniques and three-dimensional models to show you exactly how your surgery will be approached. Using comprehensive facial X-rays and computer video imaging, he can show you how your bite will be improved and even give you an idea of how you'll look after surgery. This helps you understand the surgical process and the extent of the treatment prescribed. His goal is to help you understand the benefits of orthognathic surgery.

Temporomandibular Joint and Muscle Disorders (TMJDs)

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD, TMJ or TMD), or TMJ syndrome, is an umbrella term covering acute or chronic inflammation of the temporomandibular joint, which connects the lower jaw to the skull. Because these disorders are very complex with a variety of causes, they are best treated by specialists who focus primarily on treating TMJD patients. Dr. Tew works with a variety of TMJD specialists across the state and would be happy to provide referral information upon request. Please call our office at (509) 853-3622 if you need information about finding a specialist to assess and treat TMJ disorders.

Orthognathic surgery can move your teeth and jaws into a new position that results in a more attractive, functional, and healthy dental-facial relationship.