Lincoln, NE Corrective Jaw Surgery
Lincoln, NE Corrective Jaw Surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, is the correction of minor and major facial and jaw irregularities such as open bite, overbite, receding lower jaw, and protruding lower jaw. Surgery can improve chewing, speaking, and breathing. While the patient’s appearance may be dramatically enhanced as a result of the surgery, orthognathic surgery is performed to correct functional problems. Upper and lower jaw surgery can have a dramatic effect on many aspects of life. Luckily, picking the right oral surgeon can make the procedure & aftercare that much easier!
If left untreated, misalignment can seriously damage the function and aesthetic appearance of the teeth in many ways, including:
Tooth wear
In the case of an overbite, the pressure and wear on the teeth isn’t spread evenly, leading to TMJ, migraine headaches, and tooth loss.
Loose teeth
As uneven pressure is exerted in the case of an under or overbite, adjacent teeth may become loose in their sockets, causing pain and reducing proper function.
Chronic jaw, muscle pain, and headache
Misalignment of the teeth alters the way in which facial muscles interact, sometimes causing cartilage damage between the jawbones.
Tooth sensitivity
Tooth enamel becomes thinner and nerves are less protected with constant use. This lack of protection can lead to sharp pain while eating hot or cold foods.
All of these ailments can be associated with poor alignment of the upper and lower jaws.
Difficulty swallowing, chewing, or biting food
Open Bite
Space between the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed.
Unbalanced facial appearance from the front or side
Birth defects
Receding lower jaw and chin
Protruding jaw
Inability to make lips meet without straining
Chronic mouth breathing
Sleep apnea
Facial injury
Your dentist, orthodontist, and oral surgeon will work together to determine whether you are a candidate for orthognathic surgery. The oral surgeon determines which corrective jaw procedure is appropriate and performs the actual surgery, whether that be overbite surgery, open bite surgery, or any other surgery we offer. It is important to understand that your treatment, which will probably include orthodontics before and after surgery, may take several years to complete. Your oral surgeon and orthodontist understand that this is a long-term commitment for you and your family, and they will try to realistically estimate the time required for your treatment. Dr. Henry is one of the Midwest’s leading orthognathic surgeons. His expertise attracts patients from across the United States including, Colorado, Washington, Texas, New Mexico, Montana, and Illinois.
Patient Cases
Case 1
Preoperative Diagnosis:
- Maxillary Deficiency
- Mandibular Prognathism
- Anterior Open Bite
- Maxillary Narrowing
Operative Procedure:
- 2 piece LeFort I Osteotomy with posterior & widening of the maxilla
- Bilateral Sagittal Split Osteotomy involving widening of the mandible with setback
Case 2
Preoperative Diagnosis:
- Mandibular Retrognathia
Operative Procedure:
- Bilateral Sagittal Split Osteotomy of the mandible with advancement
Case 3
Preoperative Diagnosis:
- Maxillary Deficiency
- Mandibular Prognathism
Operative Procedure:
- 2-Piece LeFort I Osteotomy with widening in the posterior & advancement
- Bilateral Sagittal Split Osteotomy with setback of the mandible
Case 4
Preoperative Diagnosis:
- Mandibular Retrognathia
- Microgenia
- Narrow Palate
- Vertical Maxillary Excess
Operative Procedure:
- 2-Piece LeFort I Osteotomy with widening, advancement, & impaction
- Bilateral Sagittal Split Osteotomy with advancement
- Genioplasty with advancement
