Orthognathic Surgery
Dentist in Portland OR
 Known in dentistry as "orthognathic surgery" corrective jaw surgery is necessary when a patient’s jaw does not meet correctly when the mouth is closed, or if the teeth don’t seem to fit with the jaws. Orthognathic surgery repositions a misaligned jaw, which may then need to be straightened with orthodontics. If you are in need of any of these corrections, our team at Dougherty Laybourn Menashe Dental can improve your facial shape and bite to restore proper function.
Do I Need Orthognathic Surgery?
In order to find out if orthognathic surgery is right for you, we recommend visiting us and have an evaluation done. If it is determined that you have an improper bite or jaws that are positioned poorly, orthognathic surgery may be right for you. We are more than happy to help you determine what the issue is, and we will recommend a course of action designed specifically for you, if we determine that orthognathic surgery is necessary.
Patients who experience difficulty in the following areas should contact us to schedule an evaluation:
| • |
Difficulty or soreness when eating, chewing, or swallowing. |
| • |
Delays or soreness from speaking. |
| • |
Difficulty or soreness in breathing. |
| • |
A protruding jaw or an open bite that makes it difficult or impossible to close your mouth entirely. |
| • |
Damaging and continuous problems with jaw pain or TMJ effects of clenching or teeth grinding. |
What Causes a Misaligned Jaw?
There are a few different factors that can come into play when wondering how a patient can have a faulty jaw or disrupted jaw alignment. It can be due to:
| • |
Improper Growth: Your jaw growth can be a gradual process, and for some patients, the upper and lower jaws can grow at different rates or speed. Due to odd growth patterns, the result can affect your ability to chew, your speech, your overall oral health, and your facial shape or appearance. |
| • |
Injury: When you suffer an impact injury or fracture to your jaw, corrective surgery may be necessary to set the jaw in proper placement. Whether sports related, accident-related or other, to ensure proper bite and to not suffering from long-term discomfort or pain, consult with us after suffering a facial injury. |
| • |
Congenital Defects: In some cases, a person may have been born with defects either directly or indirectly related to the jaw, which can lead to misalignment. Surgery may be required to stop future problems with chewing or speaking. |
Modern Technology for Orthognathic Surgery
At Dougherty Laybourn Menashe Dental, our team has strived to stay foremost of the latest information, tools, and techniques available in oral surgical care. Using modern techniques and three-dimensional models that are provided through 3D imaging, we can show you exactly how your surgery will be approached. With comprehensive digital facial x-rays along with computerized video imaging, we can walk you through how your bite will be improved and can even show you how the result should look. With these tools, we can help you feel at ease with the process and our recommended treatment.
Our front office team is here to assist you in scheduling appointments and seeking information about orthognatic surgery. If you have questions about how to improve your jaw alignment, bite, and facial shape please don't hesitate to contact us.
To schedule an appointment, please call us today at 503-334-1141. |
