Orthognathic Surgery (Literally means "Straight Jaws!") Definition: Orthognathic surgery is the surgical correction of skeletal anomalies or malformations involving the mandible (lower jaw) or the maxilla (upper jaw). These malformations may be present at Birth, or they become evident as the patient grows and developes. Problems: Jaw malformations can cause chewing and eating difficulties, abnormal speech patterns, early loss of teeth, disfigurement,  and dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint. Malocclusion (abnormal jaw relation) may be caused by a deficiency or ecess of bony tissue in one or both jaws, or by trauma to the facial bones. Reconstructive Surgery: Is preformed on abnormal structures of the body, caused by congenital defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumors or disease. It is generally done to improve function, but may also be done to approximate a normal appearance. Cosmetic Surgery: Is preformed to reshape structures of the body in order to improve the patients appearance and self esteem. Procedure: In Orthognathic Surgery, an osteotomy (bone cut) is made in the affected jaw, and the bones are repositioned in a more normal alignment. Generally, the bones are held in their new positions with plates, screws and wires. The patient may also need arch bars placed on both jaws to add stability ( a procedure called intermaxillary fixation). For patients with deformities in both jaws, simultaneous osteotomies may be undertaken to achieve correction.   Click here to go to the next page.