Treatment for Malocclusion Topic Overview Back to top
Orthognathic surgery treats malocclusion ("poor bite") by
restructuring the jaw through cutting the bone and repositioning
the bone segments. Adults who have jaw-related malocclusion are
sometimes offered a choice between simple orthodontic treatment
and orthodontic treatment combined with orthognathic surgery.
Adults who have severe jaw problems may need surgery to improve
their looks and how the jaw works. Severe jaw problems can
include upper jaws that don't match with the lower jaws. Oral
and maxillofacial surgeons or plastic surgeons perform this
surgery using general anesthesia. Recovery takes several weeks.
While the bone slowly heals, the jaw is held in place with wires
or plates and screws. The most common problem after this surgery
is numbness of the upper or lower lip (paresthesia). Other risks
include infection, bleeding (hemorrhage), swelling, muscle
spasm, and temporomandibular disorder. For most people,
orthognathic surgery is elective, base