Custom Jaw Surgery Planned with Precision in Maryland
Orthognathic Jaw Surgery at Will Surgical Arts
Most people know that orthodontics can straighten teeth, but what happens when the problem isn't just the teeth? When the upper and lower jaws don't line up the way they should due to overgrowth and/or undergrowth of the jaws, no amount of braces alone can fix it. The jaws themselves need to be repositioned surgically, and that's exactly what orthognathic jaw surgery is designed to do.
Orthognathic surgery, sometimes called corrective jaw surgery or custom jaw surgery, repositions one or both jaws to bring them into proper alignment. It addresses both function and appearance at the same time, improving the way the bite works and the way the face looks. At Will Surgical Arts, we take this a step further by using virtual surgical planning (VSP) to map out each patient's custom jaw surgery digitally before the procedure begins. This technology gives our surgeons a precise, three-dimensional picture of your anatomy and allows them to plan your surgery with a level of accuracy that simply wasn't possible in the past.
At Will Surgical Arts in Ijamsville, MD, Dr. Michael Will and Dr. Brian Will are oral and maxillofacial surgeons with specialized training in corrective jaw surgery. Our practice serves patients from throughout the Frederick area and the greater Washington, DC metro region.
If you've been living with jaw misalignment and wondering whether surgery could help, we'd love to talk. Request a consultation at Will Surgical Arts today.
Who Needs It, What Causes It & How We Fix It
What to Know About Orthognathic Jaw Surgery
Jaw misalignment can affect a surprising number of things in daily life, from the way you chew and speak to how you breathe and how your face looks. Here's a closer look at who this surgery is for and what the process involves.
What Causes Jaw Misalignment?
Jaw problems can develop in a couple of different ways. Some are congenital, meaning a person is born with them. Others develop over time, sometimes as a result of facial trauma or simply because the upper and lower jaws grow at different rates during childhood and adolescence. When the jaws end up at different sizes or in different positions, the result is a bite that doesn't fit together properly.
The two most common types of jaw misalignment are:
- Micrognathia (overbite): The lower jaw doesn't project far enough forward, or the upper jaw projects too far, causing the upper teeth to sit significantly in front of the lower teeth.
- Prognathia (underbite): The lower jaw projects too far forward relative to the upper jaw, causing the lower teeth to sit in front of the upper teeth.
Signs You Might Be a Candidate
Orthognathic surgery is worth exploring if you've been experiencing any of the following:
- Difficulty chewing, biting, or swallowing
- Speech problems related to jaw positioning
- Breathing problems
- A jaw that protrudes noticeably
- Chronic jaw pain
If you're not sure whether your symptoms are related to jaw alignment, a consultation is the best way to find out. Our surgeons perform a complete examination, including X-rays, and in most cases, we work closely with your orthodontist throughout the treatment process. Orthodontic treatment is often part of the overall plan, both before and after surgery, to make sure the teeth are in the right position to match the corrected jaw alignment.
The Role of Virtual Surgical Planning
One of the most important parts of a successful orthognathic outcome is the planning that happens before anyone sets foot in the operating room. Our surgeons use virtual surgical planning (VSP) to build a detailed digital model of your jaw anatomy and simulate the surgery before performing it. This allows them to determine the precise movements needed, plan your custom jaw surgery down to the millimeter, and anticipate any complications in advance. The result is a procedure that's more accurate, more predictable, and better tailored to your specific anatomy than traditional planning methods allow.
What Surgery and Recovery Involve
The specifics of your surgery depend on whether one jaw or both need to be repositioned, and by how much. Our surgeons will walk you through exactly what your procedure involves during your consultation. In general, orthognathic surgery is performed under general anesthesia, and recovery involves some swelling and dietary adjustments while the bones heal and settle into their new positions. Our team provides detailed post-operative instructions and is available to support you throughout your recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between orthognathic surgery and just getting braces?
Braces move teeth within the jawbone, but they can't change the position of the jawbone itself. When the jaws are significantly misaligned, straightening the teeth with orthodontics alone won't correct the underlying problem and may not even be possible without addressing the jaw first. Orthognathic surgery repositions the jaws so that they sit in proper alignment with each other, and orthodontic treatment is typically used alongside surgery to make sure the teeth fit correctly within the corrected jaw structure. The two work together, and in most cases, your orthodontist and our surgical team coordinate closely throughout the process.
Is orthognathic jaw surgery only for appearance, or does it also improve function?
Both. Jaw misalignment isn't just a cosmetic issue. When the upper and lower jaws don't line up correctly, it can make chewing difficult, cause speech problems, contribute to breathing issues, and lead to chronic jaw pain over time. Orthognathic surgery addresses the underlying structural problem, which improves function and appearance together. Most patients find that the changes to their bite and their ability to chew and speak comfortably are just as meaningful to them as the improvement in how their face looks.
What is virtual surgical planning, and why does it matter?
Virtual surgical planning, or VSP, is a technology that allows our surgeons to plan your custom jaw surgery digitally before the procedure takes place. Using detailed imaging of your anatomy, a precise three-dimensional model of your jaw is created, and the surgical movements are mapped out in advance. This means our surgeons know exactly what needs to happen before they begin, which improves accuracy, reduces surgical time, and leads to more predictable outcomes. It's one of the ways Will Surgical Arts brings a higher level of precision to orthognathic surgery than a more traditional approach would allow.
How do I schedule a consultation for orthognathic surgery near me?
It's easy to take the first step. You can request an appointment online or call us at (301) 874-1707 , and our team will set you up with a consultation. Our surgeons will review your jaw alignment, discuss your symptoms and goals, and help you understand whether orthognathic surgery is the right path forward for you. We look forward to seeing you!