JAW SURGERY
Orthognathic surgery (corrective jaw surgery) addresses abnormalities of the facial bones, specifically the jaws. The upper and lower jaws are the foundations by which teeth are supported. When the jaws do not grow in harmony with each other, it can result in a malocclusion (bad bite) and a less than ideal facial appearance. For example, an individual with a skeletal jaw problem could present with a lack of a chin and a large “over-bite”, or a prominent lower jaw with an under-bite, or an excessive amount of gum tissue displayed upon smiling. These problems are often hereditary in nature, but can also be caused by habitual mouth breathing. These abnormalities can cause difficulty with chewing, speech, sleeping and other routine activities. In these situations, orthodontic treatment alone will not correct the problem. These cases can only be addressed with a combination of orthodontics and surgery.
Dr. Arigo, working with a qualified surgeon, will develop a combined treatment plan to address the specific needs of the individual. He also works with a network of other health care professionals that have experience in orthognathic surgical treatment.
