Jaw Correction Surgery
Jaw correction surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, is a procedure performed by oral and maxillofacial surgeon Dr Panagiotis Sennis to correct significant abnormalities of the upper jaw, lower jaw or both. The procedure aims to improve the relationship between the jaws, dental occlusion and, where necessary, facial symmetry and function.
For some patients, jaw correction surgery helps bring the upper and lower dental arches into proper alignment. In other cases, surgery is considered when orthodontic treatment or other conservative approaches alone cannot adequately correct the underlying skeletal problem.
At the Athens Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Centre, each patient undergoes a detailed assessment to determine whether orthognathic surgery is appropriate and when it should be performed.
When should I consider jaw correction surgery?
Dr Panagiotis Sennis evaluates each patient individually before recommending jaw surgery. Some of the situations in which orthognathic surgery may be considered include:
- Severe bite problems, such as crossbite, excessive overbite, underbite or open bite, particularly when orthodontic treatment alone cannot correct the underlying skeletal discrepancy.
- Misalignment of the upper or lower jaw, resulting in facial asymmetry or an imbalance in facial proportions.
- Jaw abnormalities associated with obstructive sleep apnea. In selected patients, abnormalities in jaw position contribute to airway obstruction. Treatment depends on the individual case and may include CPAP, oral appliances or surgical options after appropriate assessment.
- Specific jaw and temporomandibular joint problems associated with skeletal abnormalities. When symptoms coexist with a significant jaw discrepancy, the surgeon evaluates whether correction of the skeletal relationship forms part of the overall treatment plan.
When is jaw surgery performed?
Orthognathic surgery is generally performed after jaw growth is complete. The appropriate timing varies from one patient to another and is determined through clinical examination, imaging and assessment of skeletal development.
When a jaw discrepancy cannot be adequately corrected with orthodontic treatment or other conservative approaches alone, surgery may form part of the treatment plan.
Orthognathic surgery is used to correct abnormalities of the upper jaw, lower jaw or both when there is facial asymmetry, a skeletal discrepancy or a functional problem.
In many cases, orthodontic treatment is required before surgery to position the teeth correctly in preparation for the planned jaw movement.
During the operation, the oral and maxillofacial surgeon repositions the upper jaw, lower jaw or both according to the surgical plan, with the aim of improving both function and facial balance.
After surgery, the patient follows specific postoperative instructions during recovery. Orthodontic treatment usually continues for a period after the operation to complete the final alignment of the teeth and bite.
The overall aim is to achieve a stable result that improves both jaw function and facial harmony.
Contact the Athens Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Centre
After carefully assessing your condition, Dr Panagiotis Sennis and his team may recommend jaw correction surgery when a skeletal or functional jaw problem requires surgical treatment.
If you would like to find out whether orthognathic surgery is appropriate for you, schedule an initial consultation with Dr Panagiotis Sennis.
Call 210 6824604 to arrange an appointment at the Athens Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Centre, located in Marousi, opposite the entrance to MITERA Maternity Hospital.