Malocclusion and Orthodontics
Surgery
Surgery to create better alignment between an adult's upper and lower jaw is sometimes combined with Reference orthodontic treatment Opens New Window for Reference malocclusion Opens New Window.
Surgery Choices
Reference Orthognathic surgery treats malocclusion by restructuring the jaw through cutting the bone and repositioning the bone segments.
Orthodontists may Reference remove (extract) teeth to create more space for incoming teeth.
What To Think About
Surgery may be the only viable treatment for severe jaw-related problems. Surgeons only perform jaw surgery on adults, after the jaw has stopped growing.
Before deciding on orthognathic surgery, consider getting a Reference second opinion Opens New Window from another surgeon or orthodontist.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference January 11, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Reference William F. Hohlt, DDS - Orthodontics |
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