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Procedures/Orthognathic · Maxillofacial surgery

Orthognathic surgery
to improve function and facial harmony

Personalized planning to correct the position of the jaws and achieve a better relationship between bite, function and face.

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When the position of the jaws affects more than the bite

A bite problem cannot always be corrected by moving the teeth alone.

In some patients, the position or size of the maxilla and mandible creates an alteration in the relationship between them. This can affect how the teeth fit together, chewing, closing the mouth and also the harmony of the face.

Orthognathic surgery makes it possible to modify the position of the jaws to achieve a more adequate relationship between the facial structures.

What is orthognathic surgery?

It is a surgical procedure that repositions the maxilla, the mandible or both, according to the characteristics and needs of each patient.

The goal is not only to change the appearance of the face. Planning seeks to integrate function, bite and facial harmony to obtain a balanced result.

In many cases, treatment is carried out together with orthodontics, which prepares the position of the teeth before and after surgery.

When may it be indicated?

Orthognathic surgery may be considered when there is an alteration in the relationship of the jaws that affects function or facial harmony. Some situations may include:

  • 01Protruding or receding lower jaw
  • 02Protruding or receding upper jaw
  • 03Bites that cannot be corrected with orthodontics alone
  • 04Facial asymmetries
  • 05Alterations in the relationship between the maxilla and the mandible
  • 06Functional difficulties related to the position of the jaws

Each case requires an individual evaluation to determine whether surgery is indicated.

Planning that begins long before surgery

Orthognathic surgery requires detailed planning.

Before the procedure, the relationship between the teeth, the jaws and the facial structures is analyzed. From this information, the necessary movements are determined, along with how they can improve the function and harmony of the face.

When treatment requires orthodontics, the maxillofacial surgeon and the orthodontist work in coordination to plan each stage.

Dr. Rodríguez in surgery
The process

How does the process work?

  1. 01
    Consultation

    The characteristics of each patient are studied: bite, function and facial proportions.

  2. 02
    Diagnosis and planning

    The necessary studies are carried out to analyze the position of the jaws and define the surgical movements.

  3. 03
    Preparation

    When indicated, treatment is coordinated with orthodontics to prepare the teeth for the new jaw relationship.

  4. 04
    Surgery

    The jaws are repositioned according to the plan.

  5. 05
    Recovery and follow-up

    After surgery, follow-up is carried out to accompany the recovery and the evolution of the result.

  • Dr. Rodríguez and his team in the operating room
  • Dr. Rodríguez and his team in the operating room
  • Working with magnification loupes during surgery

Function and harmony must work together

Orthognathic surgery does not simply seek to change the shape of the face.

Proper planning considers how the teeth, the jaws and the facial structures work together.

That is why each surgical movement must respond to the particular needs of the patient and the goals set during diagnosis.

Frequently asked

What patients ask before deciding.

No. It can have functional goals related to the bite and the relationship between the jaws. Changes in facial appearance may be part of the result, depending on the case.
In many cases yes, because the position of the teeth needs to be prepared before surgery and the adjustment completed afterwards. Treatment depends on each patient.
Yes. Depending on the alteration, surgery may involve the mandible, the upper jaw or both.
It can correct bite alterations related to the position of the jaws, especially when orthodontics alone is not enough.
The first step is a consultation with a maxillofacial surgeon. From the clinical exam and the corresponding studies, the cause of the problem and the available treatment options can be determined.
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