Jaw Surgery
Dr. Neil Agnihotri is very passionate about Orthognathic Surgery (Jaw Surgery). He is uniquely trained in Craniofacial Surgery (surgery of the face/skull) and has performed hundreds of cases. Jaw surgery provides a permanent solution to not only enhance facial aesthetics, but also to prevent pain and other defects down the road. Facial implants (chin/cheek) along with jaw surgery create a well-rounded facial and profile enhancement.
The ACS Difference
Dr. Agnihotri uses the latest in virtual planning technology to plan, perfect and execute your surgery. Each surgery is different like each patient is different. We custom make each part and piece involved using VSP Orthognathics and 3D imaging systems. These systems are among the greatest in the industry and allow for the most accurate surgery and natural-looking results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I fix my bite?
This depends on the extent of your bite problem. You may have already experienced problems with your bite while other issues may not become apparent for several years. Tooth wear, gum recession, loss of fillings/crowns, and eventual tooth loss are all possible in the future.
Why can't braces alone fix my problem?
- Your bite problem is extensive.
- Your upper and lower jaws are not properly aligned.
- Your bite is “off” because of both crooked teeth and crooked jaws.
- While braces can straighten crooked teeth they cannot straighten crooked jaws.
- Attempting to straighten crooked jaws with braces alone doesn’t work and can injure your teeth/gums.
What are the options for correcting my bite?
The overall possible options to consider include:
- Braces only
- Braces and lower jaw surgery only
- Braces and upper jaw surgery only
- Braces and surgery on both jaws
What determines which of the four options is best to treat my bite problem? What are the options for correcting my bite?
The overall possible options to consider include:
- The evaluation of “complete” facial and dental records and assessment by specialists (surgeon and orthodontist) is necessary. Complete records likely include:
- Molds of your teeth
- Special x-rays (Cephalometric and Panorex)
- Bite registration
- Facial and occlusal photographs
- Consultation with an experienced Orthodontist and Surgeon who are both familiar with the needed orthodontic treatment and surgical care for someone with both a bite and jaw problem is essential.
- The treatment option recommended will be the one that is overall best for your function (bite, speech articulation, breathing and lip closure) and facial appearance In general the two (function and aesthetics) go hand in hand.
What if the wrong treatment option for my bite/jaw problem is chosen?
- The bite may not be corrected despite years of orthodontic treatment
- An initial satisfactory orthodontic bite correction may tend to “relapse” over time. This can result in bone loss around the teeth with gum recession and loosening of the teeth.
- Your facial appearance may also be negatively affected.
Why would a clinician (Orthodontist or Surgeon) recommend a treatment different from the one that you are recommending if it might not solve my problems and may cause complications?
- There are differences in the training and experience level of the different surgeons/orthodontists that you will see. Some have more or less experience with the type of problem that you present with.
- It will be up to you or your family to discern discrepancies/ differences in opinions given.
Why have the opinions that I have received been so different?
- The most common reason has to do with differences in doctors training and experience. Not all of the dentists/surgeons that you will see have an equal level of experience with your specific problem.
- It will be up to you or your family to discern discrepancies/ differences in opinions given.
Can orthognathic surgery be carried out without orthodontic braces?
- The optimal result can only be achieved through a combination of orthodontic treatment and jaw straightening surgery.
- If “surgical” braces are used rather than “orthodontic” braces, injury to the “gums” may occur. In addition, detailing of the bite for the best occlusion would not be possible without simultaneous orthodontic treatment.
How long will I have to wear braces before and after surgery?
I can estimate of the amount of time pre-surgical orthodontic treatment will be required, but a specific answer can only be given once you have been seen by an experienced orthodontist.
Is the jaw straightening surgery considered cosmetic?
Jaw surgery which improves function including (bite, speech articulation, breathing, lip closure and relief from myofascial pain) is usually considered as medically necessary- However many patients are pleased to have better facial balance and aesthetics.
The Results
