In some individuals, abnormal growth of the upper and/or lower jaw may cause facial imbalance, which leads to dysfunctions such as bad bite, jaw pain, inability to chew food and an abnormal facial appearance. These individuals may be candidates for correction of these deformities with procedures collectively referred to as orthognathic surgery.

Proper correction usually requires the surgeon to work with an orthodontist to help straighten and align the teeth in such a way so that the teeth will achieve a normal bite once the jaw(s) are surgically moved into their proper position.

The process normally requires twelve to eighteen months to accomplish both the orthodontic and surgical phases of the patient’s care. Improvements in facial appearance, bite and function are often dramatic.

This type of procedure is frequently covered by health insurance to some extent.