Orthognathic (Jaw) Surgery in Alexandria, VA

Orthognathic (jaw) surgery, sometimes referred to as corrective jaw surgery, is an oral and maxillofacial procedure performed to treat a misaligned bite, facial deformities of the mouth or jaw, and extreme overbites (malocclusion), among other concerns. When the upper and lower jaws are out of alignment, it can cause the chin to protrude or recess, resulting in both aesthetic flaws and functional challenges. As board-certified oral surgeons in Alexandria, VA, Drs. Edward Delgado and Michael Kuzmik are exceptionally skilled at performing complex jaw surgeries to treat these dental and skeletal abnormalities and improve a patient's ability to speak, breathe, and eat with greater ease. During this process, the top or bottom jaw might be augmented or repositioned to help align the teeth and jaw. Learn more about the benefits of corrective jaw surgery by scheduling a consultation at Drs. Delgado & Kuzmik P.C. Alexandria.

Jaw surgery may be ideal for children or adult patients who have minor to more severe forms of skeletal or dental irregularities. Often, jaw surgery may be combined with orthodontic treatments to best meet a patient's oral health and functional needs. During your personalized consultation at Drs. Delgado and Kuzmik P.C. Alexandria, one of our skilled oral and maxillofacial surgeons will assess how your teeth fit together when you bite down, your jaw and facial profile, and the positioning of your upper and lower jaws. Our team will collaborate with your referring dentist or orthodontist to devise a treatment strategy that best addresses your concerns and oral needs. You may benefit from corrective jaw surgery if you have:

• Difficulty biting or chewing
• Trouble speaking or swallowing
• Congenital or facial deformities
• Protruded or recessed chin
• Severe bite or jaw misalignment
• Mouth breathing, sleep apnea, or other breathing disorders
• Advanced temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues

Before developing your treatment plan, Drs. Delgado or Kuzmik will conduct a thorough examination of your jaw and facial structures and take x-rays or iCAT™ 3D images to determine the surgical approach best suited for your unique needs. Orthognathic jaw surgery is typically carried out under general anesthesia at a hospital or accredited surgical facility. To perform the procedure, our oral surgeons may reshape and manipulate the bone, cartilage, and other tissues within the face to realign the upper and lower jaws and teeth. When possible, minor incisions will be made on the inside of your mouth to help avoid any visible scars. Surgical plates, screws, and wires made of biocompatible materials may be used to hold your jaw in its new place. If needed, bone grafts or tissue regeneration factors may be implemented to help strengthen your jaw and enhance healing.

Once your jaw surgery is complete, you will need to have a family member or friend drive you home. Our oral surgeons may recommend that you take about 1 – 3 weeks to rest and heal before resuming your normal work or school schedule. Prior to your surgery, Drs. Delgado or Kuzmik will discuss aftercare instructions, such as any diet limitations, when and how to take pain medications, and the best way to clean your mouth as you heal. Follow-up appointments may also be scheduled at our Alexandria, VA facility to enable our team to evaluate your recovery. Your jaw will probably need about 12 weeks to completely heal before any orthodontic or other treatments can resume or begin.

Since corrective jaw surgery may be medically necessary to enhance oral function, it may be covered in part under a number of insurances. Our front desk team will talk with your insurance company ahead of time and learn the details about coverage for your procedure. To help patients cover any out-of-pocket costs, Drs. Delgado & Kuzmik P.C. Alexandria accepts several convenient payment options, including special patient financing through CareCredit®.

Along with improving the alignment of the teeth and jaws to improve eating, speaking, and other oral functions, orthognathic surgery can also address a protruded or receded chin to enhance your facial profile. Drs. Delgado and Kuzmik are extremely skilled at performing jaw surgery and are a trusted source of complex, intricate oral and maxillofacial surgery care. If you or a loved one may be in need of jaw surgery, please schedule an appointment with us at Drs. Delgado & Kuzmik P.C. Alexandria.