Hi there, had a question about jaw surgery. I have a pretty good bite(upper
and lower teeth line up properly), but my lower jaw looks a bit recessed. I
had an overbite as a kid, and my orthodontist put me in headgear to stop the
upper jaw from growing. Nowadays I suppose most orthos would have used an
herbst appliance to allow the lower jaw to grow instead(sorry, not trying to
play amateur ortho, I've just heard that a lot of orthos arent using
headgear anymore for this specific reason). So now to the jaw surgery
question - if my bite is aligned properly, would the only way to obtain a
stronger looking lower jaw entail moving BOTH jaws forward? I dont think
Ive ever read about this particular type of surgery - I was just wondering
if it was ever actually done(I suppose if you're bite is fine most
orthognathic surgeons would suggest leaving things alone, which I will in
all likelikhood end up doing). I am very curious though, any info would be
greatly appreciated, thanks.
> Hi there, had a question about jaw surgery. I have a pretty good bite(upper
> and lower teeth line up properly), but my lower jaw looks a bit recessed. I
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
> all likelikhood end up doing). I am very curious though, any info would be
> greatly appreciated, thanks.
Hopefully Dave King will comment. Your bite must be related to various
landmarks on the skull for reference. If you just have a weak chin, it
could be as simple as a chin augmentation or advance--or not. You
really need to be examined. If your ortho is still in practice, he/she
may be a good place to start.
Good luck,
Steve

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Mark & Steven Bornfeld DDS
http://www.dentaltwins.com
Brooklyn, NY
718-258-5001
Dave King - 27 Jun 2006 14:44 GMT
>> Hi there, had a question about jaw surgery. I have a pretty good bite(upper
>> and lower teeth line up properly), but my lower jaw looks a bit recessed. I
[quoted text clipped - 19 lines]
>Good luck,
>Steve
As Jules would say...exactamundo.
I would guess only the lower jaw and/or chin (genioplasty) could
remedy the skeletal discrepancy. If the upper & lower incisors are far
apart from each other, stronger arguement for lower jaw advancement.
If they do indeed come together nicely and you get the lettuce in the
sandwich when you bite, lucky you. Genioplasty is far less invasive
and can be done in the office with sedation/general anesthesia. Jaw
advancement is typically a hospital based procedure with an over-night
stay.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
David A. King, D.M.D.
Diplomate, American Board of OMS
Fellow, American Association of OMS
HTTP://WWW.DEOMFS.COM