Orthognathic Surgery

Orthognathic surgery is also known as corrective jaw surgery. This complex procedure surgically aligns the upper and lower jaws, producing life-changing results and restoring a patient’s self-esteem. Jaw surgery is ideal for patients who have a receding or protruding chin, bite problems, or experience facial pain due to the jaws not lining up properly.

Dr. Galea and Dr. Hammon are board-certified oral and maxillofacial sugeons. Through state-of-the-art techniques and compassionate care, Dr. Galea and Dr. Hammon create remarkable outcomes for their patients at Northern Nevada Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery.

When is Orthognathic Surgery Necessary?

If you experience ongoing facial or oral pain, or have noticed that your jaws and facial structures appear asymmetrical, you may be a candidate for jaw surgery. This treatment is also necessary for those who experience:

• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Difficulty fully opening or closing the mouth
• Teeth not lining up correctly when closing the mouth
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain
• Facial imbalance, including a receding or protruding chin
• Facial trauma
• Birth defects or craniofacial abnormalities

The Orthognathic Surgery Procedure

During your consultation appointment, Dr. Galea or Dr. Hammon will take detailed digital 3D scanning of your mouth and face to assess your condition. We can even show you how your face and bite will look after surgery. Our practice offers all forms of anesthesia and sedation, but you can expect to undergo general anesthesia during corrective jaw surgery.

Corrective jaw surgery requires many months of preparation. The surgery is performed in a hospital and can last 1–4 hours. You will likely stay in the hospital for up to 3 days following surgery. Your orthodontist will use braces to maintain proper tooth placement, but may be removed 6–12 months after surgery. Patients typically are off from work or school for 2–4 weeks following surgery.

While this process may seem lengthy, you can expect to achieve full function in about 1 year and will enjoy the remarkable benefits for the rest of your life. Dr. Galea and Dr. Hammon will provide detailed instructions to guide you through every step of your journey, and we are always here to help you if you have questions at any point.

Realign Jaws Through Oral Surgery in Reno and Sparks, NV

If you are seeking treatment for difficulties or pain in your jaws, contact Northern Nevada Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery in Reno and Sparks, Nevada. Dr. Christopher Galea or Dr. Broc Hammon will evaluate your health and create a treatment plan that helps you achieve facial balance, breathe easier, and feel confident about your smile’s appearance and function.