Toowoomba

Jaw Surgery

Dr Andrew MacMillan is a leading oral and maxillofacial surgeon providing ​jaw surgery​ in​ Toowoomba to correct and repair jaw disorders, conditions and irregularities.

Jaw surgery​ is often referred to as orthognathic surgery, but is more commonly known as ​corrective jaw surgery​ or ​jaw alignment surgery. These surgical procedures correct jaw bone irregularities and realign the jaws to improve functionality and, in some cases, improve facial appearance, if orthodontics can’t resolve the issue.

Generally, ​corrective jaw surgery ​is a last-resort option after other techniques have failed to correct the issue, and is a surgical procedure suitable for patients whose growth has stopped (usually 14 to 16 for females and 17 to 21 for males).

Do you need jaw surgery?

Corrective jaw surgery ​brings the upper and lower ​jaws​ into ​alignment​. It can result in a more balanced lower face that improves facial appearance and may also help to improve self-esteem. More specifically, these surgical procedures can provide improvements for people with speech impediments, improved teeth and dental functionality, and improved breathing, chewing, swallowing and sleep, which can improve overall health. ​Corrective jaw surgery​ or ​jaw alignment surgery ​may be required to correct:

  • Issues relating to biting and chewing
  • Facial asymmetry issues like underbites, overbites and crossbites
  • Open bite and other jaw closure issues
  • Speech and swallowing issues
  • Teeth grinding and excessive wear
  • Birth defects and facial injuries.
Jaw surgery ​can also be used to provide relief for obstructive sleep apnea and relieve pain caused by jaw issues including temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. Jaw surgery is performed on the upper (maxillary osteotomy) or lower jaw (mandibular osteotomy), the chin (genioplasty) or a combination of these three areas.

 
  • Upper jaw surgery (maxillary osteotomy)
    Conditions usually treated with ​corrective jaw surgery​ for the upper jaw include crossbite, open bite, receding or protruding jaw, and midfacial hypoplasia, which is reduced growth of the middle area of the face.
 
  • Lower jaw surgery (mandibular osteotomy)
    Lower jaw surgery is known as mandibular osteotomy and is usually performed to correct either a receding or protruding lower jaw.
 
  • Chin surgery (genioplasty)
    Genioplasty is performed to correct a small or deficient chin. As a small chin is often accompanied by a receding lower jaw, genioplasty and lower jaw surgery (mandibular osteotomy) are often performed together.

If you could benefit from​ jaw surgery​ in Toowoomba, or you’ve been referred by a doctor, ​contact us​ to book a consultation or learn more about the ​jaw alignment and jaw corrective​ procedures we offer at our oral and maxillofacial clinics.