Jaw (orthognathic) Surgery

• Developmental or growth

• Long or short lower jaw
• Long or short upper jaw
• Combination of both
• Asymmetry

• Trauma

• Jaw deformities following accidents

• Cleft lip/ palate and craniofacial syndromes

• Craniofacial syndromes such as hemifacial microsomia, Crouzon, Apert and cleft deformities
• Dento-facial deformities (orthognathic conditions) where the lower jaw (mandible) or upper jaw (maxilla) is anatomically small (hypoplastic)
• Deformities arising from cancer or tumour surgeries
• Atrophied or “flat” jaw bone that is insufficient for dental implant placement.

As for any surgical technique, there are advantages and disadvantages.

• No necessity for bone grafts to be taken from another part of the skeleton. This prevents post-operative discomfort and additional surgical risks.
• The facial soft tissue is also stretched. As a result, the long term risk of relapse is minimized.
• Predictable, with minimal infection.
• Rapid healing. If dental implants are planned, it can be performed in two months.

• Distractors may uncomfortable or if, external, visible.
• Inconvenience to patients. Patient may have to attend the surgeon’s practice every day during the distraction.
• Second surgery is required to remove the distractor
• Added cost of the distractor.
• Distractors may occasionally fail.