Orthognathic / Jaw Surgery
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Jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery is performed by oral-maxillofacial surgeons, who are dentists that have undergone further medical and surgical training in a hospital for five or more years to obtain a specialty license.
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Alignment of the teeth to improve the bite
TMJ: To remove pressure/pain on the jaw joints that arise from improper bites
To move the position of the jaw to open the airway to facilitate breathing during sleep and while awake
Since the jaws form the underlying structure of the face, Jaw Surgery does have the ability to change the balance of the face. Symmetry and balance are the natural cosmetic outcomes that arise from achieving proper alignment and functional optimization.
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The process consists of a presurgical planning phase that is not covered by OHIP but may be covered by private dental insurance. Due to the precision fit of the teeth, the effect on the jaw joint and airway, Jaw Surgery needs to be precisely planned using 3D models and CT scans. From this surgical blueprint, a 3D-printed template is created which allows the surgeon to achieve the precision of the surgical outcome. This planning takes many hours and is not covered by OHIP as it occurs outside of the hospital in private Oral Surgery offices.
The actual surgery and hospital stay is often covered by OHIP. However, it would not be possible to perform this procedure in the absence of the CT scans, planning and 3D printing of guides in order to make improvements in all of the three critical areas of the bite, TMJ and airway.