Corrective Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery)

in Scottsdale, AZ

What Is Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery)?

Corrective jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, is a type of oral and maxillofacial surgery used to fix problems with the alignment of your jaws and teeth. If your jaws don’t line up properly, it can affect your bite, your ability to chew or speak, and even your appearance. This specialized procedure brings the upper jaw (maxilla), lower jaw (mandible), or both into better alignment.

At The Pogue Center, we offer advanced jaw surgery services in Scottsdale, AZ, to help patients improve their oral function, relieve discomfort, and enhance facial balance. Whether you're dealing with a congenital condition, facial trauma, or long-term bite issues, we’re here to help restore comfort and confidence.

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Overview of Corrective Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery)

Orthognathic surgery is a carefully planned, step-by-step process that combines the latest in surgical technology and compassionate care.

  1. Initial Consultation: We begin with a full exam and detailed imaging, such as 3D cone beam scans, to precisely evaluate your jaw structure.
  2. Treatment Planning: Your treatment may require that we work closely with your orthodontist to design a surgical plan tailored to your needs. Braces may be used before and after surgery to help align the teeth.
  3. The Surgery: Performed under anesthesia/sedation prescribed by your surgeon for your safety and comfort, the procedure may involve repositioning your upper jaw, lower jaw, chin, or all three, depending on your case.
  4. Advanced Tools & Techniques: We use state-of-the-art technology and minimally invasive surgical techniques to reduce discomfort and improve healing.

Who Performs Corrective Jaw Surgery?

At The Pogue Center, all jaw surgeries are performed by a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon. That means your surgeon has completed years of advanced surgical training beyond dental school and passed rigorous national exams to earn this elite credential.

Why board certification matters:

  • It ensures your oral and maxillofacial surgeon has demonstrated the highest level of expertise.
  • It reflects a commitment to patient safety and clinical excellence.
  • It means you're in the hands of a trusted surgical specialist with years of training in surgical procedures and anesthesia administration.

Serving Scottsdale, AZ, our practice is led by a highly trained, compassionate oral and maxillofacial surgery specialist who understands the importance of both function and aesthetics when it comes to jaw correction.

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Who Can Benefit From Corrective Jaw Surgery?

Orthognathic surgery may be right for you if you experience:
  • A misaligned bite (underbite, overbite, or crossbite)
  • Chronic jaw pain or TMJ issues
  • Difficulty chewing or swallowing
  • Speech challenges due to jaw alignment
  • Facial imbalance or asymmetry
  • Obstructive sleep apnea related to jaw position
  • Jaw growth issues (too much or too little growth)
If you're in Scottsdale, AZ, and any of the above sounds familiar, a consultation with our oral and maxillofacial surgeon can help determine if you're a candidate for jaw surgery.

Symptoms That May Indicate the Need for Jaw (Orthognathic) Surgery:

  • Chronic jaw pain or TMJ discomfort
  • Difficulty biting, chewing, or swallowing food
  • Misaligned bite (underbite, overbite, crossbite, or open bite)
  • Jaw that appears too far forward or too far back
  • Facial imbalance or asymmetry (e.g., one side of the face looks different than the other)
  • Speech problems or slurred speech due to jaw misalignment
  • Frequent biting of the cheek or tongue
  • Mouth breathing or inability to close lips comfortably
  • Jaw that shifts or clicks when opening or closing
  • Obstructive sleep apnea or snoring caused by jaw position
  • Worn-down teeth from poor bite alignment
  • Open bite (front teeth don't touch when the mouth is closed)
  • A protruding jaw that affects facial appearance or self-confidence
  • Injury or trauma to the jaw that disrupted normal alignment
  • Jaw growth abnormalities from birth or developmental issues
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, click here to schedule a consultation with our board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon in Scottsdale, AZ.

Conditions That May Require Jaw (Orthognathic) Surgery to Correct Functional or Structural Problems:

  • Skeletal Malocclusion: When the jaws don’t align properly, even with orthodontics
  • Mandibular Prognathism: An overly prominent lower jaw (underbite)
  • Maxillary Hypoplasia: An underdeveloped upper jaw (can cause midface deficiency)
  • Retrognathia: A receded lower jaw (overbite)
  • Open Bite: Upper and lower front teeth don’t touch when the mouth is closed
  • Crossbite: Upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth when biting down
  • Facial Asymmetry: Uneven jaw growth or trauma causing imbalance
  • Congenital Jaw Deformities: Jaw abnormalities present from birth (e.g., cleft palate-related issues)
  • Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Jaw position contributes to airway blockage during sleep
  • Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD/TMJ): Chronic jaw joint pain related to alignment issues
  • Traumatic Jaw Injuries: Fractures or dislocations that didn’t heal correctly
  • Jaw Tumors or Cysts: Requiring surgical removal and reconstruction
  • Malnutrition Due to Chewing Difficulties: Caused by a severe bite or jaw misalignment
  • Speech Disorders: Resulting from improper jaw position affecting tongue and lip function
  • Excessive Tooth Wear: From a poor bite leading to premature enamel loss

Empowering Patients Through Education: Informed Consent and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Videos

At The Pogue Center, we’re dedicated to providing the best oral and maxillofacial surgery experience, and part of that means upholding the highest ethical standards. As part of this commitment, we offer a comprehensive Patient Library.

In our Patient Library, you will find special videos designed to promote transparency, reduce anxiety, and ensure every patient feels confident and well-informed before treatment.

  • Informed Consent Videos help patients understand the risks and benefits.
  • General Education videos and our other resources help patients fully understand the procedures, the preparation, and the recovery phases.