At Berkowitz Orthodontics we are a leader and one of the  most experienced orthodontic offices in the country in managing patients requiring orthodontics and orthognathic surgery to treat severe skeletal malocclusions.

Orthognathic, or corrective jaw surgery, is often required with certain Orthodontic problems to correct a wide range of minor and major skeletal and dental irregularities, including the misalignment of jaws and teeth. A patient’s ability to chew, speak and breathe can be enhanced by correcting the alignment of his or her occlusion. While a patient’s appearance may be enhanced as a result of surgery, Orthognathic surgery is performed to correct functional problems.

The following are some of the conditions that may indicate the need for orthognathic surgery:
– Facial trauma
– Skeletal open bite (space between the upper and lower teeth when the jaws are closed)
– Facial and jaw (mandibular) asymmetries
– Unbalanced facial appearance from the front, or side caused by skeletal discrepancy
– Congenital defects and skeletal/craniofacial deformities including:
– Cleft lip and/or palate
– Crouzon Syndrome
– Apert Syndrome
– Treacher Collins Syndrome
– Pierre Robin Syndrome
– Small/deficient chin position
– Retruded (small) lower jaw and profile
– Protruding jaws (maxillary and mandibular) and underbites and crossbites

Who benefits from Orthodontics or Corrective Jaw Surgery?

Patients who may benefit from Orthognathic surgery include those with an improper bite resulting from misaligned jaws. In some cases, the upper and lower jaws may grow at different rates. Trauma/Injuries and birth defects may also affect jaw alignment. While orthodontics can usually correct the misalignment of teeth, orthognathic surgery is necessary to correct the misalignment of the skeletal components/jaws.

At Berkowitz Orthodontics we will diagnostically determine whether you are a candidate for Orthognathic surgery. Orthognathic surgery may reposition all or part of the upper jaw, lower jaw, and chin. When you are fully informed about your needs and your treatment options, we will determine the course of treatment that is best for you along with a referral to an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon.

What Steps are Involved in Corrective Jaw Surgery?

-Pre-Surgical Orthodontics… we at Berkowitz Orthodontics will move your teeth to an ideal position on your jaws that will fit together predictably after surgery.  Once we align your teeth the surgeon will reposition your jaws with surgery, and your teeth will fit together properly.

-Surgery… As your pre-surgical orthodontic treatment nears completion, updated records, including radiograph images, photographic images, and diagnostic models of your teeth will be taken to help guide your surgery. Its most important to note Dr. Berkowitz works with the finest, well trained and experienced Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons in a “TEAM” environment.

-Post Surgical Orthodontics… After surgery, Dr. Berkowitz will finalize and idealize all aspects of esthetics and occlusion (bite) prior to completion of treatment.