Orthognathic Surgery (Corrective and Cosmetic Jaw Surgery)
In some patients, orthodontics (braces) alone will not align the teeth and jaws into a harmonious and esthetically pleasing position. In those instances, orthognathic surgery is required to surgically reposition the upper and/or lower jaws into a correct anatomic position in relation to the remainder of the face. The upper or lower jaw is precisely cut and moved into a new appropriate position and stabilized with mini-plates. The surgeon can control the position of the jaws in all three dimensions of space to achieve a functional and esthetically pleasing result. In conjunction with upper and lower jaw surgery, other bony structures of the face can be augmented. The chin and cheek bones can be enhanced or reduced, depending on the patient's needs. Facial asymmetries can be corrected with orthognathic surgery, bony augmentation, and/or facial implants. Each individual patient has specific needs and a treatment plan can be formulated after a thorough clinical and radiographic examination.
During his residency, Dr. Jo received extensive training in orthognathic surgery under the proctorship of nationally and internationally recognized leaders in this field. He was trained utilizing techniques that offer the most stable long-term results. Dr. Jo works closely with the referring orthodontist to develop an ideal treatment plan of each surgical candidate. Dr. Jo will study the models and x-rays to determine the exact movements required to achieve optimal functional and esthetic results. Although a lot of work and effort go into performing orthognathic surgery, Dr. Jo truly enjoys providing this service for his patients because it truly is a life-changing event for his patients due to the immediate and drastic results.
Below are before and after x-rays of patients that underwent surgical correction of oversized or undersized jaws,
correction of facial asymmetries, genioplasties (chin surgery), and surgery of the facial skeleton.
