In simple terms, Orthognathic treatment requires the combined expertise of a general dentist, an orthodontist and an oral surgeon. The surgery is to correct upper or lower jaws that are too big, too small, too forward and set too far back, resulting in overbite, underbite, an open bite and excess upper gums.

Crooked teeth, abnormal occlusions, gap can be corrected with a fixed appliance better known as braces. There are metal and ceramic braces used in this treatment. The choice will be determined by a patient’s preference.

In lament terms, such surgery is for the purpose of reconstructing the upper or lower jaws.

Insufficient jaw bone may hinder teeth restorations such as dental implants and may be required in other dental or corrective surgery such as Oro-Maxillofacial Surgery (see below).

Wisdom teeth are usually impacted (buried) in the jaw bone due to insufficient space for its eruption.