Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery) in Townsville

Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery) Assessment and Planning in Townsville

Orthognathic surgery, commonly known as jaw surgery, is a specialised surgical procedure that corrects significant skeletal discrepancies of the upper jaw, lower jaw, or chin that cannot be adequately addressed through orthodontic treatment alone. Jaw misalignment can cause functional problems with biting, chewing, and breathing, as well as aesthetic concerns related to facial balance and symmetry. At verified Townsville dental clinics, we play a central role in the orthognathic surgery pathway — providing initial assessment, diagnostic imaging, pre-surgical orthodontic preparation, and post-surgical dental care in collaboration with oral and maxillofacial surgeons.

The Australian Dental Association recognises that orthognathic surgery, when performed as part of a coordinated orthodontic-surgical treatment plan, can achieve significant functional and aesthetic improvements that positively impact patients’ quality of life. Research published in the Australian Dental Journal and the International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery confirms that contemporary orthognathic surgery, supported by 3D planning and precise surgical techniques, delivers highly predictable outcomes with high patient satisfaction rates. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare notes that malocclusion affects a significant proportion of Australians, with a subset requiring surgical correction for optimal outcomes.

We provide jaw surgery assessment and planning for patients from across the Townsville region, including Aitkenvale, Kirwan, Cranbrook, Douglas, Hyde Park, North Ward, Castle Hill, Mundingburra, Pimlico, South Townsville, Belgian Gardens, Annandale, Thuringowa, Kelso, Bohle Plains, Idalia, Bushland Beach, Burdell, Jensen, Deeragun, Mount Louisa, Rasmussen, Condon, Vincent, Wulguru, Stuart, Oonoonba, Hermit Park, Rosslea, Currajong, Garbutt, Heatley, Murray, and Gulliver.

When Is Jaw Surgery Recommended?

Orthognathic surgery may be appropriate for patients with:

• Severe underbite (Class III malocclusion): The lower jaw protrudes significantly beyond the upper jaw, causing difficulty biting and chewing
• Severe overbite (Class II malocclusion): The upper jaw is significantly forward of the lower jaw, often resulting in a recessed chin and potential airway narrowing
• Open bite: The front teeth do not meet when the back teeth are closed, making biting into food difficult
• Facial asymmetry: One side of the jaw is longer or differently positioned than the other, causing an uneven bite and appearance
• Obstructive sleep apnoea: Jaw advancement surgery (maxillomandibular advancement) can significantly enlarge the airway and is one of the most effective surgical treatments for OSA
• Facial trauma: Previous jaw fractures that have healed in a misaligned position
• Failed orthodontic treatment: Cases where orthodontics alone cannot achieve an adequate result due to the skeletal nature of the problem

The Jaw Surgery Treatment Pathway

The orthognathic surgery journey is a multidisciplinary process involving our Townsville dental team and an oral and maxillofacial surgeon:

Phase 1: Assessment and Planning (verified Townsville dental clinics)

• Comprehensive clinical examination of the teeth, bite, and jaw alignment
• Digital X-rays, panoramic radiographs, and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanning
• Dental impressions or 3D digital scans for study models
• Photographic records including facial and intra-oral photographs
• Discussion of goals, expectations, and treatment options
• Referral to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for surgical consultation

Phase 2: Pre-Surgical Orthodontics (12 to 24 months)

• Braces or clear aligners to align the teeth within each jaw, preparing them for the planned surgical jaw repositioning
• Regular orthodontic adjustments at verified Townsville dental clinics
• Final records and surgical planning using 3D imaging and virtual surgical planning software

Phase 3: Surgery (Hospital)

• Performed under general anaesthetic by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon
• The jaw bones are precisely repositioned according to the surgical plan and secured with titanium plates and screws
• Hospital stay of one to two nights

Phase 4: Post-Surgical Orthodontics and Dental Care (verified Townsville dental clinics)

• Fine-tuning of tooth positions with orthodontics for three to six months after surgery
• Regular reviews to monitor healing, bite stability, and aesthetics
• Long-term dental care including check-ups, hygiene maintenance, and any restorative work needed

Types of Jaw Surgery

• Le Fort I osteotomy: Repositioning of the upper jaw (maxilla) — can move it forward, backward, up, or down
• Bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO): Repositioning of the lower jaw (mandible) — commonly used to correct underbite or overbite
• Genioplasty: Repositioning of the chin bone to improve facial profile and balance
• Bimaxillary surgery: Simultaneous surgery on both jaws for complex cases
• Maxillomandibular advancement (MMA): Forward movement of both jaws, primarily for obstructive sleep apnoea

Why Choose verified Townsville dental clinics for Jaw Surgery Planning?

verified Townsville dental clinics provides comprehensive orthodontic and dental management as part of the jaw surgery pathway. verified dental clinics works closely with experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeons in Townsville to deliver coordinated, patient-centred care from initial assessment through to long-term follow-up. We use advanced 3D imaging and digital planning technology to support precise surgical outcomes. Serving patients across Townsville and surrounding suburbs including Aitkenvale, Kirwan, Douglas, Cranbrook, and Hyde Park, we are committed to helping you achieve a healthy, functional, and balanced result. Contact us today to arrange your initial assessment.