Oral Surgery Associates
Get Appointment

Jaw Surgery

Orthognathic Surgery

Corrective Jaw Surgery

Orthognathic surgery is needed when the top and bottom jaws don’t meet correctly and/or teeth don’t adequately fit within the jaw. Teeth are straightened with orthodontics, and corrective jaw surgery repositions a misaligned jaw. This not only improves facial appearance, but also ensures that teeth meet correctly and function properly.

Orthognathic Surgery (Top)

Orthognathic Surgery (Bottom)

Who Needs (Orthognathic) Jaw Surgery?

People who can benefit from (orthognathic) jaw surgery include those with an improper bite, or jaws that are positioned incorrectly. Jaw growth is a gradual process and in some instances, the upper and lower jaws may grow at different rates. 

The result can be a host of problems that may affect chewing function, speech, or long-term oral health and appearance. Injury to the jaw and birth defects can also affect jaw alignment. Orthodontics alone can correct bite problems when only the teeth are involved. (Orthognathic) jaw surgery may be required for the jaws when repositioning is necessary.

Difficulty in the following areas should be evaluated:

  • Difficulty in chewing, biting, or swallowing
  • Speech problems
  • Chronic jaw or TMJ pain
  • Open bite
  • Protruding jaw
  • Breathing problems

Any of these symptoms can exist at birth, be acquired after birth as a result of hereditary or environmental influences, or as a result of trauma to the face. Before any treatment begins, a consultation will be held to perform a complete examination with x-rays. 

During the pre-treatment consultation process, feel free to ask any questions that you have regarding your treatment. When you are fully informed about the aspects of your care, you and your dental team can make the decision to proceed with treatment together.

Orthognathic Surgery Presentation

To provide you with a better understanding of jaw surgery, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to orthognathic surgery are discussed.

Technology & Orthognathic Surgery

Dr. Kintz, Dr. Dingman and Dr. Bezak use modern computer-aided techniques and three-dimensional models to show you exactly how your surgery will be approached. Using comprehensive facial x-rays and computer video imaging, we can show you how your bite will be improved and even give you an idea of how you’ll look after surgery. This helps you understand the surgical process and the extent of the proposed treatment.

If you are a candidate for corrective jaw surgery, Drs. Kintz, Dingman or Bezak will work closely with your dentist and orthodontist during your treatment. The actual jaw surgery can move your teeth and jaws into a new position that results in a more attractive, functional, and healthy dental-facial relationship.

What to Expect

pano Oral Surgery by Oral Surgery Associates of Grand Rapids

  • Corrective jaw surgery is a significant intervention requiring many months of preparation and weeks of postoperative recovery.
  • The surgery is performed in the hospital and can last between one to four hours.
  • Hospital stays of one to three days are normal.
  • Braces are maintained during surgery and may need to be removed six to twelve months after surgery.
  • The greatest impact of orthognathic surgery is the recovery phase.
  • Patients typically may be off work/school from two weeks to one month after surgery.
  • Return to normal chewing function may take 2 months and full
    function may take one year.
  • Our goal is to ensure you are well taken care of during and after surgery.
  • Weekly appointments may be required for up to two months after surgery.

What Our Patients Say

I was extremely nervous to get my wisdom teeth removed, but my experience here could not have been better. Scheduling appointments over the phone was quick and easy, I was always greeted by name for my appointments, and the follow up care was great! Dr Dingman did a wonderful job explaining everything and was always open to questions. Every person that assisted me at any point along the process was absolutely amazing! While I don’t hope I need any other procedures soon, I know that if I ever do, I am in the best hands here!
- Bailey S
Absolutely the best oral surgery experience anyone could ask for.
- Janet G
Very friendly staff. I had Dr. Bezak and he was very personable and kind. He did a fantastic job with the surgery. I would recommend OSA to anyone.
- Keara V
Confident, that is how I feel about this procedure. Prepping for an implant, and I am sure that will be a breeze. I hope to not need OSA again, but if I do, I will be confident that I will be taken care of.
- Michael H
Dr. Kintz is amazing! My daughter first saw him 10yrs ago for 2 extractions at the age of 6yr. old. Last week she had all 4 impacted wisdom teeth removed. He has the best bed side manner and is so friendly. He put us both at ease and did a wonderful job. She was in quite a bit of pain the next day due to the depth of her top wisdom teeth, and who called me back after leaving a message with the emergency staff…… none other than Dr. Kintz himself. He goes above and beyond and you feel it from the first meeting. He is exceptional!!!!
- Stephanie S
My father was the patient and was referred over to Dr.Kintz. I just wanted to let everyone at your office know what a great environment you have and how friendly everyone was. I also work in healthcare and unfortunately people hear more about the bad than the good. Huge thank you to everyone and especially Dr.Kintz for squeezing my father in to have the actual extractions done today.
- Ema C
Dr. Kintz is the best! Very gentle, very patient, and super kind. I have had extractions and implants. I wouldn’t go to any other doctor.
- Noelle H
Thank you to all of the staff at Oral Surgery Associates, you are all very informative, by answering any and all questions. You are understanding to the patient and their concerns and that life happens. I thank you all very much for everything. I will highly recommend you to anyone!
- Stephanie F
DR. KINTZ IS THE GREATEST. HE IS SO GENTLE AND HAS GREAT BESIDE MANNER.
- Tiffani J
My appointment was for a dental extraction, which was my initial preference versus undergoing root canal and crown procedures. But unbeknownst to me, the extraction was a high risk proposition due to my currently rather complex health condition. Yet, without objection or elaboration, two general dentists I had earlier consulted had independently asserted that the extraction was understandable and presently doable, but definitely should be performed by an oral surgeon. In later preparation for the extraction, however, Dr.Kintz immediately recognized certain risks associated with the extraction at this particular time, and after promptly conversing with the second dentist I had consulted, strongly advocated having a dental specialist (endodontist) perform an immediate root canal procedure as the best present action to be taken. He explained that doing the extraction now could possibly result in significant consequences that ought to be avoided if at all possible. I greatly appreciated Dr. Kintz’s unhesitating professional and ethical assessment of this situation and the advice rendered in reversing my initial intentions. His recommendations were unequivocally endorsed and successfully performed the same day by a highly regarded dental specialist to whom I was referred.
- Ron N
I would not think twice about having these guys help you out. They are great
- Wendy Y
I was very impressed with the new office, since I have had appointments at the previous location in the past. The new building is so clean & modern! I love the décor and all the modern updates….it’s very high tech. I have also been extremely happy with the care I have received from Dr. Dingman and his staff. The procedures relating to my extraction and implant were a bit anxiety inducing but I quickly found that there was no need to be anxious. Dr. Dingman made me feel very comfortable and I had little to no pain & no complications. My follow up appointments have been thorough, but at the same time, quick & easy. I appreciate all the staff at Oral Surgery Associates for all their help & care during my implant process & I love, love, LOVE the new office!
- Carrie W
image

Procedures

Grand Rapids

Grandville

What Sets Us Apart?

Oral Surgery Associates is committed to providing top-tier care utilizing the latest techniques and technology. Our team, trained in advanced procedures like I.V. sedation, offers a full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgeries, ensuring comfort and high-quality results in their state-of-the-art facilities.
Contact Us