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 Presentation
To provide you with a better understanding of orthognathic surgery, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to orthognathic surgery are discussed.
Who needs orthognathic surgery?
People who can benefit from orthognathic 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 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.
Technology & Orthognathic Surgery
Dr. Stivers uses 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, Dr. Stivers will work closely with your dentist and orthodontist during your treatment. The actual 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
- Corrective jaw surgery is a significant intervention requiring many months of preparation.
- 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 are required for up to two months after surgery.
Looking For An Exceptional Oral Surgeon?
Dr. Stivers can treat a variety of problems related to the mouth, teeth and facial regions. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
Puget Sound Oral Surgery
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I would give Dr. Stivers & his Assistant Tina 10 Stars! I had been dealing with an infected tooth since the end of February, and due to COVID-19 hitting Seattle, kept not being able to get an appointment for Oral Surgery where I go for dental care. I took two rounds of antibiotics as I kept trying and trying to get an appointment. On April 2nd, the tooth got worse and my Primary Care Doctor gave me more antibiotics. I continued to keep calling everywhere to get an appointment with an Oral Surgeon, and on Friday, April 3rd I called Dr. Stivers office and they agreed to treat me and I was scheduled for April 6th. Dr. Strivers and Tina came in just to treat me, and they were wonderful. It was a tooth under a bridge and Dr. Strivers did a great job of getting it out. After I got home, he and his office called to see how I was doing and he kept stressing that I could call or text him anytime. What a wonderful, caring Dentist! I so appreciated Dr. Stivers getting back to me so rapidly, and his assurances that I could contact him anytime. What had become a painful and frightening experience for me was resolved finally with kindness and expertise. I have healed well, and I can't thank Dr. Stivers and Tina enough for agreeing to open the clinic and treat me, so thank you both from the bottom of my heart for what you did for me
- Janice W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
If I could give them 6 stars I would! Dr. Stivers was so kind and down to earth. I’m usually seconds away from a freak out the moment I step into any dental office but him and his entire staff put me at ease the moment I walked in the door. I was surprised at how effortless everything was. From scheduling the appointment to the procedure itself. Big thumbs up!
- Ronianne O
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was so impressed with how well everything went. I had almost no pain the same day and next day I am only a little soar in the jaw. I've needed hardly any pain meds or icing and I have almost no swelling. I can't help but tell everyone what a breeze it was getting my wisdom teeth out with your office. I appreciate your office enormously!
- Elana H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Overall the experience was great! I was referred by my regular doctor and scheduling was a breeze. Everything I needed was promptly handled, including calling in prescriptions for medicine pre-procedure. Pricing and payment were fairly and promptly handled. All charges were clearly explained and my permission was obtained for all extra charges beyond what my insurance covered. Overall I had an awesome experience and would recommend Dr. Stiver's office to others who need similar procedures done.
- Natalie W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Awesome service, felt very safe and taken care of by all the staff
- Avery K
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Scheduling my initial appointment was easy! The receptionist helped me figure out my out of pocket costs and scheduled a consultation for me, and then I was able to schedule my extraction in office. In all, I believe the appointment itself took no longer than 2 hours. Staff were very detailed regarding aftercare and told me to call any time with questions or concerns. I would recommend them to anyone!
- Molly V
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great service!
- John H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I am very grateful for the prompt service, friendly staff, comprehensive information and excellent professional treatment I received. Dr Stivers and his crew went out of their way at an awkward time on short notice and still provided me with excellent care.
- Eric G
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very professinal and friendly service
- Kingsley
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very good experience. Everyone was professional and friendly. Dr. Stivers was the first doctor to administer local anesthesia without the feel of the pinch for me. Totally recommend.
- Flavian C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Thank you for such a great experience. I was really dreading getting my wisdom teeth out, but all of the staff was so awesome and totally made me feel comfortable. I am telling all of my friends who have been putting it off to just go to Puget Sound Oral Surgery and get it over with!
- Melissa M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
My daughter moved from Alabama to Seattle last year after college. I called several OS offices and was most comfortable with your office ... being a Mom with a daughter living over two thousand miles away from you is hard enough but when they have to have wisdom teeth out .... But your office staff made me feel so at ease and Camille said she lived the office and staff as well. Thank you for taking care for her and me !
- Paula T
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great service, friendly staff, all necessary information provided, all procedures explained. My wisdom teeth removal was quick and almost painless (local injection, obviously, hurt a little). Quick recovery period!
- Yuliya R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great overall experience
- Maryjane B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great experience
- Yumeng M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Thank you for getting my daughter in right away with her wisdom teeth pain. It's a relief to have them out. We'll see you next summer with my son.
- Laura W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was so nervous to get my wisdom teeth removed, I waited painful 6 months to find the perfect fit. Puget Sound Oral Surgery was the perfect fit. Everyone was extremely kind and diligent.
- Shawnice D
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Everything went smoothly. Thanks!
- Stewart M