Through jaw surgery, we can enhance the beauty of your smile, correct facial skeletal discrepancies,

TMJ disorders (which cause pain in your jaw joint) and airway problems.

 

FCLA boasts one of the most experienced orthognathic surgical teams in the world. Proprietary 3-D imaging creates a 3-D virtual patient from scans to simulate surgery, allowing doctors and patients to visualize the surgery in 3-D and collaborate.

ORTHOGNATHIC SURGERY

 

Orthognathic surgery corrects jaw and bite disorders, facial disharmony, sleep apnea, TMJ disorders, (which cause pain in your jaw joint), severely crooked teeth, and other disorders involving the structure of your face.  Orthognathic Surgery (corrective jaw surgery) is prescribed for skeletal and dental disparities to restore function and aesthetics.  The surgery is designed to correct malalignment of the jaw and make the teeth fit together properly. The goal of orthognathic surgery is optimal jaw and tooth function with natural aesthetics, facial harmony and balance.  Facial imbalances such as an underbite, overbite, asymmetry, gummy smile, or cleft palate can be corrected using orthognathic surgery.  Functional disorders such as TMJ or sleep apnea can also be corrected using orthognathic surgery.

 

The surgery is used to treat dental and skeletal problems that can’t be treated with orthodontic treatments alone. Bones are cut and re-aligned and then held in place as part of the surgery using screws and/or plates.

 

Our team of doctors is comprised of maxillofacial surgeons with over 30 years experience who have performed thousands of surgeries, as well as an orthodontist with over 30 years experience.  Dr. Schendel combines his knowledge and training in both plastic surgery and maxillofacial surgery to reconstruct both soft tissue and hard tissue (bone) during corrective jaw surgery. The art of setting up a case for surgery by the orthodontist, Dr. Jacobson, is vital for optimal results. This combination will provide you with a functional and aesthetic facial outcome.

WHAT TO EXPECT BEFORE ORTHOGNATHIC SURGERY

 

At Face Center Los Angeles, our goal is to simplify the orthoganthic surgery process for you. Therefore, everything is done 'in-house' for consistency and quality control and to make your life as a patient much easier.

 

The pre- and post-surgical phase of orthodontics requires precise imaging, articulated mounting of casts, bite registration, intermediate splint fabrication, and segmental mechanotherapy (braces).  Precise set up, imaging mechanics, coordinated surgical consultations, and surgical operative technique can reduce the overall treatment time by more than 50%.

 

Successful orthognathic surgery can not only eliminate pain, restore function, improve quality of life, and boost self-esteem for the patient, but it can also improve his or her dental health by eliminating abnormal wear forces on the teeth, making it easier for them to brush and floss their teeth and allowing them to maximize the effectiveness of their home care as well as the benefits of regular professional cleanings.

WHAT IS INVOLVED?

 

At Face Center Los Angeles, orthognathic surgery is performed either at St. John's Medical Center in Santa Monica, CA or in our on-site AAAHC accredited surgical suite. The surgery may take anywhere from one to four hours.  General anesthesia is used with a certified anesthesiologist monitoring the patient.  Incisions are made within the mouth so there is no visible scarring.  Once the bones of the chin, upper jaw, and/or lower jaw are repositioned, they may be held in place with small titanium screws and plates. Patient's mouths are not wired shut.  Rather, rubber bands or a dental splint are used to guide the patient into a new bite.

 

Dr. Schendel sees our patients the next day for follow up. You should expect a minimum of one week of down time after this procedure and approximately six weeks of limited activity, although many patients require less and some more.  Our professional office staff will assist with post surgical care information and instructions.

 

 

RECOVERY

 

Most patients are able to return to school or work one to two weeks after surgery.

 

Complete healing of the surgical sites occurs after eight weeks.

 

Doctors at FCLA will provide patients with a diet and pain managment plan during this period as well as limitations on physical activity, which usually lasts for two to four weeks.

TYPES OF JAW SURGERY

 

Doctors at FCLA will devise a treatment plan to optimize treatment results and to restore function and enhance your appearance.

 

UPPER JAW SURGERY:  LEFORT OSTEOTOMY

 

A LeFort Osteotomy is surgery of the upper jaw (maxilla).  Technique varies from patient to patient and may be done in segments.  The surgery can also increase the width of your arches if necessary.

LOWER JAW SURGERY:  BSSO (Bilateral Sagital Split Osteotomy)

 

A BSSO is surgery of the lower jaw (mandible).

CHIN SURGERY:  GENIOPLASTY

 

When a patient has a small or deficient chin, a genioplasty may be performed in addition to a BSSO or LeFort Osteotomy to enhance aesthetic results.  Patients with sleep apnea may also choose to do a genioglossus advancement in conjunction with this procedure to prevent the tongue from falling backward.

RAPID PALATAL EXPANSION

 

This procedure is used when the skeletal structures of the face are ideal, but the palate is too narrow.  The suture in the palate is surgically split and an expansion device is fit in the patients mouth to increase the transverse width of the palate. 

CONTACT

 

We would love to hear from you.  To request a consultation, schedule an appointment, or any other inquiries, we can be reached by phone or e-mail.

 

 

PHONE:  (310) 857-2088

E-MAIL:   ml@facecenterla.com or click HERE to send us an e-mail.

 

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