However in most cases these irregularities are either so minute or insignificant that ordinary people will not even recognize them. On the other hand there are some facial irregularities that can be cause for concern. Patients who suffer from an abnormal growth or development of the jaws have bad bite, which affect their ability to chew, breathe, swallow and speak. It also affects the facial appearance as well. Surgery to correct a misalign jaw is called orthognathic surgery.
Orthognathic surgery means surgery of the jawbones.
Proper alignment helps to ensure long term success of the orthodontics, protects the teeth and supporting structures, improves function of the jaw and also decreases the potential for overloading forces on the temporomandibular joint and facial muscles. One major outcome of orthognathic surgery is improvement of facial appearance, enhanced ability to chew, breathe and speak normally. The jaws and teeth are important components of the facial profile and significantly affect facial balance and aesthetics. If the positioning of the upper jaw and the lower jaw is out of balance with one another or with other facial structures, the appearance of the teeth, lips, chin-neck, nose, cheeks and forehead is affected. The tongue and lips may be forced to move awkwardly during speech and swallowing in an attempt to compensate for the improper jaw position.