A multidisciplinary team approach is necessary to correct the problems of teeth, jaws, gums, and alignment of each of these. Underdevelopment of the upper jaw known as maxillary hypoplasia can be caused by a cleft palate. Overdevelopment of the lower jaw is known as prognathism. Either one or both of these conditions can cause an underbite. Any jaw abnormalities can result in breathing, eating and speaking difficulties.
Treatment includes orthodontics and surgery, typically without any visible incisions on the face.
Fractures and Soft Tissue Injuries Craniofacial surgeons have developed procedures to repair facial injuries. These surgical techniques can be applied to healed fractures, but the most appropriate time to correct facial trauma is as early as possible after the injury.