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. Urbanek 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. Urbanek 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.
Anthony P. Urbanek, DDS, MS, MD
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I remember visiting my dentist for a regular cleaning/checkup and him saying while viewing my x-rays, “I don’t like the way those bottom front teeth are looking and they’re mobile.” He stated, “It a cyst or a tumor.” He then refers me to Dr. Urbanek. Let me first say, their office staff are very friendly and thorough. When it came to my insurance prior to surgery and after surgery, I had ZERO problems even when I got a new job and my insurance changed. During my first visit, they took x-rays and of course, I met Dr. Urbanek. I knew I was in good hands from the time I met him. I scheduled the surgery and it was a breeze. I woke up and he said, “You did good! We're almost finished here!” I was in and out in no time. Any surgery can be frightening but you can be sure that with Dr. Urbanek and his staff, “Like Allstate”...YOU’RE IN GOOD HANDS!! I was nervous about my follow up but turns out, I’M ALL GOOD! Thank you, Dr. Urbanek and Staff!
- Sierra H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
He’s the BEST
- Victoria D
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Urbanek and staff are friendly and knowledgeable. Procedure went perfectly and had no issues.
- Adam M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great experience from start to finish!
- Stephanie g
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
He was wonderful and I loved him so much. Everything went smooth because of him and his staff.
- MacKenzie P
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Staff is super friendly. Dr. Urbanek was great at explaining the process during the surgery. I recommend to anyone.
- Candace S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was nervous but the doctor and his staff made me feel very secure in everything. And I would recommend them to anyone
- Tina S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Super nice, very informative, everyone was super nice..
- Nancy L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Amazing experience, the staff and the Doctor was wonderful. Best dentist office in Nashville.
- Devon B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Excellent professional informative
- William H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I would highly recommend Dr Tony Urbanek to anyone. He is a very polite and caring professional.His staff is very professional and friendly
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
It isn’t fun to have teeth pulled, but Dr. Urbanek made it very easy!
- Caroline N
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I had a good experience.
- Kabrea P
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great professional team,awesome. Thank you for your wonderful services.
- Russ M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very knowledgeable and helpful. With the kindness of Dr. Urbanek and his staff I soon all fears went away. I recommend this Dr. Urbanek for any dental needs.
- Valerie B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great friendly place and very much a professional doctor.
- Thomas T
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dentist was very friendly knowledgeable staff
- Garry W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Urbanek set very clear expectations for the surgery and recovery period during my consultation appointment which I appreciated and found helpful when deciding to move forward with my procedure. I am very happy with how the entire process went and couldn’t be happier with the results. Thank you!
- Kristen P
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great place Doctor and staff are wonderful to work with I would recommend this office to everyone
- Cindy F
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
This is the second time that Dr Urbanek has been able to take care of major oral surgery for me. The first time was 20 years ago when he successfully removed a Tumor from my palate and sinus area. This time I came to him with an opening between my oral and sinus cavities. I cannot say enough great things about this Doctor! I just hope he never retires because he is such an upstanding, compassionate, and knowledgeable Doctor. Thank you Dr Urbanek for another successful surgery.
- Brenda F