Orthognathic Surgery and Orthodontics

Jaw surgery may be recommended for patients who have a jaw size problem as well as crooked teeth. Orthognathic surgery (jaw surgery) can also be used to remedy underbites, large overjets, narrow dental arches, severe asymmetries of the face and jaws, and congenital abnormalities like cleft palate, Crouzon, and other craniofacial syndromes.  It can also help alleviate sleep apnea, a potentially life-threatening condition.

Orthognathic surgery is always performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, who spends at least four years in a hospital-based residency program after completing the standard four years of dental school. There, oral surgeons train alongside other medical and surgical residents in areas like emergency medicine, general surgery, and anesthesiology.  

Dr. Ellis has worked closely with many DFW area oral surgeons including those at UT Southwestern, where she served on the faculty of the Division of Oral Surgery as an Associate Clinical Professor. She will let you know if you are a candidate for jaw surgery at your initial exam.