The growth of a person’s jaw is a steady process, and sometimes the growth of the upper and lower jaw can occur at different rates, causing a discrepancy in size and function. Often, these abnormalities cause difficulty associated with chewing, talking, sleeping, breathing and other routine activities. For such cases, our office may refer you to an oral surgeon for jaw surgery. Corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) treats and corrects abnormalities of the facial bones, specifically the jaws and the teeth. Orthodontic treatment may also be used in conjunction with corrective jaw surgery to align the teeth appropriately. Although jaw surgery can dramatically improve a patient’s appearance, the goal is to correct functional problems.