Pediatric Orthognathic Surgery (Jaw Surgery)

Jaw surgery (also known as orthognathic surgery) realigns the jaw to improve the bite and refine facial balance and appearance. The surgery may include moving the top jaw (maxilla), bottom jaw (mandible) and/or the chin. Surgery that involves repositioning or reshaping the chin to improve facial harmony is called genioplasty. Orthognathic surgery can be done safely by an experienced team, and can result in a dramatic improvement in patients’ oral function and facial aesthetics.

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Craniofacial surgeons with McGovern Medical School at UTHealth who are affiliated with Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital are fellowship trained and work as part of the multidisciplinary Texas Cleft-Craniofacial Team. Founded in 1952, the team is one of the longest-running craniofacial teams in Texas, combining physicians affiliated with Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital, UT Physicians and McGovern Medical School.

The main goals of orthognathic surgery are to achieve a normal bite, a harmoniously balanced face and an enlarged airway. Successful outcomes after jaw surgery require a close working relationship between the patient’s parents, orthodontist and craniofacial surgeon.

Congenital Conditions That May Require Orthognathic Surgery:

• Cleft lip and palate
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
• An unbalanced facial skeleton
• Hemifacial microsomia
• Orthodontic cases that cannot be corrected with braces
• Treacher Collins syndrome
• Jaw growth disturbances
• Craniosynostosis syndromes
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Malalignment of the facial skeleton leading to open bite, overbite or underbite

Texas Cranio-facial Team and Pediatric Plastic Surgery Clinic
6410 Fannin Street, Suite 950
Houston, TX 77030

Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Clinic: (832) 325-7234
Texas Cranio-facial Team: (713) 500-7302