Orthognathic Surgery
Transformative Jaw Surgery in the Okanagan
Corrective jaw surgery, or orthognathic surgery, is more than just a clinical procedure; for many, it is a life-changing event. By realigning the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both, we can correct severe functional issues and aesthetic concerns that traditional orthodontics alone cannot reach.
Dr. Paxon and our team specialize in the complex orthodontic coordination required to make these surgeries a success.
Specialized Care, Close to Home
Many patients worry they need to travel to Vancouver or beyond for specialized jaw correction. You don’t. Dr. Paxon works in close, seamless partnership with local Okanagan oral surgeons. This collaborative approach ensures that your surgeon and orthodontist are literally on the same page (and in the same timezone), providing you with coordinated care without the stress of long-distance travel.
The Four Phases of Your Journey
Orthognathic treatment is a marathon, not a sprint. We divide your care into four critical phases to ensure precision at every step:
We begin with a comprehensive analysis of your facial structure, dental alignment, and functional needs (such as breathing, chewing, and speech). Using advanced digital imaging, Dr. Paxon and your local surgeon develop a roadmap for your transformation.
Before surgery, we must move your teeth into the ideal position for their future jaw alignment. While this may temporarily make the bite feel "off," it is essential for the surgeon to achieve the best result.
Once the teeth are ready, your local surgeon performs the procedure to lengthen, shorten, or reposition the jawbones. Because Dr. Paxon has worked closely with the surgeon during the planning phase, the transition is smooth and the foundations are perfectly set.
After the jaws have healed (usually a few months post-surgery), Dr. Paxon begins the finishing phase. The goals here are:
Stabilization: Ensuring the skeletal movements remain secure.
Dental Occlusion: Finalizing the alignment to ensure your bite is as functional as it is aesthetic, providing long-term stability.
Why Your Orthodontist is Central to Your Surgery
A successful surgical outcome isn’t just about the day of the procedure – it’s about the program of care surrounding it. The surgery moves the bone, but Dr. Paxon ensures the teeth are perfectly positioned to meet in a healthy, functional bite once that bone is moved.
Functional Excellence
Fixing severe underbites, overbites, crossbites, or open bites that exceed the reach of braces alone.
Restoring the ability to bite and chew efficiently and comfortably.
Realigning the jaw to resolve speech difficulties caused by structural gaps.
Treating obstructive sleep apnea by advancing the jaw to open the airway.
Easing chronic TMJ (jaw joint) pain and preventing the premature wear and damage of your teeth.
Life Changing Results
While the medical benefits of orthognathic surgery are vast, the aesthetic and structural improvements are often what make the experience truly transformative for our patients.
Improving overall symmetry and the appearance of the face, particularly for those with a receding chin or protruding jaw.
Enabling the lips to close comfortably and naturally, without strain.
Repairing issues stemming from facial trauma or congenital birth defects.
Take the First Step Toward Your Transformation
If you feel that jaw misalignment is affecting your health, confidence, or quality of life, we are here to help. Dr. Paxon can assess your unique situation and coordinate with local Okanagan surgeons to build your personalized treatment plan.