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Northwest Oral Surgeons

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Location

Located inside the St. Luke’s building near the local urgent care facility.

Located inside the St. Luke’s building near the urgent care facility.

636-978-6967

Corrective Jaw Surgery in O’Fallon, MO

Corrective jaw surgery, also called orthognathic surgery, repositions the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both when the jaws do not align properly. It is considered when a skeletal discrepancy cannot be corrected with orthodontics alone.

Dr. Maryann L. Udy evaluates the jaw relationship and coordinates treatment with the orthodontist and other clinicians involved. The process often includes orthodontic preparation before surgery and additional orthodontic care afterward.

636-978-6967
Patient receiving evaluation for corrective jaw surgery in O'Fallon, MO

When Corrective Jaw Surgery May Be Considered

A jaw discrepancy can affect the way the teeth meet, chewing, speech, lip closure, facial balance, and other functions. Common patterns include an underbite, overbite, open bite, facial asymmetry, or jaws that have developed in different proportions.
Not every bite problem requires surgery. The orthodontist and oral surgeon determine whether tooth movement alone can produce a stable result or whether the jaw position also needs correction.
636-978-6967

The Orthodontic and Surgical Treatment Sequence

Orthodontic treatment usually aligns the teeth within each jaw before surgery. This preparation can make the bite look temporarily less balanced because the teeth are being positioned for the corrected jaw relationship.

Once the orthodontist and Dr. Udy confirm readiness, surgical planning uses examination, photographs, dental records, imaging, and bite information. The planned jaw movements and hospital or facility arrangements are reviewed before treatment.

What Happens During Jaw Surgery

The procedure is performed in an appropriate surgical facility under general anesthesia. Dr. Udy repositions the planned jaw segments and stabilizes them with plates and screws. The exact operation depends on the skeletal diagnosis and treatment plan.
Recovery involves swelling, a modified diet, oral hygiene instructions, follow-up, and gradual return to activity. The orthodontist continues treatment after surgery to refine the bite.

Planning for Time, Support, and Coverage

Jaw surgery requires coordination among the surgical office, orthodontist, facility, anesthesia team, and insurer. Patients should understand the full sequence, anticipated time away from work or school, transportation, nutrition, caregiver support, and follow-up before choosing a surgical date.

Our office does not bill medical insurance. Ask the treatment team and your insurer about medical benefits, authorization requirements, facility charges, anesthesia, and orthodontic treatment before committing to the complete plan. Keep copies of benefit explanations and authorization decisions so each office is working from the same information.

Understanding the Goals and Limits of Jaw Surgery

Dr. Udy will review the goals, limitations, risks, and expected functional and facial changes in detail. Surgery cannot guarantee a specific appearance or eliminate every symptom associated with the jaw relationship.
Bring questions and make sure you understand the orthodontic preparation, operation, recovery responsibilities, and the plan if treatment needs to change.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jaw Surgery

Some bite concerns can be treated with orthodontics alone. Surgery is considered when the underlying jaw relationship must be changed to reach the treatment goal.
Often, yes. The orthodontist prepares the teeth before surgery and refines the bite afterward. The exact sequence is individualized.
The procedure is completed in an appropriate surgical facility under general anesthesia. The location and arrangements are reviewed during planning.
No. Patients should ask their insurer and treatment team about benefits, authorization, and the charges associated with the facility, anesthesia, surgery, and orthodontics.
Recovery varies with the procedure, health, swelling, nutrition, and job or school demands. Dr. Udy will provide a case-specific plan rather than a universal return date.

Has Your Orthodontist Recommended Jaw Surgery?

Call Northwest Oral Surgeons at 636-978-6967 to arrange an evaluation with Dr. Udy and coordinate records with your orthodontist.
Call: 636-978-6967