Jaw Surgery in Santa Rosa

No referral needed

Why jaw surgery?

Jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) is used when orthodontics alone cannot correct complex jaw and airway problems. The surgery establishes a well-aligned skeletal foundation for airway-focused orthodontics, such as Invisalign, braces, and expanders.

At Lynskey Orthodontics, we collaborate closely with the best Sonoma County oral and maxillofacial (OMF) surgeons for patients needing significant jaw structure adjustments.

How does it work?

Oral surgery repositions the upper or lower jaws to correct misalignment, bite irregularities, speech problems, and other structural issues affecting function and appearance.

This surgical option, combined with our airway-focused orthodontics, can dramatically improve both bite function and facial appearance, while enhancing airway health and breathing quality.

Who is jaw surgery for?

Jaw surgery is typically recommended for patients with severe bite problems, jaw discrepancies, or airway obstructions that cannot be fully addressed through braces, palatal expanders, or other non-surgical treatments.

For patients with obstructed airways, jaw surgery can be transformative. By creating more space in the oral and nasal passages, breathing efficiency can be greatly improved. It is often advised when a narrow or recessed jaw contributes to breathing difficulties or other dangerous conditions like obstructive sleep apnea.

How does jaw surgery integrate with orthodontics?

Before surgery, orthodontic treatment prepares the teeth by aligning them for their new positions post-surgery. This usually involves braces or other appliances to position the teeth correctly.

After surgery, further orthodontic adjustments ensure the teeth and jaws settle into a balanced bite with enhanced airway function.

Why choose Lynskey Orthodontics in Santa Rosa?

Jaw surgery is complex and requires a seasoned orthodontist to coordinate an orthodontic plan with a skilled surgeon. Dr. Lynskey's close relationships with the area's most proficient oral surgeons will ensure your care is seamless.

You'll be guided through the process, from our initial consultation to meeting with your surgeon in network with your insurance, and then all following pre- and post-surgery appointments.

Surgery can seem daunting, but with Dr. Lynskey's vast experience and her team's close and coordinated care, your experience will be as easy as possible.

Jaw surgery as part of comprehensive orthodontic care in Santa Rosa

By integrating jaw surgery into our airway orthodontics, our patients experience lasting positive impacts on their health and appearance. For those with complex needs, this combined approach ensures the best possible outcomes, supporting both their smiles and their overall quality of life.

Improved airways

Jaw surgery corrects skeletal imbalances and repositions the jaws to enlarge the upper airway, which can reduce obstructions and improve airflow for patients with breathing difficulties.

Facilitated orthodontic treatment

Jaw surgery establishes the proper skeletal foundation that other orthodontic treatments, like braces or expanders, need to achieve optimal results.

Enhanced facial structure and function

By properly positioning misaligned jaws, surgery improves both esthetics and functional aspects such as chewing, speaking, and breathing.

Long-term stability

Surgical correction offers a permanent solution to airway problems caused by jaw misalignment, reducing the need for ongoing treatments or devices like CPAP machines.

Jaw surgery for sleep apnea

By opening the airway, jaw surgery can significantly reduce symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, leading to better rest, alertness, and overall health.

The solution for complex cases

For complex jaw deformities or severe airway obstruction, surgery is often the only effective treatment option.

My case was surgical, and I was a little freaked out at first. I ask a LOT of questions and get anxious at appointments, but Dr. Lynskey and her staff were so kind and patient and made sure I was comfortable with everything happening. I felt safe and cared for the whole time. Not only is Dr. Lynskey extremely good at what she does, it is clear she has a passion and excitement for her work; and that is so encouraging as a patient!

— Roslyn S.

Santa Rosa, CA

Frequently asked questions

What is the role of jaw surgery in airway orthodontic treatment?

Jaw surgery, or orthognathic surgery, is used to resolve issues that cannot be fully addressed by orthodontics alone.

The procedure repositions the upper and/or lower jaws to enlarge the airway and, when combined with airway-focused orthodontics, offers multiple benefits. The expanded airway can facilitate easier nasal breathing for more efficient oxygen intake and reduce sleep-disordered breathing problems. For example, patients suffering from sleep apnea or snoring often experience significant relief from orthognathic surgery, leading to better sleep quality and overall health.

Is jaw surgery only for cosmetic purposes?

No. While jaw surgery can have esthetic benefits, such as promoting balanced facial proportions and reducing facial asymmetry, its primary role in airway orthodontics is functional—enhancing airway space to improve breathing and overall health.

Who is a candidate for orthodontic jaw surgery?

Candidates for jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) typically have skeletal jaw discrepancies, such as a recessed or protruding jaw, that cannot be resolved through standard orthodontic treatment. Symptoms include severely misaligned teeth, resulting in bite problems and/or TMJ pain (temporomandibular joint pain), or obstructed airways, resulting in breathing problems and sleep disruptions such as sleep apnea.

After orthognathic surgery, standard orthodontic procedures like braces or expanders can have full effect and resolve many tooth-alignment or airway issues.

How does jaw surgery improve sleep quality?

By enlarging the airway, jaw surgery can reduce airway collapse during sleep, decreasing snoring and sleep apnea episodes, which leads to better rest and improved daytime alertness.

What is the recovery time after jaw surgery?

Recovery varies but generally includes a few weeks of swelling and discomfort, with most patients returning to normal activities within 4 to 6 weeks, and full healing over several months.

Are there risks associated with jaw surgery?

As with any surgery, risks include infection, nerve injury, or relapse, but these are minimized with careful planning by the orthodontist and an experienced surgical team.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Lynskey about airway orthodontics or jaw surgery?

No referral is needed – you can schedule a complimentary consultation directly with our Santa Rosa office.