Person resting their chin on their hand

Jaw Surgery

Misalignment of the jaws can make chewing, speaking, breathing, and swallowing difficult and painful.

Jaw surgery addresses these concerns by correcting irregularities of the jawbones to align the teeth and jaws.

Utah Valley Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Saratoga Springs, UT, can create a more comfortable bite and improve your facial appearance.

What Is Corrective Jaw Surgery?

Corrective jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, is a procedure that adjusts your upper or lower jaw when it doesn't line up with your other jaw. While the jaw surgery itself may seem straightforward, corrective treatment is actually a process that often involves four stages: orthodontics, surgery, recovery, and more orthodontics.
Diagram showing before and after jaw surgery

Eliminate Pain and Improve Function With Corrective Jaw Surgery

Enhance Your Appearance

When your jaws are not aligned properly, your facial features can look unbalanced—you may appear to have a small chin or protruding upper teeth. Dr. Christopher Burton and Dr. Jared Rasmussen can use jaw surgery to improve the proportions and symmetry of your face.

Make Chewing Easier

Issues with jaw alignment can interfere with your ability to bite, chew, and swallow. When your jaws meet properly, it is easier to eat efficiently and comfortably.

Breathe and Speak With Ease

Jaw misalignment can interfere with proper speech and cause breathing issues, including sleep apnea and snoring. Surgery at our practice can allow you to breathe easier and enunciate clearly.

Prevent Dental Concerns

When your jaws aren't aligned properly, you can put uneven and excessive wear on your teeth. This can lead to additional dental problems like receding gums, tooth sensitivity, decay, and more. Let jaw surgery prevent these dental concerns from developing or getting worse.

Improve Your Appearance and Quality of Life With Jaw Surgery Contact Utah Valley Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Saratoga Springs, UT

If your dentist has recommended that you visit an oral surgeon to correct the alignment of your jaws, our surgeons at Utah Valley Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery can help. We pride ourselves on improving patients' dental health and oral function in a safe and calm environment. There's no need to feel anxious about your procedure when you come to us—we take strides to make procedures as stress-free as possible.

If you're ready to benefit from the improved function and facial appearance jaw surgery can provide, we invite you to contact our offices in Saratoga Springs and Orem, UT.

(801) 224-1200

Improving the Lives of Saratoga Springs Patients
"My bite is perfect."

1

Bryce Moss

Orem, UT

2023

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I am one of those people who are afraid of dentists and along with all the work that I need done on my mouth.. it's hard for me to even SHOW UP at the appointments.. That being said these guys and gals are AMAZING at what they do, they made me comfortable and safe. They kept me informed and were extremely friendly. So for me, a potentially difficult customer with extreme discomfort with any dental related concern, tells you thes people are amazing. ITS THE TRUTH highly recommend them any time I can :)

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1

Yamawalkie

Orem, UT

2022

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I had a full upper and lower jaw surgery, bone graft, and implant done by Dr. Rassmussen. The surgeries were to correct my bite and fix a missing tooth due to a cleft lip and pallet. Dr Rassmussen was awesome and was patient with my billion and one questions... I'm beyond grateful for everything they have done and apparently are still doing... My bite is perfect and not to toot my own horn but my face looks better than ever. Anyone who needs a similar surgery should make an appointment and get it done with Dr Rassmussen.

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Who's Eligible for Orthognathic Surgery?

Our oral surgeons in Saratoga Springs and Orem, UT, will determine if you're a good candidate for this surgical correction during your consultation. Candidates are:

Prepared

This surgical correction is a process that takes a few years and includes multiple stages. Patients should be prepared for this process and dedicated to the upkeep it requires.

Healthy

Like any surgery, patients must be healthy enough to undergo orthognathic surgery. Patients should quit using nicotine before and after surgery and be prepared to answer questions about their medical history during their consultation.

The Proper Age

Orthognathic surgery can only be performed after you have stopped growing. For females, this is typically between the ages of 14 and 16. For males, this is typically between the ages of 17 and 21.

Whether your jaw problem was present at birth, acquired during a facial injury, or the result of a medical condition, our oral surgeons can determine if surgical correction is what you need to improve your ability to eat, speak, and breathe with ease. 

What Patients Can Expect Before, During, and After Orthognathic Surgery

Our oral and maxillofacial surgeons will work alongside your orthodontist to develop a treatment plan that works for you.
Our oral and maxillofacial surgeons will work alongside your orthodontist to develop a treatment plan that works for you.

Orthodontics

In many cases, patients will meet with an orthodontist to receive braces. This orthodontic treatment moves your teeth into proper alignment to prepare you for surgery and typically lasts 12 to 18 months. While some patients may be able to correct their jaw problems with orthodontics alone, we may recommend jaw surgery if the jaw problems persist.

Anesthesia

We offer many forms of sedation dentistry but will administer general anesthesia to keep you comfortable and unconscious throughout your surgery.

Incisions

Dr. Burton or Dr. Rasmussen will begin by making incisions in your mouth. While most incisions can be placed in the mouth to reduce facial scarring, small incisions may be required on the jawline, chin, or around the mouth.

Jaw Surgery

Your oral surgeon will divide your jawbone, move it into its proper position, and secure it in place, improving your dental alignment.

Hospital

You will have to stay in the hospital for up to four days so medical professionals can monitor your recovery.

Retainer

After your surgery, you may need to continue wearing braces for 6 to 12 months. As you finish your orthodontic treatment, your orthodontist can provide you with a retainer to keep your teeth in proper alignment.

Don't Be Deterred From Surgery It Can Change Your Life

Though corrective jaw surgery is a process that can take 2 to 3 years, we don't want to discourage you from undergoing treatment. The process is long because it's thorough and requires many stages for the best results. Patients often find that after surgery, their quality of life is vastly improved. We want to help you experience the same transformation we've achieved for many patients before you.

Dentistry Services You Can Count On "We were in this together"

1

Gabriela Stubbs

Orem, UT

2023

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Dr.Burton was kind,attentive, and supportive throughout our entire process. I highly recommend going to him for wisdom teeth removal and/or any other oral related issues. He made it a point at the 1st appointment to let me know that we were in this together and I appreciate his candor and compassion. The staff and everyone else here are amazing attentive. I highly recommend this office.

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1

Kimberly Smith

Orem, UT

2022

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Dr Rasmussen is amazing! My daughter's surgery and recovery was so fast for double jaw surgery! Any questions we had, he and his staff were right there to answer them for us. 100% recommend!

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Dr. Christopher Burton and Dr. Jared Rasmussen

Utah Valley Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

At Utah Valley Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we are committed to creating the best possible experience for every patient. Dr. Christopher Burton and Dr. Jared Rasmussen provide the highest quality of care and are proud to be affiliated with:

  • American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
  • American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
  • Utah Dental Association

For more information about our services, contact our practice online or call (801) 224-1200 today.

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