Small Lower Jaw (Overbite)

What is overbite?

When the top teeth overlap the bottom teeth, you have an overbite. Patients with small lower jaws may have an extended gap between the upper and lower incisors. This may give the appearance of having a short, round face, with a retruded or set back lower jaw. As well as a bite issue the small lower jaw is very obvious on profile view of the face.

Surgery aims to lengthen the lower jaw. This repositions the jaws into the ideal position, improving the bite, giving harmony and balance to the face. This will improve the cosmetic look of the whole face, at the same time give the patient a beautiful smile.

The surgery is called a mandibular osteotomy or BSSO. It is performed by making a surgical cut at the angle of the jaw, which allows the front of the jaw and teeth to slide forward. Small titanium plates and screws hold the lower jaw stable while it heals.

Overbite Treatment

Traditionally orthodontics have been used to treat small lower jaws by extracting teeth in the upper jaw and pulling the upper teeth back to meet the teeth in the lower jaw. Although this may give a good bite, it does not change the facial appearance and patients still have a set back and small lower jaw on profile.

Benefits Of Lower Jaw Surgery

  1. Improved cosmetic balance of the face. Jaws and face will look in proportion, giving a beautiful smile.
  2. Improved bite allowing patients to bite and chew normally. Prevents early damage and wear of the teeth so they will last longer
  3. Improved breathing and snoring
  4. Reduced pain from jaw joint/TMJ dysfunction
  5. Improved confidence due to the transformational change
Jaw Surgery London

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