Glossary

Class II bite

This classification of bite is used to describe the top teeth being ahead of the lower teeth.  It can be due to the position of the teeth themselves or the jaws in relation to each other or both

Class III bite

This classification is used to describe the top teeth being too far back in relation to the lower teeth.  It can be due to the position of the teeth or the jaws in relation to each other or both

Anterior Open Bite

This type of bite is where there is a gap between the top and bottom front teeth even though teeth at the back are biting together (see photo below).

Genioplasty

Chin Surgery which involves the making the chin bigger or smaller.  Mot commonly it is used for improve a small (retrusive) or chin by dividing the lower front part of the chin and moving it forward and then securing it with plates.  Your surgeon will decide if this is needed.

Orthognathic Treatment

(Pronounced: or·thog·nath·ic.)  Corrective jaw treatment - (Ortho to straighten, gnathia meaning jaw in Latin) - uses orthodontic appliances (braces) and surgery to reposition either one or both jaws.   

Osteotomy

The surgical cutting of a bone, to allowed it to be moved.

 Bi-Maxillary Osteotomy 

This involves both jaws and your stay in hospital will be longer than the single jaw procedure.  The incisions are the same as described above for the single jaw operations.

Le Fort 1 Osteotomy

This type of osteotomy involves the upper jaw (maxilla).

Maxilla

The upper jaw bone

Mandible

The lower jaw bone

Relapse

Any change in tooth position or bite following the removal of the braces.  Can be caused by

1) the natural 'recovery'; i.e. the teeth wanting to move back to the original position

2) the natural ageing process

3) Failure to wear retainers