The Lateral Cephalometric x-ray shows the lower jaw sits a long way back compared to the upper jaw. The upper jaw is also longer vertically than ideal as evidenced by the increased gum display when the patient smiles and the inability to get the lips together with the mouth at rest.
The patient snores and has obstructive sleep apnoea – often associated with this jaw structure.
There is a lot of crowding of the lower teeth.
To overcome the crowding of the lower teeth a premolar tooth was removed from either side of the lower teeth and the space closed.
The teeth are placed in the correct positions on the jaw bones to allow the jaw bones to be moved to the correct positions with jaw surgery.
The upper jaw was moved upwards (impacted) which allowed the lower jaw to rotate forwards (autorotate). The lower jaw was then moved forwards. Notice the improved position of the lower teeth so they are forward compared to their pre surgical positions.
The gum display when smiling and with the lips at rest has been reduced. The lips can now be closed when at rest.
Most importantly the patient no longer snores and no longer has obstructive sleep apnoea.
