In the past, these conditions were just treated by dental surgeons by pulling out all the teeth thinking that these can be controlled by prosthetic dentures. Most of them think that this can be treated by purely orthodontic treatment mobilizing only the teeth but not the jaws. Repair of a protruding or recessed jaw is a major surgical procedure.
It is performed in the hospital, under general anesthesia, and it takes anywhere from 2 to 6 hours. Before surgical treatment is undertaken, various work-ups are done such as Cephalometric evaluations, Panoramic x-ray of the jaws, dental model cast and cutting, and standardized medical photography.
The cooperation between the orthodontist and maxillofacial surgeon serves as basis for the general acceptance of combined orthodontics and surgical treatment of jaw problems as the treatment of choice. In some occasions, prior to actual surgery, orthodontic treatment (pre-surgical orthodontics) is first done to facilitate actual occlusion during surgery. After surgery, final orthodontic tooth movement is usually necessary to fine-tune your bite.