Our experts at the Johns Hopkins Center for Orthognathic Surgery offer comprehensive, multidisciplinary care for patients with dentofacial differences.

Dentofacial differences refer to significant deviations from the proportions of the upper jaw (maxilla) in relation to the lower jaw (mandible). These differences between the jaws impact the relationship of the teeth in the maxilla and the mandible, called occlusion. Those affected may experience difficulty with speech, breathing, swallowing, chewing and self-esteem. Studies have shown that approximately 5% of the population will have a dentofacial difference that requires jaw repositioning surgery, called orthognathic surgery.

Causes of Dentofacial Differences

• Craniofacial conditions/syndromes. Some common ones include:
  • Cleft lip and palate
  • Craniofacial (or hemifacial) microsomia
  • Crouzon syndrome
  • Apert syndrome
  • Treacher Collins syndrome
  • Pierre Robin sequence
  • Binder syndrome
• Hereditary factors
• Environmental/parafunctional (due to certain habits or narrow airway)
• Traumatic injuries
• Tumor related

Our Team

The Center for Orthognathic Surgery works closely with specialists from across Johns Hopkins Medicine. In addition to an orthognathic surgeon, an orthodontist plays an important role in the process of orthognathic surgery. For most patients, braces are needed for one to two years prior to surgery and for several months after surgery to ensure that the top and bottom teeth come together properly after surgery.

Additionally, we collaborate with experts from otolaryngology, sleep medicine, speech pathology, nutrition and anesthesiology. This multidisciplinary team approach ensures every patient receives personalized, comprehensive evaluation and treatment — throughout every step of the process.

• Jeffery Posnick, D.M.D., M.D.

• Rae Buckley, P.A.

Coordinators

• Karen Blevins

• Carolina Escobar M.S.N., R.N.

Contact Us

Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Levi Watkins, Jr, MD, Outpatient Center
601 N. Caroline St.
Baltimore, MD 21287

Phone: 443-997-9466
Fax: 410-955-7060