04/14/2026
Think of the jaws like the foundation of a building, and the teeth like the structure built on top.
When the jaws are not ideally balanced, the teeth often compensate to help the bite function as well as possible. Before jaw surgery, we usually need to decompensate the teeth by moving them back into their natural position over the supporting jaw bones. That can make the bite look worse temporarily, but it sets the stage for the right correction.
Once the teeth are positioned properly, the jaws can be moved surgically into a more ideal relationship. The end result is a healthier foundation, a more efficient bite, and better harmony between the teeth and jaws.
The main concerns here were breathing and chewing inefficiency. The breathing issue was related to the position of the upper jaw, and corrected as part of the treatment plan.
Sometimes things have to look a little worse before they can be made truly right.
