Services

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery offers a full array of oral and maxillofacial services to help you maintain healthy mouth and teeth. You can read more on this page about specific services.

Orthognathic Surgery

Orthognathic surgery is needed when the jaws don't meet correctly and/or the teeth don't seem to fit together. The teeth can be straightened with orthodontics but corrective jaw surgery may be needed to reposition the jaws. This can ensure that the teeth function properly but it can also improve your facial appearance. Some of the long term problems associated with incorrectly positioned jaws can be decreased chewing function, speech problems, loss of teeth, periodontal problems, breathing problems, difficulty with swallowing and chronic jaw pain or TMJ dysfunction.      People who can benefit from Orthognathic surgery include those with an improper bite or jaws that are positioned incorrectly. Jaw growth is a gradual process and, in some instances, the upper and lower jaws may grow at different rates. Injury to the jaw and birth defects can also affect jaw alignment. While orthodontics can correct bite problems if only the teeth are involved, Orthognathic surgery may be required if the jaws also need repositioning. Before any treatment begins, a consultation appointment will be scheduled to discuss your desires and expectations. Also during this consultation, Dr. VanHoose will perform a comprehensive clinical and radiographic examination. During the consultation process, feel free to ask any questions that you have regarding your treatment. Following the consultation, a video can be reviewed which will help you to understand the surgical process and the extent of the proposed surgery. Using comprehensive facial x-rays and photos, Dr. VanHoose can show you how your bite will be improved and even give you an idea of how you'll look after surgery. This helps you understand the surgical process and the extent of the treatment prescribed, and to see the benefits of Orthognathic surgery. If you are a candidate for corrective jaw surgery, Dr. VanHoose will work closely with your dentist and orthodontist during your treatment to ensure that all aspects of your surgical treatment are perfectly coordinated.  

What is Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are dentists specializing in surgery of the mouth, face and jaws, and have extensive education and training in surgical procedures involving both the soft tissue (skin and muscle) and hard tissue (bone and cartilage) of the head and neck. Read more...

Implants

Implants are synthetic structures that are placed in the area of the tooth normally occupied by the root. Implants are anchored to the jawbone or metal framework on the bone and act as a foundation for an artificial tooth or permanent bridge. Read more...

Oral Surgery

Most patients experience very little discomfort or pain during maxillofacial surgery. This is because anesthetics are used to dull or block nerve receptors. Read more...

Jaw Surgery

Jaw surgery, which is also called orthognathic surgery, is intended to correct unequal jaw growth.  During corrective jaw surgery, the individual’s upper and/or lower jaw is moved into the position that is best suited for the person’s facial structure and appearance. Read more...

Facial Reconstruction

Many people think of facial reconstruction only being performed on individuals involved in traumatic accidents or fires.  Facial reconstruction sometimes involves the placement of soft tissue or bone grafts in the facial area. Read more...

Call our Caledonia, MI office at (616) 891-1700 or our Alpine, MI office at (616)785-1700 to make an appointment!

Our Location

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Caledonia

Alpine

Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

Hospital Surgery Day subject to change

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-3:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed