maxillary impaction is a planned surgical repositioning of the upper jaw (the maxilla) upward. It is most commonly discussed in orthognathic (jaw) surgery, often as part of a Le Fort I osteotomy. In plain terms, it reduces excessive vertical height of the upper jaw to improve bite and facial balance. It may also be described in orthodontic-surgical treatment plans for open bite or a “gummy smile.”
maxillary advancement is a surgical procedure that moves the upper jaw (the maxilla) forward. It is most commonly performed as part of orthognathic (jaw) surgery to correct bite and jaw position problems. The goal is to improve how the upper and lower teeth fit together and how the midface is supported. It is planned jointly with orthodontics in many cases, especially when the bite needs repositioning.
chin reduction is a procedure designed to make the chin look smaller or less prominent. It is most often performed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons or facial plastic surgeons as part of facial or jaw (orthognathic) treatment planning. It can involve reshaping the chin bone, adjusting its position, or modifying soft tissue to improve facial balance. In dentistry, it may be discussed when chin shape relates to bite alignment, jaw surgery planning, or facial esthetics around the lower face.
chin augmentation is a procedure that increases chin projection or reshapes the chin for facial balance. It can be done with surgery (bone repositioning or implants) or with injectable fillers. It is commonly discussed in facial aesthetics, orthodontic/orthognathic planning, and oral and maxillofacial surgery. Dental and medical teams may coordinate when bite alignment and facial profile are both concerns.
sliding genioplasty is a chin surgery that repositions the patient’s own chin bone (the mandibular symphysis). It is done by making a controlled bone cut and moving the chin segment forward, backward, up, down, or sideways. It is commonly performed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons, often in coordination with orthodontic or orthognathic planning. It is used to adjust chin projection and facial balance, and sometimes to support functional goals related to the lower face.
genioplasty is a surgical procedure that changes the shape, position, or size of the chin. It is commonly performed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons or plastic surgeons. The goal is often to improve facial balance, chin projection, or symmetry. It may also be performed alongside jaw surgery when planning a comprehensive facial or bite correction.
VRO is a term some dental teams use to refer to a **viscosity-reduced (more flowable) resin restorative** material. In plain language, it describes a tooth-colored filling material designed to **flow into small spaces** before hardening. VRO is most commonly used in **restorative dentistry** for small fillings, liners, and repairs. Meaning and product specifics can **vary by clinician and case** and by material and manufacturer.
vertical ramus osteotomy is a jaw surgery procedure that reshapes the lower jaw (mandible) by making a controlled cut in the ramus. The ramus is the vertical part of the mandible behind the molars that connects to the jaw joint (TMJ). It is most commonly used in orthognathic (jaw-correcting) surgery to reposition the mandible, often for a “setback.” It is typically performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon as part of a coordinated surgical-orthodontic plan.
BSSO is a shorthand term sometimes used in restorative dentistry to describe a bonded, sealed, small occlusal resin procedure. In plain terms, it refers to using tooth-colored resin materials to seal or repair small defects on the chewing surface of a tooth. It is most commonly discussed in the context of minimally invasive care for pits and fissures (the grooves on back teeth). Because “BSSO” is not a universally standardized acronym, its exact meaning can vary by clinician and setting.
bilateral sagittal split osteotomy is a common orthognathic (jaw) surgery used to reposition the lower jaw (mandible). “Bilateral” means it is performed on both the left and right sides of the mandible. “Sagittal split” describes how the jawbone is divided in a way that allows controlled movement of the tooth-bearing segment. It is most often used in hospital or surgical center settings as part of planned jaw alignment treatment.