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.

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Le Fort II osteotomy is a midface surgery that repositions the upper jaw and central facial bones as one segment. It is often described as a “pyramidal” midface osteotomy because of the shape of the bone cut pattern. It is used in maxillofacial and craniofacial care to improve function (bite, breathing, eye support) and facial balance. It is most commonly discussed in complex cases such as craniofacial differences or significant midface trauma.

Le Fort I osteotomy is a surgical procedure that repositions the upper jaw (the maxilla). It is commonly used in orthognathic (jaw) surgery to correct bite and facial-jaw alignment. The maxilla is separated in a controlled way and moved forward, backward, up, down, or rotated. It is typically performed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons, often alongside orthodontic treatment.

surgical correction of jaw deformity is a group of operations that reposition the upper jaw (maxilla), lower jaw (mandible), and/or chin to improve alignment. It is commonly referred to as **orthognathic surgery**, usually coordinated with orthodontic treatment (braces or aligners). It is used in hospital or surgical-center settings by oral and maxillofacial surgeons, often with input from orthodontists and restorative dentists. The goal is to improve how the teeth fit together (bite), facial balance, and jaw function.

jaw surgery is an umbrella term for operations that reposition, reshape, repair, or reconstruct the upper jaw (maxilla) and/or lower jaw (mandible). It is commonly used to correct skeletal bite problems (jaw-related malocclusion), restore function after injury or disease, or improve facial balance. In dentistry, it often overlaps with orthodontics (braces/aligners) because teeth and jaws must fit together for a stable bite. In hospital-based care, it may also be used for trauma, tumors, congenital differences, and airway-related concerns.

jaw correction is a broad term for treatments that improve how the upper and lower jaws fit together. It can involve orthodontics (braces/aligners), jaw growth guidance in younger patients, or jaw surgery in selected cases. In some dental settings, it also includes bite correction using bonded tooth-colored materials to adjust chewing contacts. It is commonly discussed in dentistry, orthodontics, and oral and maxillofacial surgery.

orthognathic surgery is jaw surgery that repositions the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both to improve how they fit together. It is commonly used to correct skeletal (bone-based) bite problems that braces alone cannot fully fix. It is planned with orthodontics and performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. The goal is to improve function (bite, chewing, speech) and, in some cases, facial balance.

eminectomy is a surgical procedure on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the jaw joint in front of the ear. It involves reducing or removing part of the articular eminence, a bony “ridge” of the temporal bone that guides jaw movement. It is most commonly discussed in oral and maxillofacial surgery for recurrent jaw dislocation or chronic jaw “locking” episodes. The goal is to change joint mechanics so the mandibular condyle (the rounded end of the lower jaw) can move more freely back into place.