Upper jaw surgery is a term used to describe any number of procedures that occur within the upper jaw. The maxillary osteotomy procedure is one of the most common. This procedure is ideal for those who have a significantly receded upper jaw or an open bite. An open bite is called apertognathia. The surgeon will make several cuts below the eye socket so the top jaw can move as one unit. This includes the roof of the mouth and all of the upper teeth. The jaw is then realigned with tiny screws to hold it in place. This type of procedure can effectively improve the way that a person looks as well as how well his teeth and mouth in general work.