Jaw Surgery

Orthognathic surgery is needed when the top and bottom jaws don’t meet correctly and/or teeth don’t adequately fit within the jaw. Teeth are straightened with Orthognatics, and corrective jaw surgery repositions a misaligned jaw. This not only improves facial appearance, but also ensures that teeth meet correctly and function properly.

Who Needs Orthognatic Surgery?

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. The result can be a host of problems that may affect chewing function, speech, or long-term oral health and appearance. Injury to the jaw and birth defects can also affect jaw alignment. Orthognatics alone can correct bite problems when only the teeth are involved. Orthognathic surgery may be required for the jaws when repositioning is necessary.

Difficulty in the following areas should be evaluated:

  • Difficulty in chewing, biting, or swallowing
  • Speech problems
  • Chronic jaw or TMJ pain
  • Open bite
  • Protruding jaw
  • Breathing problems

What To Expect:

Extensive preparation spanning several months is necessary for corrective jaw surgery, a substantial procedure. The surgery takes place in a hospital setting and can vary in duration, lasting anywhere from one to four hours. A typical hospital stay lasts between one to three days. Braces are retained during the surgery and may require removal six to twelve months post-surgery. The most significant aspect of orthognathic surgery is the recovery period, during which patients typically need to take a break from work or school for a period ranging from two weeks to one month.

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