Your jaw plays a crucial role in everyday functions like speaking, chewing, and breathing. Understanding its alignment and the solutions available for any issues is vital.
Orthognathic Surgery, known as corrective jaw surgery, corrects minor and major dental and skeletal abnormalities. Corrective jaw surgery includes the correction of misaligned jaws and teeth, which will improve speaking, chewing, and breathing. The primary goal is to correct your functional problems, but this procedure can also dramatically enhance your appearance.
What Conditions May Require Corrective Jaw Surgery?
- Chronic pain and headaches in the jaw joint or jaw
- An open bite (a gap between the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed)
- Birth defects or facial injury
- Inability to close the lips without strain
- Difficulty biting and chewing food
- Trouble swallowing
- Sleep apnea (impaired breathing during sleep, often accompanied by snoring)
- Unbalanced facial appearance from the front or side
- Excessive tooth wear
If you experience any of these conditions, corrective jaw surgery in California could be an option.
What Causes Jaw Misalignment?
Jaw misalignment can occur when the upper and lower jaws develop at different rates. Birth defects and injuries can also contribute to this issue. While orthodontics can often correct misaligned teeth and bite problems, there are situations where corrective jaw surgery may be necessary to address jaw misalignment.
How Do I Know If I Need Corrective Jaw Surgery?
Your surgeon will work with your dentist and orthodontist to determine whether you need corrective jaw surgery. They will determine which procedure will correct your problem. Your treatment will likely include orthodontics before and after corrective jaw surgery, which can take several years to finish. Your surgeon, along with your orthodontist and dentist, will determine the course of oral treatment that best suits your needs.
What Is The Treatment Plan For Corrective Jaw Surgery?
Step One: Orthodontic Braces
Prior to undergoing oral surgery, it is necessary to wear braces to reposition your teeth. As a result, you may feel that your teeth are not aligning properly and your oral condition is worsening. However, rest assured that once your surgeon adjusts your jaw(s), your teeth will fit together seamlessly.
As the surgery date approaches, additional x-rays and teeth models will be taken to ensure precise alignment during the procedure. This meticulous preparation will contribute to optimal results and improved oral health.
Step Two: Corrective Jaw Surgery
The surgery will be conducted in a hospital under general anesthesia and typically takes anywhere from one to several hours to complete. During the procedure, your surgeon will carefully adjust your jaw to meet your specific requirements, which may involve adding, reshaping, or removing bone. In order to secure your jaws in their new positions, screws, surgical plates, rubber bands, and wires may be necessary. To minimize visible scarring, incisions are typically made inside your mouth.
After Surgery
Your surgeon will instruct you to modify your diet, which could include liquids and solids, with a schedule for changing over to a normal diet. You should also avoid using tobacco products and engaging in strenuous physical activity.
Pain after your corrective jaw surgery can be easily managed with medication, and you will be able to return to school or work between one and three weeks after surgery. Initial healing of the bone takes about six weeks, and then you will follow up with your orthodontist to finish your case.
What Are The Benefits Of Corrective Jaw Surgery?
By undergoing corrective jaw surgery, your teeth are repositioned in a more functional, balanced, and healthy manner. Some patients experience drastic enhancements to their appearance and speech. To see if surgery is right for you, please call our oral surgeons in Sacramento, CA.
Contact Sacramento Surgical Arts in California for more information today!