Corrective Jaw Surgeries: An Overview

Corrective jaw surgery, sometimes referred to as orthognathic surgery, is a surgical treatment intended to treat jaw bone irregularities that impair a person’s capacity for eating, speaking, and breathing. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons with advanced training in facial surgery are often the ones who perform this kind of surgery.

The various sorts of jaw irregularities that can be repaired, the surgical procedure, and the recuperation period will all be covered in detail in this article’s extensive overview of corrective jaw surgery.

Why is Corrective Jaw Surgery Necessary?

When jaw irregularities cannot be resolved with orthodontic treatment alone, corrective jaw surgery is required. These anomalies can impair a person’s capacity for adequate breathing, speaking, and chewing. Following corrective jaw surgery, the following conditions can be treated:

• Malocclusion (misalignment of the teeth and jaws)
• Overbite or underbite
• Crossbite
• Open bite
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
• Sleep apnea

What Types of Abnormalities Can be Corrected with Corrective Jaw Surgery?

There are several types of jaw abnormalities that can be corrected with corrective jaw surgery, including:

• Underbite: This occurs when the lower jaw protrudes forward, causing the lower teeth to overlap the upper teeth.
• Overbite: This occurs when the upper jaw protrudes forward, causing the upper teeth to overlap the lower teeth.
• Crossbite: This is when the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth when the jaw is closed.
• Open bite: This occurs when there is a gap between the upper and lower teeth when the jaw is closed.
• Facial asymmetry: This occurs when one side of the jaw is larger or smaller than the other side, causing facial asymmetry.
• TMJ disorders: This occurs when there is pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint.

What is the Recovery Period Like After Corrective Jaw Surgery?

Depending on how extensive the operation was, the recuperation time following corrective jaw surgery may vary. In general, patients should anticipate some post-operative pain and edema, which can be controlled with painkillers and ice packs. Patients may need to follow a soft food diet for a while if eating solid food proves challenging for several weeks. To ensure that the jaws heal properly, it’s crucial to adhere to the post-operative instructions given by the surgeon.

Overall

With proper care and attention, however, corrective jaw surgeries can help to improve your oral health, enhance your facial appearance, and restore your confidence and quality of life.

For more information, contact us and request a consultation with a doctor who is an expert in this treatment.