Types of Corrective Jaw Surgery
Posted on 12/2/2024 by Mountain State Oral and Facial Surgery |
 Have you ever wondered why your teeth don't seem to fit together quite right?
Or maybe you've noticed that your jaw seems to jut out more than others?
If so, you might be a candidate for corrective jaw surgery.
Corrective jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, is a type of oral surgery that focuses on correcting imbalances in the jaw and facial bones.
This surgery can improve not just the aesthetics of your face, but also your oral health and function.
Why Consider Corrective Jaw Surgery?
There are many reasons why someone might consider corrective jaw surgery. Some of the most common reasons include:
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Improving Facial Aesthetics: This can involve correcting an overly prominent jaw, receding chin, or asymmetry in the face.
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Enhancing Oral Function: Jaw surgery can improve chewing, speaking, and breathing by correcting bite problems, such as an overbite, underbite, or crossbite.
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Addressing TMJ Issues: Corrective jaw surgery can help alleviate pain and discomfort caused by temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
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Improving Sleep Apnea: In some cases, jaw surgery can help open up the airway and improve sleep apnea symptoms. |
Types of Corrective Jaw Surgery
There are two main types of corrective jaw surgery:
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Maxillary Osteotomy: This surgery involves moving the upper jaw forward, backward, or repositioning it vertically. It is often used to correct overbites, underbites, and open bites.
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Mandibular Osteotomy: This surgery involves moving the lower jaw forward, backward, or repositioning it vertically. It is often used to correct underbites, prognathism (protruding lower jaw), and asymmetry. |
In some cases, both the upper and lower jaws may need to be repositioned. This is called a bimaxillary osteotomy.
The Corrective Jaw Surgery Procedure
Corrective jaw surgery is typically performed in a hospital under general anesthesia. The specific procedure will vary depending on the individual case. However, the general steps involved are:
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Making Incisions: The surgeon will make incisions inside the mouth to access the jawbone. |
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Cutting and Repositioning the Jawbone: The surgeon will carefully cut and reposition the jawbone segments according to the planned correction. |
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Securing the Jawbone: The repositioned jawbone segments are secured with plates, screws, or wires. |
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Closing the Incisions: The incisions are closed with sutures. |
Recovery from Corrective Jaw Surgery
Following surgery, you will likely experience some swelling and discomfort. Your surgeon will prescribe pain medication to manage this.
You will also need to follow a soft diet for several weeks and avoid strenuous activity. Most patients return to their normal activities within 6-8 weeks.
The Benefits of Corrective Jaw Surgery
Corrective jaw surgery can offer numerous benefits, including:
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Improved facial aesthetics |
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Enhanced oral function |
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Reduced TMJ pain |
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Improved sleep apnea symptoms |
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Increased self-confidence |
If you are considering corrective jaw surgery, be sure to discuss all of your options with our qualified oral surgeons. They can help you determine if this is the right treatment for you and explain the risks and benefits involved. |
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