From facial injury to natural causes, jaw misalignment can occur due to a number of reasons.
Though the extent of jaw abnormalities often varies in severity, untreated conditions can cause multiple issues to arise. These issues include (but are not limited to) extreme pain, sleep apnea, migraines, difficulty swallowing, and facial asymmetry. This chronic pain can even be debilitating, which would negatively impact a person’s quality of life. While orthodontic treatment can be an effective fix for many, more severe cases may require orthognathic surgery.
Orthognathic surgery is a procedure designed to correct irregularities of the jaw.
If you are someone who struggles with jaw misalignment, Mountain State Oral and Facial Surgery can help relieve your pain and determine the best possible solution for you.
What Is Orthognathic Surgery and What Are Its Benefits?
Deformities in the jaw can cause difficulty in completing everyday tasks such as eating, breathing, talking, and opening your mouth.
Orthognathic surgery, or corrective jaw surgery, aims to correct these dentofacial issues by realigning or straightening your jaw. By utilizing surgical plates, wires, and screws, an oral surgeon can simultaneously ease your medical problems and improve your cosmetic appearance.
This surgery may be needed due to a wide range of conditions, and it is usually subsequent to orthodontics if braces alone are not a sufficient fix to your jaw problems.
Benefits
Orthognathic surgery can have a multitude of benefits that serve to improve your physical and mental wellbeing. The corrective jaw surgery intends to balance facial asymmetry, relieve temporomandibular (TMJ) pain, improve chewing and speech, and correct improper bite. Patients who undergo orthognathic surgery may also gain more confidence through the realignment of their jaw structure.
The ultimate goal of this surgery is to provide relief to patients who have been suffering from severe cases of jaw deformities. Though the recovery time may be a long process, orthognathic surgery is a step towards improved oral health and a more confident version of yourself.
Is Orthognathic Surgery Right for You?
Candidates who qualify for orthognathic surgery often have jaw problems that require a more complex solution than only orthodontic treatment can provide.
Orthognathic surgery can be incredibly intricate, which is why the surgery must be performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. If you are experiencing symptoms that include breathing problems, open bite, chronic jaw pain, retruded jaw, facial misalignment, or speech problems, you may qualify for orthognathic surgery. To determine if this surgery is best for you, a complete and thorough examination of your jaw abnormalities must be conducted first.
Though there is no specific age requirement for orthognathic surgery, the procedure is typically appropriate once an individual’s growth stops.
Regardless, exceptions can be made as the surgery is designated on a case by case basis.
FAQs
What is orthognathic surgery?
Orthognathic surgery, also known as corrective jaw surgery, is a procedure that corrects jaw misalignments and irregularities. It aims to improve both the functionality and appearance of the jaw, addressing issues such as improper bite, TMJ pain, and facial asymmetry.
What are the benefits of orthognathic surgery?
Orthognathic surgery provides numerous benefits, including relief from chronic jaw pain, improved ability to chew and speak, enhanced facial symmetry, correction of bite issues, and alleviation of breathing problems. It also often boosts confidence by improving jaw alignment and overall appearance.
Who is a candidate for orthognathic surgery?
Candidates for orthognathic surgery typically have severe jaw misalignments that cannot be corrected with orthodontics alone. Common symptoms include breathing difficulties, open bite, chronic jaw pain, retruded jaw, facial asymmetry, or speech problems. A thorough examination is required to determine eligibility.
At what age is orthognathic surgery appropriate?
Orthognathic surgery is typically performed once an individual’s growth has stopped, which is usually in their late teens to early adulthood. However, exceptions can be made depending on the severity of the jaw condition and the specific needs of the patient.
What is the recovery process like after orthognathic surgery?
Recovery from orthognathic surgery can take several weeks to months. Patients may experience swelling, discomfort, and dietary restrictions initially. Full healing depends on individual circumstances, but regular follow-ups with the surgeon ensure proper progress and recovery.
What are the risks of not treating jaw misalignment?
Untreated jaw misalignment can lead to chronic pain, difficulty chewing and speaking, worsening of bite problems, increased risk of TMJ disorders, and other complications such as sleep apnea or facial asymmetry. Early evaluation and treatment are crucial to prevent these issues.
Schedule A Consultation Today
Individuals seeking to mitigate their jaw pain may find that orthognathic surgery is their best solution. Chronic pain is not a condition that is easily ignored, and jaw abnormalities can worsen with time if left untreated. If you desire to alleviate your jaw discomfort and improve your quality of life, our services at Mountain State Oral and Facial Surgery are here to help.
For more information on whether orthognathic surgery is best for you, do not hesitate to contact us at 304-343-5161 today, or visit one of our locations!
