Should i have jaw surgery

However, when performed by experienced specialist surgeons using the latest planning and surgical techniques, the risks of long-term issues are low. Short-term complications can include:. However, while the thought of invasive procedures and having corrective or cosmetic jaw surgery is both intimidating and time-consuming, most patients feel the benefits of orthognathic surgery are life-changing and well worth the time and effort.

Wondering if you need corrective jaw surgery? But how do you determine if you need corrective jaw surgery? Who performs corrective jaw surgery? Why would I need orthognathic surgery? Underbite or overbite In a harmonious, healthy, and normally-functioning face and jaws, the upper teeth will close over the lower teeth and have regular contact between them without gaps in the dental bite. There are three main types of jaw surgery: Upper jaw surgery maxillary osteotomy Upper jaw surgery is performed to correct a significantly receded or protruding upper jaw, crossbite, open bite, or midfacial hypoplasia receded mid-facial and nasal shape or profile.

Lower jaw surgery mandibular osteotomy Lower jaw surgery can correct a receded hypoplastic or protruding hyperplastic lower jaw. Chin surgery genioplasty Chin surgery can enlarge a small chin or a severely receded lower jaw , correct chin asymmetry or allow lip closure over the teeth known as lip competence.

What are the stages of corrective jaw surgery? The three main stages of orthognathic surgery typically include: Stage 1 — Pre-surgical orthodontic treatment Depending on your individual requirements, the first stage may involve an orthodontist levelling and aligning your teeth with braces. Stage 2 — Surgical treatment An operation date is then scheduled to surgically reposition your upper jaw, lower jaw, chin or nose or combinations of these to achieve an ideal alignment between your teeth and jawbones your chin, nose and lips.

Stage 3 — Post-surgical orthodontics If you started with orthodontic treatment Stage 1 , you will typically need to wear braces for three to six months after surgery. What happens after surgery? How to improve the recovery process After undergoing jaw surgery, wound healing and your recovery will require extra energy and good nutrition. However, you can improve your chances of an easier and quicker recovery if you: Take your pain medications as directed Make sure you get plenty of rest Report any problems early Start to slowly move around again once you feel stronger Your diet Following corrective jaw surgery, your body will require sufficient nutrition and vitamins for proper bone and tissue healing, so consuming a diet of soft, easy-to-eat semi-fluid consistency foods is essential.

Orthognathic surgery complications As with any surgery, there is a risk of complications, so it is important to consider the risks versus the benefits before embarking on any procedure. Site Search Search for:. Booking Request Fill out your details below or a booking request. Dental Treatments Cosmetic Treatments Maxillofacial.

Here are five ways to find out: 1. Close Font Resize. Keyboard navigation. Readable Font. Choose color black white green blue red orange yellow navi. Underline links. Highlight Links. Clear cookies. In most cases, you also have braces on your teeth before surgery and during recovery after surgery until healing and alignment are complete. Your orthodontist can work with your oral and jaw and face maxillofacial surgeon to determine your treatment plan.

Jaw surgery is appropriate after growth stops, usually around ages 14 to 16 years for females and ages 17 to 21 years for males. Find out about Mayo Clinic's approach to jaw surgery. Jaw surgery is generally safe when done by an experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon, often in collaboration with an orthodontist. In most cases, an orthodontist places braces on your teeth before surgery.

Braces are usually on for 12 to18 months before surgery to level and align your teeth in preparation for surgery. Your orthodontist and oral and maxillofacial surgeon work together to develop your treatment plan.

X-rays, pictures and models of your teeth are part of the planning for your jaw surgery. Occasionally, the difference in the way teeth fit together will require either reshaping of the teeth, covering the teeth with crowns or both to complete correction.

Three-dimensional CT scanning, computer-guided treatment planning and temporary orthodontic anchoring devices may be used to help in the movement of teeth and decrease your time in braces. Sometimes these efforts completely eliminate the need for jaw surgery. Sometimes virtual surgical planning VSP will be used to guide your surgeon to fit and correct the jaw segment position during the procedure for the most optimal result.

Jaw surgery is performed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Surgery is usually done under general anesthesia. Surgery takes place in the hospital and requires a two- to four-day stay. Surgery usually can be performed inside your mouth, so no facial scars show on your chin, jaw or around the mouth.

However, sometimes small incisions may be required outside your mouth. Your surgeon makes cuts in the jawbones and moves them into the correct position. Once your jaw movement is completed, tiny bone plates, screws, wires and rubber bands may be used to secure the bones into their new position.

Corrective jaw surgery, or orthognathic surgery, involves moving your lower or upper or both jaw bones to correct minor and major skeletal issues and dental irregularities that cause functional problems. Because the jaw is such an intricate structure, corrective jaw surgery is quite complex. Think about it — not only does your jaw move up and down in a baby shark type of fashion but it also moves side-to-side in a gliding type motion.

In addition, corrective jaw surgery not only addresses irregularities and misalignments, but it can also improve aesthetics. Chewing and biting can impact basic functions such as eating with teeth and the jaws are misaligned. Untreated bite irregularities not only impact chewing, but they can cause swallowing complications.