The jaw can be a challenging point of treatment for a lot of patients. Sometimes, it develops naturally in ways that can be debilitating to patients. Today, Texas Family Orthodontics will answer the question: What are the life-changing benefits of corrective jaw surgery?
Who Needs It?
Jaw surgery, also called orthognathic surgery, is definitely not necessary for everyone. Patients who visit Dr. Vo and the Texas Family Orthodontics team experiencing significant jaw and facial irregularities that can’t be resolved with other means of orthodontic treatment might be good candidates for a surgical route. Here are some of the common reasons for it:
1. Jaw Alignment Issues
- Asymmetry: When the jaws are uneven or asymmetric in children or adults, it can cause a misaligned bite and facial imbalance.
- Receding Jaw: This condition is also known as retrognathia, where the lower jaw is set back too far.
- Protruding Jaw: This occurs when the upper or lower jaw sticks out significantly in front of the other.
2. Severe Malocclusion
Malocclusion can be defined by different variations of uneven jaws:
- Overbite: The upper jaw significantly overlaps the lower jaw.
- Underbite: The lower jaw extends beyond the upper jaw.
- Open Bite: This occurs when the upper and lower teeth do not touch when the mouth is closed, leaving an open space.
- Crossbite: Some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth as opposed to outside when the mouth is closed.
3. Functional Problems
- Difficulty Chewing or Biting: This occurs when jaw misalignment makes it hard for patients to bite or chew food properly.
- Breathing Problems: Severe forms of jaw misalignment can lead to obstructive sleep apnea and other breathing difficulties for patients of all ages.
- Speech Difficulties: Problems with jaw alignment can affect speech and articulation.
- Chronic Jaw or TMJ Pain: This occurs when patients experience significant, persistent pain in the jaw joint or surrounding muscles.
4. Facial Trauma
- Injuries: Some people experience injuries to the face and jaw that result in misalignment or damage, which cannot be corrected through non-surgical means.
5. Congenital Conditions
- Birth Defects: Conditions patients are born with, like cleft lip and palate, can impact jaw alignment and function.
- Genetic Conditions: There are a number of disorders that affect jaw growth and alignment, such as Treacher Collins syndrome or Crouzon syndrome.
How It Works
The precise way surgery is conducted can vary from person to person and case to case, but here is a general example of a corrective jaw surgery process:
- Anesthesia
- General Anesthesia: This surgery is performed under general anesthesia, which ensures the patient is unconscious and does not feel any pain during the procedure.
- Surgical Procedure
- Incisions: The surgeon will make some incisions inside the mouth to avoid visible scars on the facial exterior.
- Bone Cuts: The jawbones are cut and positioned according to the surgical plan. This will, of course, depend on the anatomy of the patient and may involve the upper jaw (maxillary osteotomy), lower jaw (mandibular osteotomy), or both (bimaxillary osteotomy).
- Fixation: The repositioned jawbones are then stabilized using fixtures like plates, screws, wires, and/or rubber bands. These allow the bones to be held in their new positions during the healing process.
- Closing Incisions
- The incisions are finally closed with stitches, which are usually dissolvable like in other oral surgeries.
After the procedure, patients will manage pain, swelling, and bruising, which subsides after a few weeks. They will have regular follow-up visits with their surgeon and their orthodontist to monitor treatment at Texas Family Orthodontics. From there, any additional orthodontic treatment fine-tuning will be done to create the final result.
The Benefits of Corrective Jaw Surgery:
We don’t use the term “life-changing” lightly, of course. This is an example of an orthodontic treatment that is especially transformative for people.
- Improved Facial Symmetry: This surgery improves facial harmony and balance by correcting natural jaw discrepancies, leading to a more symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
- Prevention of Future Dental Issues: Reduces the likelihood of future dental problems, such as tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss, by promoting proper alignment and oral hygiene.
- Enhanced Quality of Life: Overall improvement in physical appearance and functional capabilities can lead to a better quality of life and more positive social interactions.
- Boosted Self-Confidence: It goes without saying that patients who experience severe misalignment can have their sense of confidence affected. This procedure invariably enhances self-esteem by improving the overall appearance of the face and smile.
- Improved Digestion: Better ability to chew leads to improved digestion, as food is broken down more effectively before swallowing.
- Enhanced Profile: Adjustments to the jawline and chin position improve the overall facial profile and reduce issues such as a receding chin or prominent jaw.
A Meaningful Change
While we don’t perform this surgery in our offices, we walk with you through it every step of the way—which starts with Dr. Vo determining it might be necessary. We know it can be nerve-wracking, but have faith in us. We’ve got you! Our San Antonio and Windcrest team looks forward to working with you.