When the teeth and jaws are not correctly aligned, patients may experience a range of severe medical and dental issues. Misalignment can lead to problems such as poor dental bite, TMJ pain, excessive tooth wear, and obstructive sleep apnea. Patients may also present with facial differences due to jawbone structure.
In some cases, treatment with braces is sufficient to correct some of these issues. This is especially true in children who have not yet stopped growing.
Challenges Caused By Jaw Structure and Alignment Differences
Many patients who need orthognathic or corrective jaw surgery live with multiple complex health conditions. Problems associated with jaw and tooth alignment include:
- Challenges with chewing and biting
- Swallowing and speech issues
- Inability to close lips comfortably
- Dry mouth, leading to a greater risk of tooth decay and gum disease
- Severe malocclusion (dental bite issues) such as overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite
- TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder symptoms
- Excess tooth wear caused by shifting and grinding
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Airway issues
- Jaw formation issues causing facial differences, such as a proportionally small chin or a protruding chin
When Traditional Braces May Be Enough
Many bite and alignment issues improve with standard orthodontic treatments. For example, if you have a moderate bite issue, braces could be enough to bring it under control. Many overbites, underbites, open bites, and crossbites respond well to braces. The difference lies in the severity of your bite issues and whether the true cause is tooth alignment or jaw structure.
If you have a structural jaw issue that does not respond to less invasive treatments and have reached the age where your bones have fused, you may be an excellent candidate for orthognathic surgery.
Alternatives for Younger Patients
If treatment begins at an early age, patients may be able to avoid jaw surgery altogether. This process begins at about age 7 and is also known as two-phase orthodontics. Young children are still growing, and their bones have not yet fused, so gentle but firm pressure from braces can align their smiles without surgery.
How Orthognathic Surgery Works
Orthognathic surgery is a complex procedure that alters your jawbone structure and aligns the upper and lower jaws. The process takes place over multiple steps and may take years from start to finish.
Step 1: Diagnosis and Planning
Our doctors work closely with a trusted local oral surgeon to plan and carry out your procedure. The first step is to collect detailed images and impressions of the teeth and to create a 3-D digital model. Our doctors study this model and plan the multi-step process before beginning the work.
Step 2: Treatment With Braces
Before surgery, patients typically begin 12 to 18 months of orthodontic treatment to prepare their teeth for the procedure. When the teeth reach a predetermined location, we will schedule your surgery.
Step 3: Surgery
Orthognathic surgery is complex and delicate. Surgeons generally perform it inside the mouth to minimize external scarring. The surgeon makes cuts inside the jawbone and repositions it with tiny screws, wires, and plates.
Step 4: Healing and Continued Braces Wear
After surgery, you will heal for several months while continuing to wear braces. Surgeons often use brace attachments, such as elastic bands, to help guide the jaw into its new position. Your care team will let you know how long you will need to wear braces and when you can switch to a retainer.
Is Orthognathic Surgery Right for Me?
Corrective jaw surgery may seem like a challenging prospect, but our oral surgeons perform this procedure regularly and have extensive expertise. If you have oral and physical health challenges like those described here, call us to schedule a consultation today. We will work with your family dentist and orthodontist to create a treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthognathic Surgery
How should I prepare for orthognathic surgery?
You will work closely with your surgeon and orthodontist to prepare your teeth for the procedure. You will need to wear braces for about 12 to 18 months before surgery. You will also need a full medical exam to ensure you are healthy enough for surgery and anesthesia.
How does a structural issue in the jaw lead to obstructive sleep apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea happens when the patient’s airway is intermittently blocked during the night. A narrower-than-average jaw can impede free breathing and cause airway constriction, especially at rest. With a narrow jaw, the tongue may also fall back and block the airway when it relaxes during sleep. Reshaping the jaw with orthognathic surgery can ease these symptoms and protect the patient’s sleep as well as their cardiovascular and metabolic health.
Can orthognathic surgery change the appearance of my face and jaw?
Orthognathic surgery can correct the angle of the jaw and create a more symmetrical appearance. Your surgeon can correct a recessed or protruding jaw, improving your oral and overall health and giving you a more confident smile.
Can children undergo orthognathic surgery?
Surgeons prefer to wait until patients have reached their late teens or early adulthood. However, many children can receive similar benefits from orthodontic treatment alone.
How long does it take to recover from orthognathic surgery?
For the first several weeks, you may experience swelling and discomfort. Over time, it will gradually subside, and you will be able to add your favorite foods to your diet. It can take from six months to a year to reach full recovery. The extended recovery time is worth it when you consider the array of benefits you will enjoy.
Hass Family Orthodontics provides advanced treatments, such as orthognathic surgery, in cooperation with trusted local oral surgeons. Our goal is to relieve discomfort, improve overall health, and foster pride in your smile. To make an appointment, get in touch with us today. We look forward to meeting you!