Orthognathic surgery, or corrective jaw surgery, is a surgical procedure that fixes abnormalities in the jawbones by realigning them correctly and enabling the teeth to function properly. This surgery involves aligning the upper jaw, lower jaw and chin to improve their form and function with the help of wires, screws or plates that stabilize the jaw.
This jaw straightening surgery is often done to fix jaw and facial structures, obstructive sleep apnea, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems, malocclusion and orthodontic issues that braces alone can’t fix. It is also often done after someone suffers traumatic injury to the jaw from an accident, such as a car or sports accident.
Our doctor performs this jaw straightening surgery to align the jaw and setting it in a healthy way. When addressing sleep apnea, jaw surgery moves the upper and/or lower jaws and the tongue forward, enlarging the space for breathing and lessening blockages in the throat.
Why Have Corrective Jaw Surgery?
– You have problems with chewing and swallowing
– You have a receding or protruding chin or jaw
– You have an imbalance in your facial profile because of incorrect jaw positioning
– You have a space between the lower and upper teeth that won’t close even when you close your mouth
– You have chronic pain in the jaw or jaw joints (a sign of TMJ/TMD)
– You suffer from chronic headaches
– Your teeth are severely wearing down because of a misaligned bite
– You have jaw damage, or it has moved out of alignment due to injury
– You find yourself mouth breathing involuntarily
– You have a tumor or pathology which impacts the jaw positioning
Once you have undergone corrective jaw surgery and healed from it, your jaw will be more functional and healthier than before, thanks to the corrected alignment and balance. Your breathing will be much improved, and your jaw pain should also be relieved. In the end, whether you have obstructive sleep apnea or problems with your temporomandibular joints (TMJ), orthognathic surgery may be just what the doctor ordered.
If you would like to learn more about corrective jaw surgery and to find out if you are a good candidate for this surgery, we invite you to give our practice a call and speak to one of our friendly team members. We are happy to help you learn more and schedule a consultation for you with our doctor. You don’t have to live with ongoing jaw pain or breathing problems. We look forward to helping you improve your jaw health!
