Why do I need corrective jaw surgery?

Being healthy also entails maintaining good oral health. Here, our Pembroke and Deep River dentists explain why you may need corrective jaw surgery and how it can help address facial asymmetry, jaw pain, and other oral health issues.

Who performs jaw surgeries?

Specialists are typically the professionals to perform corrective jaw surgeries. These specialists are trained in the oral and maxillofacial surgery techniques.

These surgeons would normally work with dentists and orthodontists. Sometimes, these specialists are required if traditional jaw treatments for straightening teeth aren't sufficient. Orthognathic surgery will typically be added to a patient's staged treatment plan.

The patient's needs will determine the plan for surgery, which is normally custom-designed to achieve ideal results for each patient. Jaw surgery can decrease the risk of teeth becoming overcrowded again if the patient has undergone a previous orthodontic procedure. Jaw surgery can remove the requirement for a redo of a long, costly procedure.

Why would I need jaw surgery?

Your facial shape and jaw's relative position play a large role in daily life. This includes eating, talking, and even breathing, Proper jaw structure also allows your teeth to be properly supported and work together with the rest of your facial muscles.

Jaw surgery can help alleviate dental issues and increase and change the aesthetic appeal of your face, teeth, and jaws.

Types of jaw Surgery

Jaw surgery can involve various parts of the face, including the lower jaw, upper jaw, nose, and jaw joints. Sometimes they are done in isolation, and sometimes they are in tandem. The main types of jaw surgery include:

Upper Jaw Surgery

Upper jaw surgery is usually used to correct a receding or protruding upper jaw, a crossbite, an open bite, or hypoplasia of the midfacial region. The maxilla (the bone that supports your upper teeth) is separated from the base of your nose and cheekbones during the procedure. The top of your jaw is then repositioned to conform to the shape of your lower teeth and face. As a result of this procedure, a dental bite can be corrected, a smile line adjusted, and a nasal profile reshaped.

Lower Jaw Surgery

People with a receding or protruding lower jaw can benefit from lower jaw surgery. The jaw joints (TMJs) are separated from the bone that holds the teeth and chin. The jawbone, which holds the teeth, is then moved in a different direction, either forward or backward. This type of surgery can also improve the appearance of the lower half of the face and correct crooked chins.

Chin Surgery

Chin surgery can enlarge a small chin, correct chin asymmetry, or make the lip close more easily over the teeth (known as lip competence). This procedure can be performed with or without upper and lower jaw surgery. The results improve the appearance of the lower face and make crooked jaws easier to correct.

What happens after surgery?

First and foremost, jawbones usually heal in six to eight weeks. It might take up to 12 weeks for the entire healing process to occur. People's faces swell the most in the first two weeks following surgery, and things begin to improve in the third week. Once the healing process is complete, the patient should be able to return to any physical activities they enjoyed previously.