Orthognathic Surgery / Jaw Surgeries

What is Orthognathic Surgery / Jaw Surgeries

Orthognathic surgery, also known as corrective jaw surgery, is a surgical procedure performed to correct abnormalities or irregularities of the jawbones and facial structure. It is used to address functional issues related to the bite, as well as aesthetic concerns related to facial symmetry and harmony. Orthognathic surgery can involve the upper jaw (maxilla), lower jaw (mandible), or both, depending on the specific needs of the patient.

Who can benefit from Orthognathic Surgery / Jaw Surgeries?

Orthognathic surgery, also known as jaw surgery, is a corrective procedure performed to address various conditions related to the misalignment of the jaws and facial structure. This type of surgery can benefit individuals with specific functional and aesthetic issues.

Malocclusion (Misaligned Bite): Individuals with severe malocclusion, such as underbite, overbite, crossbite, or open bite, may benefit from orthognathic surgery to correct the misalignment of the upper and lower jaws.

Facial Imbalance: Jaw discrepancies can lead to facial imbalance, affecting the overall harmony of facial features. Orthognathic surgery can help restore balance and symmetry to the face.

Difficulty Chewing or Speaking: Malocclusion can cause functional problems, including difficulty chewing, speaking, or biting. Orthognathic surgery aims to improve the functionality of the jaws, allowing for proper oral function.

TMJ Disorders (Temporomandibular Joint Disorders): Severe jaw misalignments may contribute to temporomandibular joint disorders, causing jaw pain, headaches, and difficulty in jaw movement. Orthognathic surgery can address these issues.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): In some cases, orthognathic surgery may be recommended to treat obstructive sleep apnea by repositioning the jaws and improving the airway.

Facial Trauma Reconstruction: Individuals who have experienced facial trauma resulting in fractures or misalignments of the jaws may require orthognathic surgery for facial reconstruction.

Who are Good Candidates for Orthognathic Surgery / Jaw Surgeries?

Good candidates for orthognathic surgery, also known as jaw surgeries, typically have specific dental or skeletal conditions that affect the alignment of their jaws and teeth.

Malocclusion

Individuals with malocclusion, which refers to misalignment of the teeth and jaws, may benefit from orthognathic surgery. Common types of malocclusion include overbite (protrusion of the upper jaw), underbite (protrusion of the lower jaw), crossbite (misalignment of the upper and lower teeth), and open bite (gap between the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed).

Facial Asymmetry

Orthognathic surgery can also address facial asymmetry caused by discrepancies in the size, shape, or position of the jaws. This may manifest as asymmetry in the jawline, chin, or overall facial proportions.

Difficulty Chewing or Speaking

Individuals who experience difficulty chewing, biting, or speaking due to jaw misalignment may benefit from orthognathic surgery. Correcting the alignment of the jaws can improve bite function, speech clarity, and overall oral function.

Breathing Problems

Severe jaw misalignment, particularly in cases of retrognathia (recession of the lower jaw) or micrognathia (underdevelopment of the lower jaw), can contribute to breathing problems such as sleep apnea or airway obstruction. Orthognathic surgery may be recommended to improve airway patency and alleviate breathing difficulties.

Facial Aesthetics

In addition to functional concerns, orthognathic surgery can also address aesthetic issues related to the facial profile. Individuals with prominent or recessed jaws may seek orthognathic surgery to achieve a more balanced and harmonious facial appearance.

Completed Growth

Orthognathic surgery is typically performed after the completion of facial growth, which occurs during adolescence or early adulthood. Candidates for orthognathic surgery should have reached skeletal maturity to ensure stable and predictable outcomes.

(FAQs) about Orthognathic Surgery / Jaw Surgeries

What conditions can orthognathic surgery treat?

Orthognathic surgery can treat a variety of conditions, including malocclusion (misalignment of the teeth and jaws), overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite, facial asymmetry, difficulty chewing or speaking, breathing problems (such as sleep apnea), and aesthetic concerns related to the facial profile.

How is orthognathic surgery performed?

Orthognathic surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia in a hospital setting. The procedure involves making incisions in the jawbones to reposition them into the correct alignment. Depending on the specific needs of the patient, the upper jaw (maxilla), lower jaw (mandible), or both may be operated on. Bone may be reshaped, repositioned, or augmented, and sometimes orthodontic braces are used in conjunction with surgery to achieve optimal results.

What is the recovery process like after orthognathic surgery?

The recovery process after orthognathic surgery varies depending on the extent of the surgery and individual healing factors. Generally, patients can expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the first few days or weeks following surgery. A liquid or soft diet may be required initially, and pain medication may be prescribed to manage discomfort. Full recovery typically takes several weeks to months, during which time patients may gradually resume normal activities and follow post-operative care instructions provided by their surgeon.

Are there risks or complications associated with orthognathic surgery?

Like any surgical procedure, orthognathic surgery carries risks and potential complications, including bleeding, infection, nerve damage, injury to adjacent structures, and changes in sensation or function. It’s essential for individuals considering orthognathic surgery to discuss the potential risks and benefits with their surgeon and to undergo a thorough pre-operative evaluation to ensure they are suitable candidates for the procedure.

Will I need orthodontic treatment before or after orthognathic surgery?

Orthodontic treatment is often an integral part of the orthognathic surgery process. Pre-operative orthodontic treatment may be necessary to align the teeth and create a stable bite relationship before surgery. Post-operative orthodontic treatment may also be required to fine-tune the occlusion (bite) and achieve optimal functional and aesthetic outcomes.

What are the long-term results of orthognathic surgery?

Orthognathic surgery can produce significant and long-lasting improvements in jaw alignment, bite function, facial aesthetics, and overall quality of life. However, individual results may vary, and ongoing maintenance may be necessary to preserve the results of surgery. Regular follow-up visits with your surgeon and orthodontist are important to monitor your progress and address any concerns that may arise.