Jaw Surgery
What is Orthognathic (Jaw) Surgery?
Orthognathic Surgery refers to a procedure done to correct a discrepancy of the jaw bones or dentofacial deformities. It is indicated when a person's jaws and teeth position do not meet correctly or if there is disharmony of jaw size. As all procedures are performed inside the mouth, patients do not have to worry about visible scars on the face caused by the procedure.
The purpose of jaw surgery is to improve patients' facial appearance, chewing function and to prevent jaw joint dysfunction.
The Cause of Jaw Abnormalities and the Symptoms
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Benefits of the Procedure
What Does the Procedure Involve?
How much time before the whole process is completed?
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When Will I be Able to Resume Daily Activities?
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Will I be in Pain?
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How long will the effect last?
The Cause of Jaw Abnormalities and the Symptoms
Jaw abnormalities may be inherited or acquired from developmental or traumatic causes. In many cases, jaw discrepancies may affect one's facial appearance as well as bite, speech and chewing functions.
Individuals with jaw abnormalities have the following symptoms:
- Facial disproportion
- Protruded or retruded chin
- Elongated lower jaw or short lower jaw
- Excessive show of gums
- Facial asymmetry
Benefits of the Procedure
The relationship of the jaw bones is harmonized after surgery thus improving one's facial appearance which will boost self-confidence and self-esteem.
Speech and chewing functions will also be improved. In addition to that, it will be much easier to maintain good oral hygiene without crooked teeth or bad bites.
What Does the Procedure Involve?
Teeth are straightened with orthodontic braces and corrective jaw surgery is then performed to reposition misaligned jaws. This will not only improve facial appearance, but also ensures that the teeth meet correctly and function properly. General anesthesia is required for the operation and the average length of stay in hospital will range from 1-3 days.
Treatment is carried out in 4 stages:
Stage 1: Treatment Planning
This is carried out jointly by an orthodontist (Braces specialist) and an oral maxillofacial surgeon. The orthodontist will determine how braces may help to align the teeth prior to surgery. The surgeon will study the jaw discrepancy and will decide on the type of surgery which is most appropriate for the patient.
Stage 2: Pre-operation Orthodontic treatment
This initial braces treatment may take 9 to 18 months during which the patient will have to visit the orthodontist at 4 to 6 weekly intervals. At the end of this stage, the teeth will be properly aligned so that they may fit into a good bite for the surgical correction.
Stage 3: Surgical treatment
Surgery will be performed once pre-operation orthodontic treatment is completed. The braces will help to stabilize the teeth and the jaw bones during and after the surgery.
Stage 4: Post-operation Orthodontic Treatment
This treatment is done after the surgery in order to achieve final alignment of the teeth and to retain them in their new position. It may take up to 6 months post-surgery after which the braces are removed completely.
How much time before the whole process is completed?
The whole process may last 12-24 months. This will vary based on the patient's dental condition and the type of surgery required.
When Will I be Able to Resume Daily Activities?
A fluid diet is normally recommended for the first few days or for the first and second week. After that the patient will be able to take soft diet and can resume their normal diet about 4 to 6 weeks after the operation.
It is not advisable to resume physical activities such as jogging, workout, etc for approximately 3 months after the surgery.
Will I be in Pain?
At the beginning, you will experience some facial swelling and numbness in the surgical area. This will gradually decrease and be resolved in about 2 to 3 weeks. Some post-operative pain is common but it is never a major issue. Pain and swelling are controlled using medications.
How long will the effect last?
Generally, swelling and numbness will occur for a period of up to 6 weeks. Afterwards, the benefits of having jaw surgery will be experienced in the form of better facial appearance, better speech, and better chewing function, for the long term. The important key is that it is a one-time procedure with a life time result.