Corrective jaw surgery, or orthognathic surgery, is a specialized procedure to correct various jaw and facial deformities. This type of surgery can significantly improve jaw function, enhance facial aesthetics, and address issues related to dental alignment. Jaw surgery at Oral Facial Surgery of Delaware in Wilmington, DE, can benefit patients with functional and aesthetic jaw issues.
As a form of oral surgery, corrective jaw surgery helps realign the jaw for better function, comfort, and appearance. Fixing jaw misalignments can help you chew, speak, and breathe better. It can also reduce pain and make your face look more balanced. If you or someone you know is considering jaw surgery, you want to know what the surgery entails, who it can benefit, and what the process involves. Knowing what to expect can help you feel more confident and ready for the journey.
What is Orthognathic Surgery?
Orthognathic is a medical term derived from the Greek words “orthos” for straight and “gnathos,” which means jaw. Orthognathic surgery is a surgical procedure that repositions the upper jaw (maxilla), lower jaw (mandible), or both to achieve proper alignment. The primary goals of this surgery are to improve bite function, enhance facial symmetry, and resolve issues caused by jaw discrepancies.
Our oral and maxillofacial surgeons specialize in surgeries that involve the mouth, jaws, and face. We may recommend this surgery for a variety of conditions.
Severe Overbite or Underbite
You have an overbite when your top teeth stick out too far over your bottom teeth. An underbite occurs when your bottom teeth stick out past your top teeth. These bite issues can make it hard to chew, speak, or even close your mouth properly. Jaw surgery can fix these problems and make your bite more comfortable.
Facial Imbalances
If your face looks uneven or unbalanced because of your jaw position, surgery can help. We can correct issues with symmetry and create a more even and attractive look.
If one side of your face looks different from the other, or if your jaw sits too far forward or back, it may cause problems when you speak or chew. Surgery can help correct these issues because it can realign the jaw.
Jaw Pain or TMJ Issues
Jaw misalignment can cause pain in your jaw joints and the muscles around your face. This discomfort is often linked to TMJ (temporomandibular joint) problems, which can make it hard to open your mouth, chew, or even speak comfortably.
Misaligned jaws put extra stress on your joints and muscles. TMJ jaw pain can lead to chronic pain, headaches, and sometimes clicking or popping sounds when you move your jaw. Surgery can help by realigning the jaw to its proper position to reduce the strain on the TMJ.
Breathing Problems and Sleep Apnea
Some people have trouble breathing while sleeping because their jaw blocks their airway. Jaw surgery can reposition the jaw to create more space in the airway. This allows air to flow more freely while you sleep to reduce snoring and improve overall oxygen levels.
Small or Receding Chin (Hypoplasia)
A small chin can affect your facial structure and how you breathe. Corrective jaw or chin surgery can move the bone forward to improve the way the face looks and functions. It may also be part of a treatment plan for children or teens with growth problems.
Bite Correction
Sometimes, braces alone can’t fix bite issues. Jaw surgery can move the upper and lower jaws into the right position. If you have a severe bite problem, surgery can treat problems like tooth wear and TMJ pain.
Distraction Osteogenesis
This special surgery slowly lengthens the jawbone. Our surgeon makes a small cut in the bone and uses a tool to gently move the pieces apart. As they move, new bone grows in the gap. This technique helps fix jaw deformities, improve facial symmetry, and even create space for dental implants.
Bite Correction
Bite correction through jaw surgery helps realign the upper and lower jaw when orthodontics alone isn’t enough. This procedure improves chewing, speech, and overall jaw function. It can also relieve issues like TMJ pain or bite misalignment. Surgical correction creates a more balanced bite to prevent tooth wear and long-term joint strain.
Distraction Osteogenesis
Distraction osteogenesis is a surgical technique that can gradually lengthen bone in the jaw or facial area. The surgeon makes a small cut in the bone and uses a tool to gently move the pieces apart. As they move, new bone grows in the gap. This technique helps fix jaw deformities, improve facial symmetry, and even create space for dental implants.
Who Can Benefit from Corrective Jaw Surgery?
Corrective jaw surgery can help many people with different needs and conditions. This type of surgery is often used to fix problems with the way the upper and lower jaws fit together. It can also improve your speech, eating habits, and breathing. Jaw surgery can benefit:
- Teenagers and Young Adults: Many patients need jaw surgery in their late teens or early adulthood. This is because the jaw must be fully developed before surgery can give long-lasting results. If done too early, the jaw might still grow and change, which could affect the outcome.
- People Born with Jaw Problems: Some people are born with jaw conditions, such as a cleft lip or palate. These issues can affect both appearance and how the mouth works. Surgery can help fix these problems and improve both function and confidence.
- People with Facial Injuries: Accidents or trauma to the face can misalign the jaw. In these cases, surgeons may perform surgery to restore proper jaw function and improve appearance.
- Those with Ongoing Dental Problems: If you have trouble chewing, speaking, or keeping your teeth clean because your jaw is out of alignment, surgery may help. Corrective jaw surgery can make daily tasks like eating and brushing your teeth easier and more comfortable.
- Individuals Who Want to Improve Jaw Appearance: Some people choose jaw surgery to create a more balanced facial appearance. A misaligned jaw can affect the way your face looks. Surgery can help improve your profile and boost your self-esteem.
Consult with our oral and maxillofacial surgeons if you’re considering jaw surgery. They’ll evaluate your specific situation, including your dental and medical history. After a thorough exam, they’ll determine if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure.
The Jaw Surgery Process
Understanding the jaw surgery process can help ease anxiety and give you confidence about what to expect. Jaw surgery may sound overwhelming. But we want you to know each step ahead of time can make the experience feel more manageable.
Initial Consultation
Your journey begins with a thorough consultation. During this appointment, our surgeon will review your medical history and perform a physical examination. He’ll take necessary imaging tests, such as X-rays or 3D scans, to assess your jaw structure and alignment. Then he’ll discuss your goals, explain the surgical procedure, and outline potential risks and benefits.
Pre-Surgical Preparation
Once you and your surgeon have decided to proceed with surgery, you’ll develop a comprehensive plan. This plan may include:
- Orthodontic Treatment: Most patients need braces or other orthodontic tools before surgery. These help straighten your teeth and get your bite in the right position. This part of the process can take several months or even a couple of years.
- Changes to Your Diet: You may need to change your diet to help your body stay strong and healthy before surgery. We may ask you to eat softer foods. You can also focus on eating healthy meals to prepare for recovery.
- Pre-Surgery Instructions: Our surgeon will give you clear instructions to follow before surgery. This might include when to stop eating or drinking and which medicines to take or avoid. He’ll also let you know how to get ready for the day of the procedure.
The Surgery
Jaw surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia, meaning you will be unconscious and pain-free during the procedure. The length of the surgery can vary from two to five hours based on the complexity of your case.
During the surgery, Dr. Rafetto or Dr. Campbell will make incisions in the gums to access the jawbones. They’ll reposition the upper and/or lower jaw for proper alignment. In some cases, they may use bone grafts to enhance stability and support. Then our surgeon will secure the jaws with plates, screws, or wires. Finally, the incisions will be closed.
We provide bite correction and distraction osteogenesis for patients with TMJ, sleep apnea, dental injuries, and more. These surgeries create a healthy airway, ease jaw pressure from TMJ, and improve everyday jaw function. By repositioning or gradually lengthening the jawbone, we can help correct bite problems, reduce pain, and restore balance to the face.
Recovery After Jaw Surgery in Wilmington, DE
Recovery from jaw surgery is an important phase, and takes time, patience, and proper care. How well you heal can make a large difference in the final results of your surgery. After surgery, your jaw and mouth will need time to rest so the bones can heal and strengthen.
Initial Recovery
You may expect some swelling and discomfort directly after treatment. We’ll prescribe pain medications, and you’ll eat a soft diet for several weeks post-surgery. You may start with liquids and gradually introduce soft foods as you heal.
Follow-Up Appointments
We’ll recommend regular follow-up appointments so we can monitor you as you heal. We also want to ensure your jaw is in proper alignment. Dr. Campbell will assess your progress at these visits and adjust your treatment plan if needed.
Full Recovery
It can take several weeks to months for a complete recovery from jaw surgery. While the initial swelling and discomfort will subside within a few weeks, it may take longer for your jaw to heal completely. We recommend that you follow post-operative care instructions for a smooth recovery.
Although rare, you could get an infection at the surgical site. Proper oral hygiene and following post-operative care instructions can help minimize this risk. Some patients may feel temporary changes in sensation in the lower lip, chin, or tongue. Most cases resolve over time.
You may also feel some stiffness or discomfort in your jaw as you heal. We recommend physical therapy for some patients to help improve jaw mobility and flexibility.
Schedule an Appointment
Is your jaw not fully developed? Do you have a jaw injury? You can get corrective jaw surgery in Wilmington, DE, to live more comfortably. Call Dr. Campbell for a consultation today at 302-335-6123. You can also request an appointment with him online.