Jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, is a procedure to help align the upper Jaw (maxilla) and your lower jaw (mandible). If your jaws aren’t lined up, it could cause bite problems and make it difficult for you to eat or talk. The process of orthognathic (“ortho Nathic”) treatment isn’t a one-time procedure. It’s a procedure that involves the treatment of orthodontics to get your teeth ready for jaw surgery, as well as the procedure itself, healing from the surgery, and continuing with orthodontic treatment that can last up to one year following the surgery. In all, the procedure can last up to 3 years.
What Are the Reasons for Having Jaw Surgery?
Jaw surgery is possible in case of an issue with your Jaw that cannot be solved with only orthodontics. Orthodontics is a special kind of dental treatment that is concerned with the position of dental jaws as well as the teeth. The orthodontist and the oral surgeon will collaborate to create a treatment plan suitable for your situation.
A Few Examples of Issues That Jaw Surgery Can Aid with Are:
- You can adjust to your bite by adjusting your bite, which determines how your teeth will fit while your mouth is closed
- Correcting any imperfections that can affect the symmetry of your facial features
- alleviating pain caused by alleviating pain due to TMJ (TMJ) disorder.
- Repairing an injury or congenital issue that affects the face, such as a Cleft palate
- to prevent the possibility of further wear and tear on your teeth
- which makes activities such as chewing, biting, or swallowing more enjoyable
- dealing with breathing problems like mouth breathing and sleep obstructive apnea
The ideal time to undergo jaw surgery is when your Jaw’s growth has stopped, usually in the latter part of the teens or in the early 20s.
What Are the Various Kinds of Surgery For The Jaw?
Jaw surgery can correct problems that cause your jaws to appear too large or too small and make your facial features appear unbalanced. There are three kinds of jaw surgeries:
- Maxillary osteotomy. The procedure is carried out when the upper Jaw is sticking out too much or is too small. Maxillary osteotomy can also treat an open bite as well as a crossbite.
- Mandibular osteotomy. This procedure is performed when the lower Jaw is too long or too small.
- If you are suffering from a problem with both jaws, the procedure is called a bilateral osteotomy, also known as double-jaw surgery.
What Are Some Examples of Jaw Issues Resulting from Trauma Or Other Conditions?
- Fractures of the facial area: The term “jaw fracture” may be referring to either your lower Jaw (mandible) or your upper Jaw (maxilla). It is possible to break your lower Jaw when you are struck or hit by objects. When you fall, the upper Jaw is involved in an automobile accident or struck.
- Tumors and cysts: Healthcare providers might also consider jaw surgery to address radiation exposure.
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA occurs when your airway muscles, Tonsils, tongues, or extra tissue block your airway, causing breathing to stop and begin while you sleep. OSA is treated by jaw surgery, also known as maxillomandibular advancement (MMA).
- Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ): TMJ is often caused by an incorrect bite, resulting in your lower and upper teeth not lining up.
- Growth disturbances: These are the changes that occur within your jaws when your body produces excessive levels of growth hormone. The hormone excess causes your jaw tissues, including the lower and upper jaws, to become unusually large.
The Sequence of Treatment
Suppose an individual (child or an adult) is identified with a deformity in the dentofacial area that could require surgical correction. In that case, a thorough exam by a surgeon and orthodontist is essential. The maxillofacial specialist examines the patient, examines the available records, and then discusses options for treatment with the patient and relatives. The orthodontist Dr. Azita Abbasi at Top Nova Orthodontics focuses this discussion on the achievement of functional (occlusal) and aesthetic facial goals. A dentist collects all the records, including lateral and Panorex radiographs, facial and occlusal radiographs, dental models, and impressions of the centric bite. The surgeon and the orthodontist together review and arrange all the available data into a suggested treatment plan for the patients to review. Preoperative orthodontics is a treatment that has as its primary goal the aligning and leveling of teeth above the base bone. Specific goals could include fixing (reversing) the dental compensation, establishing the proper incisor’s inclination and transverse arch width, and maintaining the teeth’s midline. The surgical procedures for orthognathic may include mandibular or maxillary surgeries or both. Surgery intranasal with the septoplasty procedure and cuts to the lower turbinate could be required to enhance the nasal airflow patterns. Neck liposuction and genioplasty may be considered for select patients to enhance the overall aesthetic result. Postoperative orthodontic treatment typically begins about 4 to 6 weeks following the procedure. The post-orthodontic retainer phase starts when the orthodontist’s final occlusion analysis has been completed.
How Much Will the Jaw Procedure Cost?
The price of jaw surgery may vary according to a variety of factors. This includes things like:
- The surgeon
- The procedure
- your location
Remember that the cost of jaw surgery is comprised of several elements, including:
- the fee for a surgeon
- Facility charges
- the cost of anesthesia
- any additional tests carried out
- any prescription medications
Always inquire with your insurance company to determine what’s covered before scheduling the procedure. Most insurance companies will pay for jaw surgery if it’s needed to be used to treat a documented medical condition or issue.
Post Jaw Surgery Orthodontic Treatment
After recovering after corrective jaw surgery, the treatment plan will continue by undergoing orthodontic treatment to ensure that your jaws are aligned and have the proper occlusion. The clear or braces can be used to complete the last steps. The different types of braces available for you to wear are discussed during the initial planning phase of treatment. When orthodontic braces are completed, retainers are used to ensure that the bite is moving in the right direction.
A Note from Top Nova Orthodontics
If you’re considering jaw surgery shortly, the first step is to make sure of the decision. A jaw procedure can be severe and disrupt your daily routine for months and weeks. You are responsible for being aware of jaw surgery’s impact on your life. It is also essential to know what you can expect from jaw surgery. Discuss with Dr. Abbasi at Top Nova Orthodontics about the options available and your expectations. They’ll be aware that you’re making a significant choice and will be able to answer any questions you may have. As necessary, they’ll provide you with the time to ensure that the jaw surgery suits you.