Jaw Surgery

Jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, is a type of surgical procedure designed to correct various problems with the jaw, teeth, and facial bones. It is usually performed to improve both the function (such as biting, chewing, and speaking) and appearance of the jaw and face. The surgery can involve the upper jaw (maxilla), lower jaw (mandible), or both.

Here are some common reasons for jaw surgery:

1. Misaligned Bite (Malocclusion): 

When the upper and lower jaws don't align properly, leading to problems like an overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite.

  

2. Jaw Discrepancies: 

When the size or position of the upper or lower jaw is out of proportion, leading to functional or aesthetic issues.

3. Breathing Problems: 

In some cases, a misaligned jaw can affect the airway, leading to issues like sleep apnea or difficulty breathing through the nose.

4. Facial Aesthetic Concerns: 

Jaw surgery may be done to enhance the facial appearance, for example, correcting a receding chin or overly protruding jaw.

5. Trauma or Injury: 

If the jaw is fractured or injured due to an accident, surgery might be necessary to properly realign the bones.

Types of Jaw Surgery:

Upper Jaw Surgery (Maxillary Osteotomy): 

Involves moving the upper jaw forward, backward, or upward to improve alignment.

Lower Jaw Surgery (Mandibular Osteotomy): 

Involves repositioning the lower jaw to correct an overbite or underbite.

Bilateral Sagittal Split Osteotomy (BSSO): 

This is a common procedure used to adjust the position of the lower jaw.

Chin Surgery (Genioplasty): 

Sometimes, jaw surgery will include chin repositioning if the chin is disproportionate to the rest of the face.

Who Needs Jaw Surgery?

• People with severe jaw misalignment that can't be corrected with braces alone.

• Those with difficulty chewing or speaking due to jaw issues.

• Individuals with facial asymmetry that is affecting their appearance or self-confidence.

• People with conditions like sleep apnea that are related to jaw positioning.

The Procedure:

Jaw surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia.

It may require several weeks of recovery, with the jaw being immobilized to allow proper healing.

In some cases, orthodontic treatment (braces) is required both before and after surgery to ensure the best long-term results.

Recovery:

After surgery, patients typically need to follow a soft food diet for several weeks, as the jaw will be healing.

There may be swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which can be managed with medication.

Full recovery can take several months, but the improvement in both function and appearance is often significant.

Jaw surgery is generally considered when other treatments, like braces or dental appliances, cannot achieve the desired results. It's a significant procedure, but it can lead to life-changing improvements in both function and appearance for people with severe jaw issues.