Orthognathic Surgery

Orthognathic Surgery otherwise known as Corrective Jaw Surgery is designed to straighten or realign the jaws and correct abnormalities of the facial bones. The affected bones are cut and re-aligned, then held in place with either screws or plates to restore normal jaw function, enhance appearance and overcome skeletal deformities. When your teeth are out of alignment or you have a protruding jaw, Orthognathic Surgery to reposition the jaw and restore balance may be recommended.  Orthognathic jaw surgery combines orthodontic treatment with reconstructive surgery to ensure the best possible results, both functionally and aesthetically. Our SafeCare Certified Rajan Dental Clinic’s expert Oral and maxillofacial surgeon specializes in giving people their smiles and quality of life back!

In most cases, braces are required to align the teeth before surgery. Orthognathic surgery is performed under general anesthesia. Usually your surgeon accesses your jaw bones through your mouth and moves them into the correct position. Once your jaws are properly aligned, tiny screws and plates are used to secure the bones into their new position. These screws and plates are highly biocompatible and become integrated into the bone structure over time. Use of braces is continued after surgery to achieve final alignment of the teeth and to retain them in their new position.

Some conditions that might indicate the need for Orthognathic surgery include

• Open bite, protruding jaw or receding chin
• Congenital defects such as a cleft palate
• Malocclusions resulting from underbites or severe overbites
• Inability to chew food properly
• Chronic jaw or jaw joint pain and headache
• Unbalanced facial appearance from the front or side
• Inability to make the lips touch without strain
• Involuntary mouth breathing and dry mouth
• Trauma or injury to the jaw or face
• Significant breathing difficulty and waking up at night feeling short of breath

You are eligible for an Orthognathic Surgery in the following cases

• You are above 18years of age with good physical and mental health
• Feel uncomfortable with how your jaw or how your cheek bones look
• Intend to correct a severe malocclusion that may be causing functional problems, such as difficulty in speaking, chewing or swallowing
• Want to correct aesthetic issues, such as a protruding jaw, a receding chin, a congenital defect or an unbalanced facial appearance
• Want to improve jaw joint pain or pain in the jaw muscles
• Where conservative treatment methods have failed to provide adequate relief for obstructive sleep apnea
• When jaw and bite abnormality is severe enough that orthodontics alone cannot correct the problem
• Have a commitment to endure the immediate post-operative inconveniences and discomforts
• Have an understanding of the potential benefits and risks associated with the procedure

As with any surgical procedure, Orthognathic Surgery also carries with it certain risks including pain, visible facial swelling, bleeding, infection, nasal and sinus congestion, jaw stiffness, sore throat, difficulty while eating and chewing food and adverse reaction to anesthesia. Sometimes, damage to the nearby bone or gums and numbness or decreased sensation on account of the anesthetic effect can also happen.

The results are predictable, stable, and most of all gratifying to you. Orthognathic surgery can have a dramatic effect on your ability to eat, speak and breathe, as well as on your appearance. It moves your teeth and jaws into positions that are more balanced, functional and healthy.

Are you bothered about an abnormally positioned jaw or a mismatched bite? Or do you wake up suddenly in the middle of the night gasping for breath? If you answered yes to any of these questions, it may make sense for you to consider Orthognathic Surgery. If you are interested in learning more about Orthognathic Surgery, schedule an appointment for a consultation with S10 SafeCare certified Rajan Dental clinic who are experienced in every aspect of Orthognathic Surgery. They will help you achieve a healthy and fully-functional smile that lasts a lifetime!