The jaw can be a challenging point of treatment for many patients who suffer from misalignment and other disorders since misalignment can seriously interfere with daily activities. Sometimes, this pain develops naturally in ways that can be debilitating. Many of our patients consider orthognathic surgery to help correct their bite and alleviate their pain.
Who Needs Orthognathic Surgery?
Orthognathic surgery is known more simply as corrective jaw surgery. Dr. Clauss might suggest this treatment for those experiencing serious jaw and facial irregularities, especially when traditional orthodontic approaches at Clauss Orthodontics won’t suffice. Here are some appropriate reasons for a referral:
1. Jaw Misalignment
- Receding Jaw: This condition is called retrognathia, where the lower jaw sits back too far.
- Protruding Jaw: Conversely, this occurs when the upper or lower jaw sticks out in front of the other.
- Asymmetry: When the jaws are uneven or asymmetrical in kids or adults, it can result in a skewed bite and facial imbalance.
2. Severe Malocclusion
- Overbite: The upper jaw severely overlaps the lower jaw.
- Underbite: The lower jaw extends beyond the upper jaw.
- Open Bite: When the upper and lower teeth do not touch while the mouth is closed, leaving a gap.
- Crossbite: Upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth rather than outside when the mouth is closed.
3. Functional Problems
- Breathing Problems: Obstructive sleep apnea and other breathing difficulties can arise for patients with jaw misalignment, in patients of all ages.
- Speech Difficulties: Speech and articulation issues can also manifest in both kids and adults.
- Difficulty Chewing or Biting: When patients struggle to bite or chew food properly, it can interfere with digestion as well as being uncomfortable.
- Chronic Jaw or TMJ Pain: Severe, persistent pain in the jaw joint or surrounding muscle can be signs of a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).
4. Facial Trauma
- Injuries: In some cases, orthognathic surgery is the only option available after patients experience injuries to their face and jaw.
5. Congenital Conditions
- Birth Defects: Cleft lip and palate can impact the function of a patient’s jaw, leading to the need for orthognathic surgery later in life or during childhood.
- Genetic Conditions: Jaw growth and alignment can also be directly impacted by a number of conditions, like Treacher Collins syndrome or Crouzon syndrome.
How Orthognathic Surgery Works
Due to anatomical differences, every surgery won’t look exactly the same.
- Anesthesia
- General Anesthesia: Like most surgeries, this one is performed under general anesthesia. You won’t experience any pain during the procedure.
- Surgical Procedure
- Bone Cuts: Incisions can be made from the inside of the mouth. The jawbones are cut and positioned according to the surgeon’s plan. The operation can focus on the upper jaw (maxillary osteotomy), lower jaw (mandibular osteotomy), or both (bimaxillary osteotomy).
- Fixation: The repositioned jawbones are stabilized by the surgeon using fixtures like screws, plates, wires, and/or rubber bands. These keep the jaw steady as it heals.
- Closing Incisions
- Interior incisions are closed with stitches, which will typically dissolve on their own. The same manner of stitches are used in other oral operations like wisdom teeth surgery.
Like many similar procedures, patients will continue to manage pain, swelling, and bruising at home. Your surgeon might prescribe something to help with this process. Patients will have regular follow-up visits with their surgeon and Dr. Clauss to monitor their results.
Once everything has healed properly, further orthodontic treatment can be discussed. For example, you might decide to pursue braces to help with your misaligned teeth.
The Benefits of Orthognathic Surgery
Orthognathic surgery gives transformative benefits for our patients who need it most. It can completely alter a person’s life and how they experience their daily routine.
- Enhanced Quality of Life: After undergoing this operation, patients will find their levels of accessibility vastly improved. This can eliminate previous sources of pain and discomfort.
- Prevention of Future Dental Issues: Addressing serious issues with the jaw can help resolve potential dental problems, such as gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss. Aligned jaws make aligned teeth work better, too.
- Improved Facial Symmetry: This surgery can vastly help with facial harmony and balance. Shifting the jawline and chin position also help the overall facial profile and resolve features like a receding chin or prominent jaw.
- Boosted Self-Confidence: It goes without saying that patients who experience severe misalignment can have their sense of confidence affected, especially if they’ve been unable to seek treatment for many years. Orthognathic surgery can have a very tangible impact on self-esteem for people.
- Improved Digestion: Food is broken down more effectively before swallowing when the jaws are properly aligned. For patients who have experienced digestive issues in the past, this provides immense relief.
A Change for The Better
Even though Dr. Clauss doesn’t perform this surgery, he’s there for you throughout the whole experience. So don’t be too nervous if he determines that you need orthognathic surgery—patients successfully undergo this process all the time! If you haven’t visited our team already, you can find us in Watertown and Middlebury. Contact our team today to schedule your free consultation!