Corrective Jaw Surgery – Carmicheal, CA

What Is Corrective Jaw Surgery?

Most of the time, issues like overbite and underbite can be corrected via orthodontic treatment. This non-surgical approach is low risk and can usually achieve satisfactory results. In some instances, though, a problem is severe or complex enough that corrective jaw surgery, (also called orthognathic surgery) is necessary.

Dr. Ji may work alongside your orthodontist to design a streamlined treatment plan that has the goal of optimizing your jaw function, enhancing your appearance, and reducing your risk of numerous oral health problems.

Who Needs Corrective Jaw Surgery?

Corrective jaw surgery is used to benefit people who have severe bite problems or improperly positioned jaws. Such issues may arise due to a person’s natural growth patterns, which are influenced by genetics. For example, the upper and lower jaws may grow at different rates and therefore not work together properly. Other factors, such as injury or environmental influences, may also play a role in contributing to the need for orthognathic surgery.

Signs and Symptoms of Jaw Problems

Do you suspect that you need corrective jaw surgery? Your orthodontist or Dr. Ji can let you know for sure whether this procedure is necessary. Of course, you should also stay on the lookout for signs and symptoms that indicate the need to schedule a consultation, such as:

• Difficulty with chewing, swallowing, and biting
• Speech problems
• Chronic pain in your jaw
• Persistent symptoms of TMJ disorder, such as headaches, facial soreness, and lockjaw
• A protruding upper or lower jaw (underbite or overbite)
• An open bite
• Breathing problems, such as chronic mouth breathing or apneas (pauses in breathing during sleep)
• Gum problems
• Early tooth loss

What to Expect

Here is a general overview of the orthognathic surgery process:

• You may first need to undergo orthodontic treatment.
• Ji will use X-rays and other techniques to thoroughly examine your jaws and carefully plan the details of your surgery.
• The surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia. Some patients need to stay overnight in the hospital.
• During your recovery, you may need to adhere to a liquid diet for a while. As you heal, you will gradually be able to incorporate some soft, solid foods into your diet. After you finish recovering, you will be able to eat normally.

Within a few months of your surgery, you can expect to notice some significant benefits. For example, you may find it easier to eat your favorite foods. You may snore less and enjoy improved sleep quality. Headaches and migraines may become less frequent. You might even find that your facial profile is more attractive than it was previously.

Lower Jaw Surgery

If your lower jaw is not positioned correctly, and regular orthodontic treatment is inadequate to address the problem, you may need to undergo mandibular osteotomy surgery. During the procedure, the mandible is broken in a careful and controlled manner and then moved into its new position. Screws hold it in place as it heals. This procedure can improve chewing and speaking, enhance facial aesthetics, and provide other benefits.

Upper Jaw Surgery

Osteotomy (controlled cutting and reshaping of the bone) also plays a role in upper jaw surgery. If your maxilla is in the wrong position, Dr. Ji can strategically free it from the rest of your facial skeleton and carefully place it in the correct location. Screws and titanium plates will hold it together during your healing period.  In most cases, this surgery does not require that the jaw be wired shut, so you will be able to enjoy limited jaw function as you recover.

Corrective Jaw Surgery FAQs

Corrective jaw surgery requires a significant commitment, so it is only natural if you want to learn as much about it as possible before you move forward with treatment. Below, you will find answers to a few relevant questions. If you do not see that your specific questions are included here, please give us a call. Our Carmicheal, CA, team would be pleased to speak with you!