Corrective Jaw Surgery – Carmicheal, CA
Achieve a Harmonious Bite
If you struggle with a severe malocclusion (a bad bite), speech problems, and related issues, you might need corrective jaw surgery. Dr. Ji is an experienced oral surgeon who can perform this procedure to help patients in the Carmicheal community to achieve a harmonious bite, improve their oral and overall health, and enjoy an enhanced overall quality of life. Are you interested in learning more about corrective jaw surgery? Read this page, and then contact our team to book a consultation.
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.