Orthognathic surgery, or jaw surgery, is a procedure to help those with severe malocclusions and jaw deformities and works to improve the relationship between the upper and lower jaw. Jaw surgery is seen as a transformative procedure, alleviating chronic pain, improving chewing and bite function and even improving speech but it is a big undertaking to opt into and many people will naturally look for alternatives to help improve their issues without the need for surgery.
In this article we will look at if this is possible and what alternatives there are for those wishing to opt for something slightly less intrusive.
Orthognathic Surgery: What’s Involved and Why Is It Used?
Orthognathic surgery is a specialised procedure performed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons to correct severe misalignments of the jaw. It involves moving the jaw bones into the desired positions, under a general anaesthetic, which are then secured by tiny screws and plates that stay in place under the gum.
The surgery itself is only used to correct severe dentofacial deformities, such as excessive growth of the jawbone. Other severe cases that may only be properly fixed with surgery are severe underbite, where the lower jaw protrudes beyond the upper jaw, and severe cases of a gummy smile, where surgery can be used to remove the excessively developed upper jaw and reposition it to a more aesthetically pleasing position.
Benefits of Jaw Surgery.
Surgery on the jaw offers permanent results reducing the likelihood of relapse and improving the functional elements of the jaw. It can also improve facial aesthetics, contributing to increased self-esteem, confidence, and well-being.
There are a range of issues that orthognathic surgery can help, both dental and aesthetically, including:
- Correcting problems with swallowing and speech.
- Improve the ability of lips to close fully and comfortably.
- Relieve symptoms of disruptive sleep apnea.
- Relieve TMJ disorder (temporomandibular joint pain) and other jaw problems.
- Improve chewing action and make biting and chewing easier.
- Correct facial asymmetries such as smaller chin, underbite, overbite, and crossbite.
- Minimise excessive wear and breakdown of teeth.
- Correct bite fit and jaw closure such as open bite, where the molars touch but the front teeth don’t.
- Repair facial injury and birth defects.
Considerations of Jaw Surgery.
The surgery itself involves cutting the jawbones to get them to align properly which can result in a long recovery period and potential risks associated with surgical procedures. Recovery times are different for everyone and differ depending on the severity of the dental issue. Some patients may require significant downtime with tough restrictions on diet and activities during the initial stages of recovery and others may have an easier time with a shorter recovery period. Jaw surgery can also be expensive and in some cases, the cost may not be covered by insurance.
Alternatives to Orthognathic Surgery.
You may be at the stage of deciding whether orthognathic surgery is right for you and if not, there are non-surgical options that could treat your dental issue. It’s important to discuss your concerns with your orthodontist if you haven’t done so already, as they will be able to guide you on the best course of action for your specific dental issue.
Orthodontic Camouflage Treatment.
The treatment of orthodontic camouflage does exactly what it says, camouflages the dental issues present at an aesthetic level but does not actually fix dental problems at the bone. Orthodontic camouflage can consist of braces, retainers, and other forms of functional braces and even aesthetics such as dermal fillers, genioplasty and rhinoplasty.
Tooth Extraction and Braces.
This method works particularly well if the upper or lower jaw is excessive. A way of making room for teeth to move into their desired position is to have one or multiple teeth removed from the back of the mouth, to create space for braces then to be fitted and pull the front teeth backwards. This method can improve the facial profile and bite function, but it is important to understand that it is just a mask for dental deformities and not something that will change the bone structure as surgery would.
Headgear and Functional Orthodontic Appliances.
For younger patients who still have time for their skeletons to grow and develop, dental orthopaedic devices such as headgear and functional braces can help to redirect the growth of the teeth, minimise excessive growth and stimulate deficiencies.
Speak to a Specialist Orthodontist About Jaw Surgery in Oldham.
Here at Oldham Orthodontics, we procure optimal treatment using a combined treatment plan, created by the maxillofacial surgeon and orthodontist. We pride ourselves in the complex interdisciplinary care that we provide to all patients undergoing jaw surgery, ensuring close liaison between highly trained and experienced clinicians.
If you would like to speak to one of our specialists about obtaining orthognathic surgery in Oldham, call our helpful team today and book your free consultation.