Orthognathic surgery, that is, the surgical correction of the jaws, is needed when the jaw teeth are not in good contact with one another. This is often corrected by orthodontic treatment. However, if there is skeletal jaw malformation then a combination of orthodontic and surgical treatment is needed.
Who needs orthognathic surgery:
Patients who need orthognathic surgery are the ones who have an occlusal- facial discrepancy. The development of the jaws is a gradual process in which, in some cases, the upper and lower jaws develop at a different rate. The result can be pain in the jaws, malfunction in chewing and talking as well as aesthetic problems in the appearance of the face. Even after facial injuries, jaw relations may not be harmonious with each other. Orthognathic therapy can correct teeth-induced convergence disorders.
- Assessment of the following symptoms
- Difficulty chewing, biting or swallowing
- Speech problems
- Chronic pain of the temporomandibular joint
- Open bite (open bite)
- Prognathism (lower jaw is far ahead)
- Breathing difficulty
Before any therapeutic approach can be started, a series of complete imaging (radiographic examinations) will be needed. During planning treatment, don’t hesitate to ask anything about the procedure. When you feel that you are fully aware of the whole process then we can only move forward with the therapeutic approach.
Surgical correction of the jaws
The goal is to fully understand both the benefits of orthognathic surgery as well as the potential risks and complications of it, so that you are fully informed.
If you are a candidate for orthognathic surgery we will work closely with your dentist and orthodontist during surgery. Orthognathic surgery will put your teeth and jaws in a new position resulting in better function and aesthetic appearance.
Surgical correction of the jaws is an important invasive procedure that requires many months (almost 2 years) of preparation. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia at the hospital and can take 2-5 hours. Postoperative hospital stay for 2-6 days is also normal.
The braces are maintained during surgery and may remain for 6-12 months after surgery.
The major impact of orthognathic surgery appears in the resuscitation phase of the patient (postoperatively). Patients usually do not go to work / school for about 3 weeks – 1 month after surgery. The return to normal chewing function can take 2 months and the full functionality of the dental system, 1 year.
My goal is to have the best level of care both during surgery and after surgery. They need a weekly appointment for about 2 months after surgery.