Corrective jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, treats patients whose jaws do not align properly, causing problems with tooth and bite alignment as well as severe airway compromise, such as sleep apnea. Sometimes, with the help of an orthodontist, the problem can be corrected without jaw surgery, but for severe cases, an oral surgeon is needed to remedy the issue through surgery.
Why do I need corrective jaw surgery?
Misaligned jaws can cause several facial and oral problems, including
- Snoring and sleep apnea
- Poor oral hygiene
- Increased risk of periodontal disease
- Shorter tooth lifespan
- The inability to fully close the lips
- Impaired speech function
- Poor facial aesthetics
- The inability to properly chew and grind food
- Digestive problems
- Dental crowding
It is very important to ensure that irregularities of the jaw are diagnosed and treated early to reduce the risk of serious oral health complications.
The primary goal of corrective jaw surgery is to resolve functional problems with the jaw, but this procedure also offers the patient improved aesthetics and facial proportions. Patients who elect to undergo corrective jaw surgery can expect to experience
- Improved ability to chew and speak
- Improved respiratory function
- Decreased likelihood of short- and long-term relapse
- Enhanced facial harmony and aesthetic appearance
The surgical team at Granger Oral Surgery & Dental Implants thoroughly enjoys seeing the positive transformations and results from orthognathic treatment. Our entire surgical team is trained and experienced in performing and assisting in corrective jaw surgeries.
Am I a candidate for corrective jaw surgery?
If you experience any of the following problems, you may be a candidate for corrective jaw surgery:
- Breathing problems or sleep apnea
- Receded chin
- Significant protruding upper or lower jaw
- Difficulty biting, chewing, or swallowing
- Difficulty closing your lips comfortably
When you elect to undergo orthognathic surgery, your orthodontist will prepare your teeth with braces before your oral surgeon surgically repositions your jaw. After surgery, your orthodontist will make any final, minor corrections needed to finish the bite before removing your braces. If it is determined that you are a candidate for corrective jaw surgery, Dr. Anderson will collaborate with your orthodontist to plan and perform your procedure. Dr. Anderson has undergone extensive surgical education and training which makes him uniquely qualified to examine and treat abnormalities of the facial skeleton.
If you think you are a candidate for corrective jaw surgery, we invite you to schedule an evaluation at our office in Granger, IN. Our team is happy to help in any way possible to restore your oral function.