When everyday activities like chewing, speaking, or even breathing become a struggle due to jaw misalignment, you may require orthognathic surgery lower jaw to regain function, comfort, and confidence.
At Airdrie Oral Surgery we specialize in orthognathic surgery lower jaw procedures to help patients regain function, comfort, and confidence.
Whether you’re facing issues with your bite, facial appearance, or chronic pain, jaw surgery can be life-changing.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about orthognathic surgery lower jaw, why you might consider it, and what the procedure entails.
What is Orthognathic Surgery?
Orthognathic surgery, also known as corrective jaw surgery, is a specialized type of oral and maxillofacial surgery aimed at correcting irregularities in the upper and lower jaws. The primary goal of this surgery is to enhance the alignment and function of the jaws, which can significantly improve facial appearance, alleviate symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, and boost overall oral health.
During orthognathic surgery, a maxillofacial surgeon makes precise cuts in the jawbone to reposition it into the correct alignment. This may involve moving the upper teeth forward, rotating, or adjusting them to achieve optimal facial appearance and dental alignment. The surgery can be performed on the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both, depending on the individual’s needs.
Orthognathic surgery is often necessary when the upper and lower jaws do not align correctly, or the teeth don’t adequately fit within the jaw. This misalignment can lead to a range of problems, including difficulty chewing, speaking, and breathing, as well as excessive wear on the teeth and jaw pain.
Why You Should Consider Orthognathic Surgery Lower Jaw
Jaw issues can be more than just a cosmetic concern—they can significantly affect your quality of life.
Misaligned lower jaws can lead to a host of problems, ranging from chronic pain to difficulty chewing. That’s where orthognathic surgery lower jaw comes in.
Many people opt for lower jaw orthognathic surgery due to the following reasons:
- Chronic Jaw Pain: Misaligned jaws put stress on the jaw joint and facial muscles, leading to conditions like chronic jaw pain, headaches, or even migraines.
- Difficulty Chewing: If your upper and lower teeth don’t meet properly, eating can be a challenge, leading to excessive wear on certain teeth or difficulty swallowing.
- Sleep Apnea: In some cases, obstructive sleep apnea is linked to poor jaw alignment, which orthognathic surgery lower jaw can help correct.
- Facial Appearance: A misaligned lower jaw can alter the way your face looks, impacting your confidence.
Conditions Treated with Orthognathic Surgery
Orthognathic surgery can address a variety of conditions affecting the upper and lower jaws. Some of the most common conditions treated with this surgery include:
- Malocclusion: When the teeth do not fit together properly, it can lead to problems with chewing, speaking, and breathing.
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Poor jaw alignment can block the airway during sleep, causing breathing difficulties and other health issues.
- TMJ Disorders: Conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint can cause pain and discomfort in the jaw and surrounding areas.
- Facial Asymmetry: An asymmetrical face can lead to both aesthetic concerns and functional problems.
- Birth Defects: Conditions such as cleft lip and palate can affect the alignment and function of the jaws.
- Traumatic Injuries: Injuries to the jaw and face can disrupt the alignment and function of the jaws.
By addressing these conditions, orthognathic surgery can significantly improve a patient’s quality of life, enhancing both function and appearance.
Pre-Surgical Evaluation and Planning
Before undergoing orthognathic surgery, a thorough evaluation and planning process is essential to ensure the best possible outcome. This process typically involves several key steps:
- Consultation with an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon: Discuss your needs and determine if orthognathic surgery is the best course of treatment.
- Imaging Studies: X-rays, CT scans, and 3D imaging are used to evaluate the alignment and function of the jaws.
- Orthodontic Evaluation: Assess the alignment and position of the teeth to determine if orthodontic treatment is necessary before surgery.
- Surgical Planning: Develop a personalized treatment plan and determine the best surgical approach.
- Discussion of Risks and Benefits: Ensure you understand the potential risks and benefits of orthognathic surgery.
What Does Mandibular Osteotomy Involve?
Before you commit to orthognathic surgery lower jaw, it’s important to understand what the procedure entails.
Step-by-Step Process
- Pre-Surgical Orthodontics: You’ll often undergo routine orthodontic treatment before surgery to align your teeth prior to the operation.
- Surgical Procedure: During orthognathic surgery lower jaw, also known as a mandibular osteotomy, the surgeon makes precise cuts in the lower jaw to move it into the correct position. The jaw is then secured using tiny screws or titanium plates.
- Recovery: After surgery, your lower jaw will need time to heal, and you’ll be monitored closely by your oral and maxillofacial surgeon to ensure proper recovery.
By repositioning the lower jaw, this surgery can greatly improve proper jaw function and facial appearance, providing long-lasting results.
How Orthognathic Surgery Lower Jaw Corrects Misalignment
If your lower jaw is misaligned, it can cause issues beyond just a bad bite. Misaligned lower jaws lead to uneven pressure on your teeth, causing wear and tear, discomfort, and even tooth sensitivity.
Orthognathic surgery lower jaw addresses these issues by repositioning the lower jaw to its correct alignment.
This has several benefits:
- Balanced Bite: A realigned lower jaw improves how your upper and lower teeth meet, reducing the risk of excessive wear and preventing issues like tooth sensitivity.
- Improved Chewing and Speaking: With a properly aligned lower jaw, chewing becomes easier and speech is often improved.
- Relief from Chronic Pain: Misalignment in the lower jaw can cause strain on the jaw joint, leading to chronic jaw pain and headaches. Surgery helps alleviate this.
What to Expect During Recovery After Orthognathic Surgery Lower Jaw
Recovery from orthognathic surgery lower jaw is a crucial part of the process, and while it may take time, the results are well worth the effort.
Here’s what to expect:
- Initial Healing: In the first few weeks after surgery, you’ll likely be on a soft food diet as your jaw heals. You may also experience some swelling and mild discomfort, which can be managed with pain medication.
- Long-Term Recovery: Full recovery can take several months, during which time your oral and maxillofacial surgeon will monitor your progress. Most patients report significant improvements in jaw function and comfort within a few months.
- Post-Treatment Care: You’ll need to follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully to ensure a smooth recovery. This might include specific exercises to restore full range of motion in the jaw and continued use of orthodontic braces to stabilize the bite.
Orthognathic Surgery Lower Jaw and Its Impact on Your Daily Life
After undergoing lower jaw surgery, many patients notice improvements not just in function, but in quality of life.
A realigned lower jaw helps:
- Reduce Tooth Wear: Misaligned lower jaws can cause uneven pressure on certain teeth, leading to wear and even tooth sensitivity. Post-surgery, your bite will distribute pressure more evenly across your upper and lower teeth.
- Improve Facial Appearance: Beyond just the functional benefits, orthognathic surgery lower jaw can enhance your facial appearance, giving you a more balanced profile.
- Alleviate Sleep Apnea: For patients dealing with obstructive sleep apnea due to jaw misalignment, surgery can provide significant relief by repositioning the lower jaw to keep the airway open.
The Role of Your Maxillofacial Surgeon in Orthognathic Surgery Lower Jaw
When considering orthognathic surgery lower jaw, it’s crucial to choose an experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
At Airdrie Oral Surgery, our team of skilled maxillofacial surgeons have the expertise and advanced technology to perform precise surgeries that deliver life-changing results.
- Expertise: Our oral and maxillofacial surgeons specialize in complex procedures to ensure optimal outcomes.
- Technology: We use cutting-edge technology to guide every step of the procedure, from pre-surgical planning to the actual jaw surgery.
Your surgeon will work closely with you to ensure that the lower jaw surgery meets your expectations and improves both jaw function and facial appearance.
Conclusion: Is Orthognathic Surgery Lower Jaw Right for You?
If you’re struggling with a misaligned jaw, orthognathic surgery lower jaw can make a huge difference in your quality of life.
From alleviating chronic jaw pain to improving how you chew, speak, and breathe, this surgery can provide life-changing benefits.
At Airdrie Oral Surgery, we are committed to offering the highest standard of care for our patients in Airdrie and the surrounding communities. If you think orthognathic surgery lower jaw might be the solution for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to our expert team of oral and maxillofacial surgeons.
Take the first step towards a healthier, more functional jaw by scheduling a consultation with Airdrie Oral Surgery today!