If you live with misaligned teeth or jaws, then you understand better than most that misalignment affects much more than the appearance of your smile. Misaligned teeth and jaws can cause headaches, contribute to tooth decay, bad breath from improper oral hygiene, and damage to other teeth. Moreover, jaws that do not fit properly can make eating, talking, and smiling difficult, embarrassing and even painful. Corrective jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, is a type of treatment used to correct jaws that do not fit properly.
Who Can Benefit From Corrective Surgery
In most orthodontic cases, patients benefit from traditional orthodontic treatment, such as braces and Invisalign. In more severe cases, corrective jaw surgery may be indicated. Our Orthodontists in Woodbury and Stillwater can perform a thorough examination and will discuss the benefits of all treatment options to help decide what is best for you. Whereas orthodontic treatment can successfully align the teeth, jaw surgery helps align the jaws themselves. Some conditions that are successfully treated with surgery can include:
Congenital disabilities, including cleft palate
Protruding jaw or receding chin
Severe overbites and underbites
Obstructive sleep apnea (we typically recommend this when more traditional treatment methods fail)
Chronic pain
Difficulty chewing, biting or swallowing food
Asymmetrical facial appearance
Chronic dry mouth caused by mouth breathing
Inability to make lips meet without significant effort
Facial trauma
An Overview of the Surgical Procedure
If we recommend you undergo surgical treatment to correct your jaw, don't panic. The word "surgery" tends to cause alarm; Orthognathic surgery is not new and has been performed successfully for many years.
The process begins with an examination using diagnostic images and advanced software-based planning. Based on our findings, we will work with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to develop a step-by-step treatment plan. Once we have a plan and your teeth in place, you will schedule the procedure with the surgeon.
Corrective jaw surgery is performed in a hospital. You will be administered anesthesia to ensure that you remain comfortable throughout the entire process. After the procedure, you may experience minor swelling and pain, both of which can typically be controlled with over-the-counter or prescription medications.
Post-surgery, once the jaws have healed, our orthodontists will detail your smile and bite to ensure you gain the maximum benefit of aligned jaws and teeth.
Schedule Your Consultation Today!
If you have questions about corrective jaw surgery, please call Henseler & Kocian Orthodontics at 651-739-1555 or 651-439-8909 to schedule your complimentary appointment today or contact us via email.
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