Orthognathic Surgery

What is Orthognathic Surgery?                    

Also known as corrective jaw surgery, orthognathic surgery can correct minor and major dental and skeletal irregularities.          

A misaligned jaw can impact your ability to breathe and the overall function of your jaw. Misaligned jaws can result in facial deformities such as steep jawline and vertical maxillary excess. Your bite can be affected in a number of ways: an open bite, overbite, and underbite.

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How long is orthognathic surgery?            

It really depends on your specific needs and what issues you want to correct but can take three hours or more.          

Most patients need at least a couple of weeks off work to recuperate from surgery. A liquid diet is recommended for the first six weeks; it is important to stay hydrated during your recovery. You may experience fluid in your sinuses, making it difficult to breathe, and some swelling and tenderness around your jaw the first week after your procedure. In general, bone can take up to six months to properly heal. That is why you will need to avoid contact sports and any high-tempo exercises; anything where your jaw can shift.    

Don’t suffer when Lakeshore Dental Specialists can offer you some of the best orthognathic surgery Detroit has to offer you.        

Questions to ask yourself About Orthognathic Surgery        

         
• Do you have an open bite between your upper and lower teeth?
         
• Do you experience constant headaches?
         
• Are you having a hard time biting and chewing your food?
         
• Is it difficult for your lips to meet without any strain?
         
• Do you have chronic pain in your jaw or jaw joint?
         
• Do you have a receding lower jaw and chin?
         
• Is swallowing painful?
         
• Are you having problems breathing through your mouth?
         
• Have you suffered from a facial injury?
         
• Do you have a birth defect in your jaw?
         
• Is there excessive extreme wear on your teeth?
         
• Does your jaw protrude?
         
• Are you experiencing sleep apnea?
       

Process of Orthognathic Surgery        

Before any corrective jaw surgery, you will need orthodontic braces to move your teeth into a new position in preparation for your procedure.    

The goal is to have your teeth fit together, aligning your dental arches. You may wear braces from six months to three years depending on your specific situation and the existing state of your teeth and gums. The next step includes getting impressions of your teeth as well as x-rays and pictures. On the day of your surgery, you will receive general anesthesia before your surgeon begins to cut your jawbones and reposition them to the best position based on your specific needs. Sometimes, the bone may be reshaped, removed or added from another part of your body such as your rib, hip, or leg. To decrease visible scarring, the incisions are typically made inside your mouth. After your jaws have been properly aligned, surgical plates and screws are used to keep the bones in place and hold your jaws in their new positions. You may need tight bands for a couple of weeks to secure your jaws together and ensure the bones do not shift around. The screws eventually fuse to your bone to become part of your jaw. You may require braces for an additional few months after your surgery.