Key Takeaways
- Orthognathic surgery corrects misaligned jawbones when orthodontics alone cannot properly address the underlying problem.
- Jaw surgery can improve function and facial balance, including problems with chewing, biting, speech, and certain breathing issues.
- Treatment typically involves an oral surgeon and orthodontist working together to plan the procedure and align the teeth before and after surgery.
If you have been told that your jaw is misaligned, you may have heard the term orthognathic surgery. Also called corrective jaw surgery, this treatment is designed to correct problems with the position or alignment of the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both.
For people who have significant jaw alignment problems, orthodontics alone may not be enough. Braces and clear aligners can move teeth, but they cannot reposition the underlying jawbones. Orthognathic surgery works with orthodontic treatment to create a healthier, more functional bite and improve the relationship between the jaws.
For patients considering jaw surgery in Sioux Falls, SD, understanding what orthognathic surgery involves can make the process feel much less overwhelming.
What Is Orthognathic Surgery?
Orthognathic surgery is a procedure used to correct skeletal problems involving the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both. The goal is to improve the way the jaws fit together and, when appropriate, improve related concerns with chewing, speaking, breathing, and facial balance.
The procedure is performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Depending on the patient’s specific condition, surgery may involve the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both jaws.
Orthognathic surgery may be considered when the jawbones have developed in a way that creates a significant bite or facial imbalance. Jaw misalignment can have several causes, including differences in jaw growth, congenital conditions, or previous facial injuries.
How Is Jaw Surgery Different From Braces?
One of the most common questions about corrective jaw surgery is why surgery is necessary if braces can correct a person’s bite.
The difference is simple: braces move teeth, while orthognathic surgery changes the position of the jawbones.
If the teeth are the primary problem, orthodontic treatment may be enough. But if the upper and lower jaws do not align properly, moving the teeth alone may not fully correct the problem.
For example, someone with a significant underbite may have a lower jaw that extends too far forward. Someone with an open bite may have difficulty getting the front teeth to meet. In situations like these, an orthodontist and oral surgeon may determine that corrective jaw surgery is needed to address the underlying skeletal problem.
How Can You Tell If You May Need Jaw Surgery?
Not everyone with a bite problem needs surgery. A consultation with an oral surgeon and orthodontist is the best way to determine whether jaw surgery may be appropriate.
Some signs that may lead to an evaluation include:
- Difficulty chewing or biting food
- A significant overbite or underbite
- An open bite where the front teeth do not meet
- Difficulty bringing the lips together without straining
- Chronic mouth breathing
- Significant facial asymmetry
- Excessive tooth wear
- Difficulty with certain speech or swallowing functions
- Certain jaw-related breathing problems
These symptoms do not automatically mean you need surgery. They are reasons to have your jaw and bite evaluated by a qualified professional.
What Happens During an Orthognathic Surgery Consultation?
Your first appointment is generally focused on evaluation and treatment planning. Your oral surgeon will review your medical and dental history and examine your teeth, bite, jaw movement, and facial structure.
Digital X-rays or 3D imaging may also be used to better understand the position of your teeth and jawbones. Detailed imaging can help your surgical team plan the movements needed to correct the underlying skeletal problem.
Orthognathic treatment is usually a coordinated process. Your oral surgeon and orthodontist work together to determine how your teeth should be positioned before surgery and how they should be aligned afterward.
This means jaw surgery is typically more than a single appointment. Orthodontic treatment is often part of the process before and after surgery to help create and maintain the final bite.
What Are the Types of Corrective Jaw Surgery?
The type of surgery depends on which part of the jaw needs to be corrected.
Upper jaw surgery, also called maxillary surgery, may be used when the upper jaw is positioned too far forward, too far back, or otherwise misaligned.
Lower jaw surgery, or mandibular surgery, may be used when the lower jaw needs to be repositioned to improve the bite and jaw relationship.
Double jaw surgery involves repositioning both the upper and lower jaws when both contribute to the alignment problem.
Your oral surgeon determines the appropriate approach based on your individual anatomy, bite, facial structure, and treatment goals.
What Is Recovery Like After Jaw Surgery?
Recovery from orthognathic surgery takes time. Swelling, soreness, and changes in your diet are common during the early stages of recovery. Many patients begin with liquids or soft foods before gradually returning to a more normal diet as healing progresses.
Your surgeon will provide specific instructions for caring for your mouth and jaw after surgery. Follow-up appointments are important for monitoring healing and coordinating continued orthodontic treatment.
Initial jaw healing takes several weeks, while complete healing can continue for many months. AAOMS notes that initial healing generally occurs around six weeks, with complete jaw healing potentially taking nine to 12 months.
Because recovery can affect school, work, sports, and other activities, planning ahead is an important part of the process.
Is Orthognathic Surgery Right for You?
Orthognathic surgery is not necessary for every bite or jaw problem. The decision depends on the severity and cause of the jaw misalignment, your overall health, your symptoms, and whether orthodontic treatment alone can provide the correction needed.
If you are searching for corrective jaw surgery near me or wondering how to tell if you need jaw surgery, starting with a consultation can help you understand your options.
At Siouxland Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, our team can evaluate your jaw alignment and work with your orthodontist to develop a treatment plan based on your individual needs. If you are considering jaw surgery in Sioux Falls, SD, contact our office to schedule a consultation and learn more about your options.