Orthognathic surgery, or corrective jaw surgery, is often misconstrued as a cosmetic procedure. Many people think it’s just for improving their appearance. However, it addresses way more than that. Misaligned jaws have the potential to result in severe functional problems. Such issues might impinge upon your ability to chew, speak, breathe, and cause pain.
Corrective jaw surgery offers solutions other than just looks. In this blog, we are going to discuss five critical functional problems that only corrective jaw surgery can resolve, thus changing lives.
What is Corrective Jaw Surgery?
Corrective jaw surgery relocates either or both the upper and lower jaw to a more favorable position in respect to each other, thereby improving function and appearance. It corrects the conditions of the jaws so that they bite together as they should.
The common conditions that can be corrected include severe overbite, underbite, crossbite, and misalignment. The basic goal is to get the proper functioning jaw so you will be able to chew, speak, and breathe properly.
This treatment is also employed for curing pain in the jaws and TMJ disorders. When the problem cannot be successfully treated by braces alone, it is often indicated. This surgery offers aesthetic and functional enhancement.
5 Functional Problems Only Corrective Jaw Surgery Can Fix
1. Difficulty Chewing and Biting
In cases where the jaws are out of alignment, this can make the proper chewing of food very difficult. This can result in uneven wear on teeth and further give rise to digestive problems.
Corrective jaw surgery in Beverly Hills readjusts both jaws, the upper and the lower, so that they are in the correct position. This correcting of the bite will allow the patient to chew more efficiently without discomfort.
2. Chronic TMJ Problems and Jaw Pain
Misaligned jaws can result in chronic pain and discomfort, especially in the joint of the jaw. A very common consequence of misaligned jaws is disorders of the temporomandibular joint. This includes pain, clicking, and restriction of movement of the jaw.
Corrective jaw surgery relieves the tension that has been placed on the jaw and the TMJ, thereby reducing or eliminating pain while restoring function.
3. Sleep Apnea and Breathing Problems
A misaligned jaw can block your airway, making it hard for you to breathe and leading to sleep apnea. Sleep apnea makes you snore, causes disturbed sleep, and deprives you of oxygen.
Corrective jaw surgery opens the airway through the rearrangement of the jaw, allowing better airflow. This improves sleep due to improved overall health, especially in cases of obstructive sleep apnea.
4. Speech Impediments
Clarity in speaking may also be hampered as a result of misalignment: those individuals with extreme overbites or underbites suffer issues that sometimes even make it difficult to correctly pronounce words.
Corrective jaw surgery offers repositioning of the jaw to correct speech-related issues. Patients can begin to clearly speak without impediments once the jaw is properly aligned, therefore, improve communication and confidence.
5. Wear and Tear from Improper Jaw Alignment
Chronic misalignment can lead to excessive wear and tear in your teeth. The effect is damage to the teeth that may result in the loss of teeth well before their time. With time, this may have further consequences on dental health, such as gum disease.
Corrective jaw surgery realigns the jaw properly, thus reducing wear and tear and inhibiting long-term issues with the teeth.
Advantages of Corrective Jaw Surgery
Corrective jaw surgery in Beverly Hills is not just about aesthetics, as it can also provide improved functionality, comfort, and quality of life. Beyond the alignment of the teeth and jaws, corrective jaw surgery may help alleviate pain, correct breathing problems, and restore speech to normal.
Many patients enjoy not only increased confidence in themselves but also better health and a better feeling overall. Whether you’re addressing functional issues of chewing or relieving chronic jaw pain, corrective jaw surgery has transformative benefits.
Corrective jaw surgery can address five specific functional problems: inability to properly chew, pain within the jaw, sleep apnea, speech difficulties, and excessive wear of the teeth. It is not only done for aesthetic purposes, but it will also help one greatly in their daily life.
Are you experiencing any of the mentioned problems above? Corrective jaw surgery could be your answer. Schedule an appointment today to find out how this life-changing treatment has the potential to restore both function and aesthetics to your smile.
FAQs
How soon can I resume physical activities after surgery?
Physical activities should be avoided for at least 6 weeks to allow the jaw to fully heal and prevent complications.
Can I drive after corrective jaw surgery?
You should avoid driving for at least a few days after surgery until you feel well enough and no longer take pain medications.
Can I talk normally after corrective jaw surgery?
You may experience some difficulty speaking immediately after surgery, but your speech should improve as healing progresses.
Can corrective jaw surgery prevent future dental problems?
Yes, by correcting misalignment, surgery can prevent wear and tear on teeth, which could lead to further dental issues.
What should I eat after corrective jaw surgery?
Soft foods and liquids are recommended immediately after surgery to avoid putting strain on the jaw while it heals.
Expert Oral Care at Your Fingertips
Experience exceptional oral care tailored to your needs. Contact us to schedule an appointment and explore the transformative possibilities for your oral health. Your brighter smile is just a call away.
