Corrective Jaw Surgery: Everything You Need To Know
Beverly Hills, CA

Corrective jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, is a procedure that helps realign the jaws and teeth to improve function, appearance, and overall health. While often performed to fix misalignments that affect chewing, speech, or breathing, it can also address facial asymmetry, congenital deformities, and trauma.

This guide will walk you through the ins and outs of corrective jaw surgery, including its benefits, how the procedure works, and what you can expect during recovery.

What’s a Corrective Jaw Surgery?

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons perform corrective jaw surgery to reposition the upper jaw (maxilla), lower jaw (mandible), or both. The primary goal is to correct structural imbalances that affect function, but the procedure also enhances facial balance and appearance.

Common issues treated with corrective jaw surgery include:

• Misaligned bite (overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite)
• Jaw growth abnormalities
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing
• Speech problems
• Breathing difficulties (including sleep apnea)
• Chronic jaw pain or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
• Facial asymmetry or deformity from trauma

Advantages of This Surgery

Corrective jaw surgery offers a variety of both functional and aesthetic benefits. Some of the most common advantages include:

• Improved Chewing and Biting: Properly aligned jaws help improve how teeth come together, which enhances your ability to chew food efficiently.
  
• Better Speech: Misaligned jaws can lead to speech impediments. Surgery can improve articulation and speech clarity.
  
• Enhanced Facial Appearance: Correcting jaw alignment can significantly improve facial harmony and symmetry, resulting in better aesthetics.
  
• Easier Breathing: Jaw surgery can open airways, relieving conditions like sleep apnea or snoring.
  
• Reduced Jaw Pain: Correcting bite issues can help alleviate jaw pain, TMJ disorders, and headaches.
  
• Boosted Confidence: Enhanced facial balance and improved function can boost self-esteem and confidence.

Who Needs Corrective Jaw Surgery?

Corrective jaw surgery is typically recommended when orthodontic treatments, such as braces, cannot correct the underlying structural problems of the jaw. A consultation with an orthodontist and oral surgeon is usually required to determine whether surgery is necessary.

Common candidates for jaw surgery include individuals with:

• Severe malocclusion (misaligned bite)
• Disproportionate jaw growth
• Facial asymmetry or deformity due to trauma
• Difficulty chewing, biting, or swallowing
• Persistent jaw pain or discomfort
• Speech difficulties due to jaw alignment
• Breathing difficulties, such as obstructive sleep apnea

Your surgeon will assess your overall health, jaw structure, and the severity of your condition before recommending surgery. Corrective jaw surgery is generally performed after growth has stopped, which is usually around 16-18 years for females and 18-21 years for males.

Steps To The Corrective Jaw Surgery Process

The journey to corrective jaw surgery involves several steps, each aimed at ensuring the best possible outcome. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

1. Initial Consultation

Your journey begins with a consultation with your orthodontist and oral surgeon. They will assess your jaw alignment, bite, and overall facial structure through physical examinations, X-rays, 3D imaging, and dental impressions.

2. Pre-Surgical Orthodontics

Most patients will need orthodontic treatment (such as braces) before surgery to align the teeth in preparation for jaw repositioning. This stage can last between 12-18 months, depending on your specific case.

3. Surgical Planning

Using advanced imaging technology, your surgeon will create a detailed surgical plan. The surgery is meticulously planned to ensure precise movements of the jawbones. In some cases, virtual surgery simulations are used to demonstrate the anticipated results.

4. Surgery

Corrective jaw surgery is performed under general anesthesia in a hospital or surgical facility. Depending on your needs, your surgeon will reposition the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both. The procedure typically takes 2-5 hours.

• Upper Jaw (Maxillary Osteotomy): This involves cutting and repositioning the upper jaw to correct issues such as a severe overbite or open bite.
  
• Lower Jaw (Mandibular Osteotomy): This surgery moves the lower jaw forward or backward to correct an underbite or receding chin.
  
• Double Jaw Surgery: For patients requiring both upper and lower jaw correction, double jaw surgery is performed to enhance alignment and function.

Once the jaw is repositioned, plates, screws, and wires may be used to secure the bone in its new position.

5. Post-Surgical Recovery

The recovery phase begins immediately after surgery and can take anywhere from several weeks to a few months. Your surgeon will provide detailed post-op instructions to guide you through this process.

Recovery After Corrective Jaw Surgery

Recovering from corrective jaw surgery requires patience and proper care. Here’s what you can expect:

Immediate Post-Operative Care

• Swelling and Bruising: Significant swelling and bruising around the jaw and face are common. These symptoms usually peak within the first few days and then gradually subside over the next few weeks.
  
• Pain Management: Pain and discomfort can be managed with prescribed pain relievers. Cold compresses can also help with swelling and discomfort.
  
• Dietary Restrictions: A soft or liquid diet is necessary during the initial recovery phase. You will slowly transition back to solid foods as your jaw heals.
  
• Oral Hygiene: Maintaining oral hygiene is crucial to prevent infection. Your surgeon will recommend rinsing with a prescribed mouthwash and avoiding vigorous brushing near the surgical site.

Long-Term Recovery

• Jaw Mobility: Your surgeon may recommend jaw exercises to restore mobility and prevent stiffness. Physical therapy may also be necessary.
  
• Follow-Up Appointments: Regular follow-up visits are essential to monitor healing progress and ensure the jaw is aligning properly.
  
• Complete Healing: While initial healing takes 6-8 weeks, it can take up to a year for your jaw to fully recover and for swelling to subside completely.

Risks and Complications

Like any surgical procedure, corrective jaw surgery comes with some risks, although complications are rare. Potential risks include:

• Infection at the surgical site
• Nerve damage causing temporary or permanent numbness in the jaw, lips, or chin
• Relapse of the jaw to its original position
• Problems with bite alignment or speech post-surgery

Discuss any concerns with your oral surgeon and carefully follow their post-op instructions to minimize risks.

Corrective jaw surgery can significantly enhance both the functionality and aesthetics of your face and jaw, offering benefits that range from better chewing and speech to better facial symmetry and relief from chronic pain.

While the process requires careful planning, orthodontic preparation, and a dedicated recovery period, the long-term results are often transformative. It’s necessary to consult with an oral to explore whether corrective jaw surgery is right for you.