All You Need to Know About Corrective Jaw Surgery

by Shawn Deny Internet Marketing Manager

‘Orthognathic’ or corrective jaw surgeries are procedures performed to adjust major and minor dental and skeletal deformities. Performed by oral maxillofacial surgeons, these surgeries can improve the patient's breathing, speaking and chewing functions, along with enhancing their appearance.

So, how does corrective jaw surgery help? And do you really need it? Let’s find out.

How Does Corrective Jaw Surgery Help?

The corrective jaw surgery restores functional dentofacial irregularities. The most common of these are:

· The Protruding Lower Jaw: The condition is marked by the lower jaw sticking out of the normal facial structure. The condition causes the nose to widen and increases the space between teeth in the upper and lower jaw resulting in an underbite. Corrective jaw surgery separates the rear portion of the jaw from the front. The jaw is then modified, and moved back into proper alignment with the upper jaw.

· The Open Bite: Characterized by teeth both in the upper and lower jaw that are forced outward, causing a gap between the lower and upper teeth in a closed mouth. This deformity creates speech and eating problems for the patients. With corrective jaw surgery, dentists are able to adjust the upper jaw through bone removal in a position that eliminates the gap between teeth.

· The Receding Lower Jaw: Also known as the ‘weak chin’ this condition makes the mouth appear unnatural and protruded, and gives patients an overbite to deal with. As a corrective procedure, the surgery modifies the lower jaw after removing it from its base. The modified jaw is then repositioned forward to align properly with the upper jaw.

Do You Need A Corrective Jaw Surgery?

You may need a corrective jaw surgery if you are facing the following conditions:

· Trouble in biting, or chewing food

· Problems in swallowing food

· The chronic jaw headache or pain

· Extreme deterioration of teeth

· An open bite

· The front or side facial appearance lacking balance

· Facial injuries

· Genetic defects

· A receding chin or lower jaw

· A protruding jaw

· Parted lips – straining to make lips meet

· Prolonged mouth breathing

· Sleep apnea

Going through these conditions, you may feel that you definitely need a corrective jaw surgery. However, some dentofacial irregularities do not need surgery, simple exercises can help restore them. Consult a dentist near you. Your dentist will lay out the most appropriate course of action.

For those of you looking for a dentist in and around Los Alamitos visit Franklin Green, DDS. With over 25 years of experience under their belt, they have been successfully providing the Los Alamitos community with unmatched, affordable dental care. Call (562) 594-6299 for more information.