Orthognathic surgery — more often called jaw surgery — corrects mild and severe irregularities in the jaw. Surgery can also help realign the jaws and teeth so that your mouth functions properly. Depending on why you need surgery, you might notice that surgery also has a few aesthetic benefits (like correcting an open bite).
Corrective jaw surgery can transform your life as the results are long-lasting, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). But how do you know if orthognathic surgery is right for you?
Often, corrective jaw surgery is just part of a larger treatment plan. For example, you might find that the best results are a combination of orthodontic braces followed by surgery. One of the experienced providers at Northern Virginia Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery may suggest surgery after reviewing your symptoms and your dental imaging.
In the meantime, here are a few signs that it’s time to consider corrective jaw surgery.
What can correct jaw surgery fix?
Corrective jaw surgery doesn’t just fix one problem. In fact, realigning the jaw and correcting irregularities in your bones can fix a variety of issues. According to the ASPS, orthognathic surgery can address:
- Severe bite problems that braces alone can’t fix (e.g. severe open bite, overbite, crossbite)
- Asymmetrical facial structures caused by misaligned upper or lower jaw
- Obstructive sleep apnea caused by jaw bone misalignment
Depending on your specific needs, your surgery may be preceded or followed up with orthodontic care.
8 signs you might need jaw surgery
Because of the long recovery period, jaw surgery isn’t typically the first solution to a dental problem. For example, sleep apnea can be treated with oral devices in some cases, and braces can correct minor bite issues. However, sometimes the more conservative options just don’t provide the results you need.
Here are 8 signs that corrective jaw surgery may help you:
- You find it difficult to chew
- You find it difficult to swallow
- You avoid eating (or only eat liquid or purees) because of discomfort
- Your jaw always hurts
- You have a severe bite problem
- Your jaw protrudes
- You struggle with chronic mouth breathing
- You tried other options, but they aren’t working the way you had hoped
In order to be considered for oral surgery, your jaw should already be fully developed, according to the experts at Mayo Clinic. This means that females aged 14-16 and males 17-21 with the above listed symptoms might consider jaw surgery.
Benefits of corrective jaw surgery
Any surgery requires a commitment to the healing process, but jaw surgery requires some upfront work, too. You might need to wear braces or other orthodontic appliances before surgery. After surgery, you’ll spend a few days healing and recovering. Despite the prep work and the post-op recovery, there are plenty of benefits.
Corrective jaw surgery:
- Provides long-lasting results
- Corrects what conservative treatment alone can’t do
- Improves your ability to chew and swallow comfortably
- Alleviates chronic jaw pain due to misalignment
- Improves the appearance of your facial structure
- Eliminates chronic mouth breathing
We know that the idea of any surgery can be overwhelming, but we also know the power of what orthognathic surgery can do. If you’re struggling with bite problems or constant jaw pain, you don’t need to suffer forever. We can help you get the relief you deserve.
To request an appointment in one of our three locations — Burke, Reston, or Alexandria — call the location of your choice today. Alternatively, you can book an appointment online.