Orthognathic Surgery as a Solution for Jaw Alignment and Facial Harmony
If you’ve tried other treatments for jaw misalignment, chronic jaw pain, or sleep apnea without success, orthognathic surgery might be the solution you’ve been seeking. While braces or other orthodontic treatments can straighten teeth, they cannot always correct underlying skeletal imbalances that affect the jaw’s position. That’s where orthognathic surgery comes in.
What Is Orthognathic Surgery?
Orthognathic surgery is a specialized procedure designed to correct a range of issues related to jaw alignment. This treatment involves repositioning the upper jaw (maxilla), lower jaw (mandible), or both to improve their alignment. By addressing the bone structure rather than just the teeth, this surgery can correct issues that orthodontics alone cannot resolve.
Who Needs Orthognathic Surgery?
This procedure is typically recommended when other treatments have failed or when jaw misalignment causes significant functional or cosmetic problems. If you have any of the following conditions, you might be a candidate for orthognathic surgery:
1. Open Bites
An open bite occurs when the upper and lower teeth do not touch when the mouth is closed, leading to difficulties in biting and chewing food. While braces can align the teeth, they cannot reposition the jawbones if the problem stems from a skeletal imbalance.
2. Malocclusions (Overbites and Underbites)
A malocclusion refers to a misalignment between the upper and lower jaws, such as:
- Overbite: The upper jaw extends too far over the lower jaw.
- Underbite: The lower jaw extends beyond the upper jaw.
When malocclusions are caused by the jawbones’ position rather than just the teeth, orthognathic surgery can reposition the jaws for a correct, functional bite.
3. Impacted Teeth
In some cases, impacted teeth, such as canines, fail to emerge properly due to jaw misalignment. Jaw surgery can help create the space needed to allow these teeth to emerge or support orthodontic treatment for proper alignment.
4. Chronic Jaw Pain and Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD)
TMD is a condition that affects the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), leading to jaw pain, clicking sounds, or limited movement. If this condition is caused by jaw misalignment, corrective surgery can reposition the jaw to alleviate stress on the TMJ and reduce chronic pain.
5. Mouth Breathing and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
If you find yourself breathing through your mouth, especially at night, it may be due to narrowed airways caused by jaw misalignment. In more severe cases, this can contribute to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a dangerous condition where breathing stops repeatedly during sleep.
When CPAP therapy or other sleep apnea treatments fail, orthognathic surgery can reposition the jaw to widen the airway and significantly reduce or eliminate OSA symptoms, improving sleep quality and overall health.
6. Unbalanced Facial Features and Congenital Defects
For some patients, jaw misalignment affects not just oral function but also facial aesthetics. If you have unbalanced facial features, such as a recessed chin or elongated jaw, surgery can bring harmony to your facial proportions.
Patients with congenital defects, such as cleft palate, or those who have suffered facial trauma, may also benefit from orthognathic surgery to restore proper function and appearance.
7. Residual Jaw Issues After Braces
Even after orthodontic treatment like braces, some patients continue to experience jaw problems that braces alone couldn’t fix. Orthognathic surgery provides the structural correction needed to resolve these lingering issues, ensuring proper alignment and long-term stability.
Take the First Step Toward Better Health and Confidence
If you’ve struggled with any of these conditions and non-surgical treatments haven’t provided relief, orthognathic surgery may be the answer. At Rockwall Oral Surgery, our experienced team will work with your orthodontist and healthcare providers to create a customized treatment plan that addresses both the functional and aesthetic aspects of your condition.
If you’re ready to schedule your surgery or need more information, give us a call at (469) 757-4433 today!
