FAQ About Corrective Jaw Surgery
We perform corrective jaw surgery for a variety of reasons. If you are new to our office or were told that you need jaw surgery, it is normal to have many questions. Here are a few that we are asked on a regular basis, along with our answers to them. We invite you to visit our office so you can ask questions about your specific case since the following are more general in nature.
What is corrective jaw surgery?
This is a procedure performed by an oral surgeon in order to correct dental and skeletal irregularities or concerns.
What can be solved using corrective jaw surgery?
Generally speaking, we can use the procedure to improve the alignment of the jaw if a patient has an overbite, underbite, or crossbite. Misaligned teeth can also be moved used surgery. As a result of the surgery, your appearance may improve and certain physical conditions may be solved. For example, if your jaw was clicking or sore while eating, that could go away. Speech may also be improved as a result of the surgery.
Are there signs I need jaw surgery?
Yes, some of the common signs of needing corrective jaw surgery are:
- Problems swallowing
- Hard time chewing or biting down
- Open spaces between your upper and lower teeth
- Facial appearance that is not balanced
- Mouth breathing
- Sleep apnea
- Your teeth are experiencing irregular wear
- Facial injury
- General bite problems
- And more
When you visit us for an examination and x-rays, we will let you know whether or not you are a good candidate for oral surgery and how the procedure could help improve your health and appearance.
Do all dentists perform this procedure?
No, not at all. In fact, many of our patients come to our office from other local dentists needing to partner with an oral surgeon. You can still see your dentist for ongoing preventative care, but in this case, visiting our office will be necessary for addressing your jaw or bite problems.
Can I just visit an orthodontist to align my jaw?
That really depends on what the challenges are. If the bite issues are relatively minor, your orthodontist may be able to align your jaw using rubber bands or elastics. However, serious bite irregularities are best served by oral surgery. Not only is it more effective, but the treatment time will be much faster.
How long will it take to recovery?
You should expect to feel sore for a couple of weeks. This is a surgery and will require that you spend time at home resting. Taking a few days off work is a wise idea. Some of our patients have the procedure in advance of a holiday or three-day weekend so they do not need to request as many days off.
Will I be able to eat after?
You will need to have a diet of soup and soft foods like yogurt for a few days. This is all part of the recovery process, and the exact amount of time will depend on your surgery.