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Jaw reconstruction surgery, or orthognathic surgery, is performed to correct issues and alignment of the jaw. Depending on what you need, jaw surgery can correct the way your jawbones and teeth function and, incidentally, can improve the way you look.

You can get jawbone reconstructive surgery for the chin, upper jaw, and lower jaw. Your orthodontist will first examine your jawbones and teeth, and the physician will then capture images to determine whether this type of surgery is the best option for you – and, if so, what exactly is needed.

Benefits of Jawbone Reconstruction Surgery

Jawbone reconstruction is typically the last option if orthodontics have failed to realign the jaw and/or teeth. In young people, this type of surgery is advisable only after the jaw and teeth have stopped growing.

If you undergo this surgery, you will most likely be wearing braces before and after the operation. The braces will help ensure proper alignment of the bones while they heal and naturally fuse together. Removal of the braces will be done after healing is complete.

Jawbone reconstruction surgery is beneficial to those with jaw and teeth alignment problems. Some of the benefits include:

• Easier biting, chewing, and swallowing of food
• Correcting speech problems
• Preventing excessive or uneven wearing-down of the teeth
• Correcting overbite and underbite issues
• Correcting symmetry in the face
• Enabling comfortable opening and closing of the mouth
• Relieving temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain and “clicking”
• Repairing injuries to the face
• Correcting birth defects
• Correcting blockages that cause obstructive sleep apnea

What to Expect in Jaw Surgery

Jawbone reconstruction surgery is usually scheduled at least a year ahead of time, thereby allowing you to wear braces to realign your teeth. Other forms of preparation can also include reshaping of your teeth and applying dental crowns. Your orthodontist will also have models of your teeth made.

For the surgery, you will be placed under general anesthesia. The surgery will most likely be performed inside your mouth in order to eliminate the risk of scar development on your face.

The surgeon will make incisions into your jawbone in order to adjust its position and shape. The physician may also (if necessary or desired) add extra bone material or shave off bone where the bone is too large.

Once the adjustment is complete, the surgeon will place wires, screws, and bone plates as needed to secure the bones into position. These will likely be integrated into your jawbone structure, as your bone will grow over these elements.

After the Operation

After jaw surgery, you should avoid smoking and strenuous activity. You will also be prescribed medication to manage the pain.

You should be able to return to work or school within a few weeks. Healing typically takes between 6 and 12 weeks to completely heal.

After the jaw heals, your orthodontist will again align your teeth with braces. The entire process may take several years before your jaw and teeth feel normal and properly aligned.

Orthodontic Dentistry in Plantation, Florida

Jawbone reconstruction surgery can create symmetry in your face and improve the functioning of your jaws and teeth. Breathing, eating, speaking, and sleeping are also improved.

If you want to live a life without the limitations of jawbone problems, call Dr. Ernie Soto today at (954) 368-6264 or request an appointment online. Dr. Soto will listen to your concerns and – with his skills and expertise – formulate a makeover plan to give you the perfect smile and normal oral functioning that you deserve.