Corrective Jaw Surgery
What is corrective jaw surgery?
Corrective jaw surgery known as “orthognathic surgery”
is performed to change the position of your jaws when they don’t
meet correctly or your teeth don’t appear to fit with your
jaws. Your surgeon will work closely with your orthodontist who
will straighten your teeth during the process. The words, “orthognathic”
and “orthodontic” both come from Greek, and mean “straight
jaws” and “straight” teeth respectively.
To learn more about corrective jaw surgery at our Montreal office
please view
this in-depth multi-media presentation designed to answer many
of your questions.
Corrective Jaw Surgery Presentation |
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Who needs corrective jaw surgery?
If your jaws are not correctly positioned or you have an incorrect
bite you may be a candidate for this surgery. This can occur during
growth, when, in some cases your upper and lower jaws grow at different
rates. You may have had this condition since birth or as a result
of an accident. This can give rise to functional problems such as
difficulty chewing and speaking. You may feel that your face is
out of balance and may not be happy with your appearance. For example,
many patients present complaining of a prominent lower jaw and chin
or conversely, a small jaw and chin, both of which may contribute
to an unpleasing profile. Patients may also complain of a gummy
smile which reflects an excessive downward or forward growth of
the upper jaw. Many of these conditions can be improved through
corrective jaw surgery to give the patient a more balanced look. |
- Your orthodontist will evaluate the position
of your teeth and how braces will move them to fit with the position
of your jaw after surgery.
- The orthodontist and your surgeon will use
a systematic process to analyze the horizontal and vertical proportions
of your face. The teeth and jaw bones provide the underlying support
to the soft tissues of the face. Planning for appropriate positioning
of the teeth and jaw bones is essential to ensure the long-term
health of your teeth and a harmonious facial profile.
- Your orthodontist will fit you with braces
for a period of 6-18 months, depending on how long it takes for
your teeth to shift into the required position. The new position
of your teeth must be finalized with braces, before you have your
jaw surgery.
- Your surgeon will assess how the bones of
your jaw can be moved to best improve your bite.
- He or she will want to know about your
medical conditions and past surgeries to better understand how
your condition occurred. Any future plans for dental procedures
or cosmetic surgery should be discussed.
- You will undergo a complete examination
of your head and neck area including: the nose, eyes, jaws, jaw
joint Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) and mouth.
- Your surgeon will review your dental record
from your orthodontist and you may need to have additional X-rays
or photographs taken.
- Your surgeon will use state-of the art computer
techniques and three-dimensional models to help explain how the
procedure will be done and demonstrate how your bite will be improved
to give you an impression of how your appearance will change.
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Preparing for corrective jaw surgery
- Most surgeons prefer to remove your wisdom
teeth, if still present, 6-12 months prior to the date of
your jaw surgery.
- You will visit your oral surgeon approximately
6 months prior to the date of your surgery so that he can monitor
your progress and begin the planning process.
- As the surgery time approaches, he or she
may perform on or more “mock” surgeries on casts of
your mouth to better plan for the actual procedure.
- As an important part of your preparation,
your surgeon will review with you the nature of the surgical procedure,
the expected side effects, and the potential risks and benefits
associated with jaw surgery.
How much time does this process take?
The entire process can take two years or more with many visits
to your surgeon and orthodontist. As this is a major commitment,
you need to consider how this will affect your daily life and activities.
How is the corrective jaw surgery procedure done?
Jaw surgery is generally performed in a hospital setting under
general anesthesia. In preparation for your surgery, you will undergo
a physical examination and blood tests to ensure that you are in
good health. The soft tissue incisions for jaw surgery are usually
placed entirely inside the mouth. With the use of specialized instruments,
your surgeon will make bony cuts in your jaw so that it can be moved
in the necessary direction (either forward or backwards). Both upper
and lower jaws can be moved in this way. In the upper jaw it is
sometimes necessary to adjust the width as well as the vertical
position of the jaw.
If a patient shows too much gum it is possible to remove a portion
of the bone, to allow the jaw to be moved in an upward direction.
Once the jaw is in the desired position, the upper and lower jaws
are temporarily wired together and the bony cuts are repaired with
the use of small bone plates and screws. With the advent of these
new techniques, most patients are no longer required to have their
jaws wired shut for the traditional 4-6 weeks. The incisions, which
are carefully sutured, tend to heal well and are normally not visible
in the mouth. |
What can go wrong with this procedure?
Before undertaking any surgical procedure the surgeon will discuss
the risks versus the benefits with the patient. This will include
a detailed description of the possible complications that can arise
during or as a result of corrective jaw surgery. Ideally this exchange
of information should occur on a one-on–one basis with the
patient’s spouse or parents present.
How long is the recovery period and what can I expect?
You may notice some swelling and facial bruising and feel groggy
when you wake up from the surgery. You will be given pain medication
to ease any discomfort. Your bite and gums will feel different and
you may sense that your gums and lips are numb. These are normal
and temporary changes.
It is extremely important that you practice good oral hygiene to
keep the wound clean and prevent infection. You should start as
soon as you are able following your surgery to:
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water (1
teaspoon/glass).
- Loosen any food particles from your teeth,
using a child-size soft toothbrush.
- Rinse again with salt water. Two weeks
following your surgery you may add mouthwash to the salt water
mixture.
- A Water Pik is recommended to
help you maintain your oral hygiene at home.
You are encouraged to get out of bed and walk around as soon as
possible. This will help reduce the swelling and stimulate your
circulation. You can expect to be off of school or work for a period
of at least 2 weeks. You need to drink fluids to keep yourself well
hydrated and begin a “non-chew” diet that can be prepared
in a blender. It is better to eat small meals more frequently. Foods
such as milkshakes and protein supplements can be added to make
your meals more interesting.
Your surgeon will guide you in the timing of your progression from
a liquid to a soft and then to a normal diet. Your surgeon may recommend
physical therapy to learn facial exercises that can increase the
range of motion of your jaw and accelerate your recovery. You may
notice significant changes in your appearance during the initial
phase of you healing period and friends and family may find this
disconcerting. You should talk to them about these expected changes
you are experiencing. You can resume your daily activities slowly
and can expect to be fully active within about two months.
How will corrective jaw surgery affect my life?
Many patients report that the discomfort during the recovery period
is less than they expected. Following the surgery you can expect
a significant improvement in the function of your jaws and the appearance
of your face. This can sometimes be a life-altering event that boosts
your self-confidence and enhances your quality of life. |
