What Does Jaw Surgery Do?
Many people are born with or develop problems with their jawbones. When these bones are misaligned or have another issue, you may have aesthetic and functional problems such as chewing and even speaking. Jaw surgery corrects a wide range of problems to achieve a jaw with a normal appearance and function.
What is Corrective or Orthognathic Jaw Surgery?
Orthognathic surgery is the medical term for surgery performed on the jaw. Jaw surgery can be performed for many reasons and can often significantly improve your quality of life. Jaw surgery is more of a process than an individual procedure. You may require braces or tooth extractions to prepare your teeth. People often require follow-up treatments after jaw surgery as well.
*Individual results may vary
What Does Jaw Surgery Do?
You may be recommended for jaw surgery if your dentist or another doctor determines that you are experiencing pain or other issues due to your jaw. This procedure can address issues such as:
- Crowded teeth
- Crooked or protruding teeth
- Difficulty chewing or speaking
- Overbite or underbite
- Open bite (upper and lower jaw do not close entirely)
- Breathing problems
- Jaw pain and headaches
Jaw surgery repositions your jaw bones to bring your teeth into alignment, provide more space for your airway, and improve the appearance of your teeth. People with serious jaw problems find this surgery truly life-changing in many ways.
How is Jaw Surgery Performed?
Jaw surgery requires at least an overnight stay in the hospital and is performed under general anesthesia. Your surgeon will use incisions hidden inside your mouth to cut and reposition your jaw bones to achieve the correct alignment. A correctly aligned jaw will let you eat and speak more easily while relieving chronic pain and aesthetically frustrating conditions.
Request a Consultation
Give us a call today at 817-927-1818 or fill out the form below to schedule an appointment. You’ll be happy you chose Facial & Cosmetic Surgery Fort Worth for your oral surgery and facial cosmetic surgery needs.
What is Recovery Like After Jaw Surgery?
The entire jaw surgery procedure can take 12 to 24 months, including time for orthodontics and other procedures. The jaw surgery is performed as part of this process. Recovery from the surgery itself takes about six weeks.
We will recommend that you sleep with your head elevated to reduce swelling after the procedure. You will follow a liquid diet for at least two weeks while letting your jaw heal, and you should not chew gum or hard foods for up to two months. You can resume most of your usual activities after two weeks.
Am I a Good Candidate for Jaw Surgery?
It is essential that jaw surgery candidates understand the full extent of the process. Good candidates are committed to achieving their results and are willing to be patient. Candidates should be healthy and have reasonable expectations. Your surgeon will customize your treatment plan to meet your needs.
Take the Next Step
If you have further questions about jaw surgery, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at Faces Fort Worth. Call us at (817) 927-1818 or fill out our online contact form. We look forward to taking care of you.
