The Orthognathic procedure or surgery is one performed to remedy skeletal and dental irregularities, minor or major ones. It is also commonly referred to as corrective jaw surgery. The word orthognathic comes from the Greek word orqos and gnaqo, which means to straighten and jaw, respectively. It is performed to correct conditions of the jaw and face that have an effect on the over-all structure of the face. Patient’s chewing, speaking and breathing conditions can be improved through this surgery. It is mostly to correct functional problems but may also dramatically enhance the patient’s appearance. This procedure is also performed in treatment of inborn conditions like the cleft palate.
Why and When Orthognathic Surgery is needed
Corrective jaw surgery might be needed in the following conditions:
- Difficulty chewing or biting food
- Difficulty swallowing
- Chronic jaw or jaw joint (TMJ) pain and headache
- Open bite (this refers to that space when the mouth is closed between the upper and lower teeth)
- Unbalanced facial appearance from the front or side
- Protruding jaw
- Inability to make the lips without straining
- Chronic mouth breathing
- Sleep apnea (breathing problems when asleep)
Corrective jaw surgery is rarely essential to carry out. Orthodontics is not the only option to correct teeth alignment and teeth bite. It is only performed when appropriate and with the consent of the patient.
What should you expect in Orthognathic Surgery?
In a corrective jaw surgery, the surgeon cuts the jawbones of the patient and then places them in the proper alignment. Once placed in the correct position, screws and bone plates are used to ensure that the bones will not be removed from their new position. It requires a one to two days’ stay in the hospital for the surgery. Recovery from the procedure usually takes place around three to six weeks.
As mentioned, braces are placed before the surgery on the patient. This takes around 9 to 18 months to level and align the teeth. Around six weeks after the surgery, the orthodontist will finish aligning the teeth and then he will eventually remove the braces. This procedure takes around 12 to 24 months. The entire process may take several years to complete.
As to eating, the opening and closing of the mouth may be limited by elastic bands and the swelling after surgery. Therefore, patients are encouraged to eat and drink soft and mushy food on the first day and avoid meat and hard food. Afterwards, the patient may gradually change and go back to his normal diet.
What are the risks during Orthognathic Surgery?
The risks orthognathic surgery may include bleeding and swelling in the area of the surgery. It may also include some infection and adverse reaction to anesthesia. More invasive surgery can cause damage to nearby bone or gums and the anesthetic may cause numbness in similar areas. Therefore, doctor’s instructions should be followed for home-based oral care for proper and fast recovery.
Written by Dr. Darren Wittenberger, is the best orthodontist for braces Columbia MO has to offer, and owner of his own practice, Advance Orthodontics. Dr. Wittenberger enjoys sharing his expertise to ensure people can maintain the healthiest, straightest teeth possible!