When your jaws are misaligned, you may experience many abnormalities when eating and speaking, among other functions.
Sometimes, an orthodontist near you will plan a treatment to correct any malocclusions; however, when it’s not enough, you should look for orthognathic surgery in Orlando.
Orthognathic surgery is a surgical procedure that consists of correcting the position of your upper or lower jaw. The surgeon often works with an orthodontist in Orlando for a combined treatment plan.
Signs that You Might Need Orthognathic Surgery Near You:
If you have one or many of the conditions below, you may need to undergo orthognathic surgery:
- Eating abnormalities
- Speech impediments
- Open bite
- Overbite or underbite
- Crossbite
- Temporomandibular joint disorders
Orthodontics Before the Surgery
In the majority of cases, the patient will undergo orthodontic treatment before the procedure. On average, treatment with braces may last from a year to two years. Once your teeth are aligned, you may prepare for orthognathic surgery.
What to Expect - Before the Procedure
Before the surgery, your dental professional will take a set of x-rays of your teeth, along with dental cone beam CT and impressions, to properly plan the treatment.
During the consultation visit before the surgery, you may ask about costs, the procedure itself, any medical issues you may have that can interfere with the surgery, and general anesthesia.
What to Expect - During the Procedure
Your oral surgeon will move your upper or lower jaw into the right position and secure them with several devices, such as screws and wires.
Some cases require bone grafting, which can be artificial or natural.
When the surgery is to correct the maxilla, your doctor will make some cuts in the bone structure to move it. Afterward, they will secure it with specific materials to hold the whole unit in its new and correct place.
When the problem is in the jawbone, your surgeon will perform the same procedure but in the lower jaw and teeth.
Genioplasty
Also, your surgeon may fix the position of your chin, which is called a genioplasty. When the chin is deficient, a doctor needs to cut it and place it forward.
It is usual to have a small chin if you also have a receding jaw.
After the Surgery
You must follow the following instructions after your orthognathic surgery for better recovery:
- Keep a soft diet until your dental professional advises otherwise.
- Keep a good oral care routine.
- Avoid smoking or using any tobacco products.
- Rest for as long as your doctor advises.
- Avoid strenuous activity.
- Take your pain medication as instructed.
- Resume your daily activities after a couple of weeks. It might be more or less, depending on what your doctor considers.
The full recovery occurs around the third month after the procedure. You must follow the instructions above to avoid any risks during the healing process.
Six weeks after the surgery, you must visit your orthodontic dentist for an evaluation. They will determine if you need to wear braces again for better teeth alignment.
The Benefits of Orthognathic Surgery
Orthognathic surgery has many perks. Among them, you can find:
- Better appearance
- Boost your self-esteem
- Improve oral functions, such as biting, chewing, and speaking
- Better sleep
To undergo orthognathic surgery, the patient must be eighteen years old, which is when the jaws usually stop growing (it may vary a little bit depending on your gender).
If you are interested in the procedure, feel free to contact our dental offices. We have a team of excellent surgeons that look forward to helping you improve your smile and your life quality.