What is Orthognathic Corrective Surgery?
Orthognathic corrective jaw surgery, also known as corrective jaw surgery, is a surgical procedure that aims to correct abnormalities or irregularities in the jawbone and the facial structure. It involves the use of surgical techniques to reposition the upper or lower jaw, or both, to improve the function and appearance of the mouth, teeth, and jaws.
Orthognathic jaw surgery is typically recommended for patients with a range of conditions such as severe malocclusion (misaligned bite), jaw or facial asymmetry, sleep apnea, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), and other jaw-related issues that cannot be corrected with orthodontic treatment alone.
The procedure is usually performed by a jaw and maxillofacial surgeon in collaboration with an orthodontist. Prior to surgery, the patient undergoes a comprehensive evaluation to determine the extent of the problem and to develop a treatment plan. After the surgery, patients typically need a period of recovery and follow-up care to ensure optimal healing and the best possible outcome.
What are the Steps for Orthognathic Jaw Surgery?
Orthognathic jaw surgery is a complex procedure that involves multiple steps and can vary depending on the individual patient’s needs. Here is a general overview of what the procedure may entail:
Prior to surgery, the patient will undergo a comprehensive evaluation to assess their jaw structure and function, as well as their overall health. A team of specialists, including an jaw and maxillofacial surgeon, an orthodontist, and sometimes other healthcare professionals, will work together to develop a personalized treatment plan.
In some cases, the patient will undergo orthodontic treatment for several months prior to surgery to align the teeth and prepare the jaw for the surgical correction.
On the day of the surgery, the patient will be given general anesthesia. The surgeon will make incisions inside the mouth, and then reposition the upper or lower jaw or both, using specialized surgical instruments and techniques. The bones are then secured in their new position using plates, screws, wires, or other fixation devices.
Recovery:
After the surgery, the patient will be monitored in a recovery room before being discharged home. Pain medication and antibiotics will be prescribed to help manage pain and prevent infection. The patient will also be advised to follow a specific diet and avoid certain activities during the recovery period, which can last several weeks to several months.
After the initial recovery period, the patient will continue orthodontic treatment to finalize the alignment of the teeth and jaws. This can last several months to a year or more.
Follow-up Care:
Regular follow-up visits with the surgeon and orthodontist will be necessary to monitor healing and ensure the best possible outcome.
It’s important to note that the specifics of the procedure can vary depending on the patient’s individual needs and the surgeon’s preferred techniques. It is always best to consult with a qualified jaw and maxillofacial surgeon to determine the best course of treatment for your unique situation.
What Makes a Perfect Jaw?
The jaw is a critical part of overall facial appearance. It frames the lower half of the face, therefore all types of jaw surgery will take other facial features into consideration. Your jaw surgeon should ideally also have plastic surgery experience so that they understand the subtle nuances of what constitutes a pleasing physical appearance — not just a jaw that functions well — but also in aesthetic harmony with the lips, nose, and cheekbones. All too often, inexperienced jaw surgeons are focused on the “mechanics” and function of the jaw, rather than possessing an “artistic eye” to determine the appearance of the jaw as it works with the rest of the face. The appearance of the jaw is a critical part of how the face is ‘framed’, and this more holistic view needs to be taken into consideration when undertaking any type of orthognathic surgery.
Specific Symptoms or Conditions Requiring Orthognathic Surgery
Common negative symptoms & conditions resulting from previous jaw surgery may include:
Misaligned, lopsided, or “open” bite
Lopsided chin
Breathing or chewing difficulties
Impeded jaw function
Teeth misalignment
Speech problems
Jaw too wide or too ‘masculine’ in appearance
Jaw too narrow, streamlined, or ‘feminine’ in appearance
How is Revision Jaw Surgery Different than Regular Jaw Surgery?
Depending on your existing circumstances, the elements of your jaw revision surgery will be unique to your situation. Often revision surgeries of any type involve a longer initial consultation so that Dr. Wolford can fully understand the previous surgical procedure and your current condition.
How to Select the Best Orthognathic Surgeon for You?
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
For jaw surgeons — as with any specialist — the correct levels of training and education are crucial. Graduation from an accredited dental school is a must, as is an additional four to six years of surgical and anesthesia training. Continuing education courses are also important for staying up to date on the latest techniques.
SURGICAL PROCEDURE EXPERIENCE
Choosing a Jaw surgeon with extensive experience in the type of procedure you require will give you the best chance at a good outcome.
Whether you need corrective jaw surgery, jaw revision surgery, bone grafting or any other type of Jaw surgery, seek out a specialist with a solid track record in successfully performing that procedure.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS & AWARDS
Affiliation with professional organizations and awards of excellence from academia or medical associations demonstrates that a jaw surgery specialist is committed to the highest standard of care.
Look for a board-certified Jaw surgeon with distinctions and memberships in the leading industry associations. These include the American Association of Jaw and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), the American Board of Jaw and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS), and the Utah Association of Jaw and Maxillofacial Surgeons (UAOMS).
SURGICAL PRACTICE REPUTATION
Any top-notch surgeon should have a professional practice with a good reputation.
In selecting a specialist, look for a well-established jaw and maxillofacial surgery practice — one that has served the local area for several years. The atmosphere should be professional, comfortable, and orderly.
COMMUNICATION AND COMFORT
For a positive jaw surgery experience, you need to find a specialist with a great bedside manner.
The surgeon you choose should communicate well, taking the time to answer all your questions and explaining your surgical plan in a way you can understand. Look for a specialist who treats you with kindness and makes you feel comfortable.
Are you searching for the top-rated board-certified jaw surgeon in the United States? Dr. Larry Wolford has been ranked #1 by his colleagues and receives more jaw revision surgery referrals from other Surgeons and Jaw Doctors than any other Jaw Surgeon. His extensive experience and training, as well as training other Surgeons in his jaw surgery inventions and prove methods makes Dr. Larry Wolford stand alone as the best jaw surgeon and jaw revision surgeon in the USA and the world. If you want the best, call Dr. Larry Wolford’s office at (214) 828-9115.
Dr. Larry Wolford’s team is committed to providing the best standard of care to every patient. And with a convenient location in Dallas, TX, visiting us couldn’t be easier or more convenient. If you’re looking for a compassionate, friendly, and the most experienced jaw surgeon in the USA, contact Dr. Larry Wolford’s office to schedule a consultation today. Call (214) 828-9115.
