TL;DR: Orthognathic Surgery, also known as Corrective Jaw Surgery, can address structural jaw problems that affect your bite, chewing, speaking, facial balance, and, in some cases, breathing. At Cleburne Oral Surgery, treatment is planned around each patient’s specific jaw structure, oral function, and long-term needs.
- Corrective Jaw Surgery may treat a severely misaligned jaw, including significant overbites, underbites, and crossbites.
- Surgery can improve how the upper and lower jaws fit together when orthodontics alone cannot correct the underlying problem.
- Certain jaw procedures may improve airway function in appropriately selected patients with obstructive sleep apnea.
- Orthognathic Surgery is typically coordinated with orthodontic treatment for comprehensive bite correction.
- A consultation with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon can determine whether surgery is appropriate for your needs.
When the upper and lower jaws don’t align properly, the effects can go beyond appearance. A misaligned jaw may make it difficult to bite, chew, speak, or even breathe comfortably. For patients with significant skeletal jaw differences, Orthognathic Surgery may provide a way to improve both function and facial balance.
At Cleburne Oral Surgery, Corrective Jaw Surgery is carefully planned based on each patient’s anatomy and needs. While orthodontics can move teeth, surgery may be necessary when the underlying position or size of the jawbones is contributing to the problem.
What is Orthognathic Surgery?
Orthognathic Surgery is another term for Corrective Jaw Surgery. It involves repositioning one or both jaws to improve how the teeth and jaws fit and function together.
Treatment often involves collaboration between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and an orthodontist. Orthodontic treatment can position the teeth appropriately, while surgery addresses the underlying skeletal alignment when needed.
Not everyone with an uneven bite needs surgery. Your oral surgeon can evaluate your jaw structure, bite, symptoms, health, and treatment goals to determine whether surgical treatment may be beneficial.
What jaw problems can Corrective Jaw Surgery address?
Several structural jaw conditions may be treated with Orthognathic Surgery. The appropriate approach depends on which jaw is affected and the severity of the misalignment.
Severe overbite
An overbite occurs when the upper teeth extend too far over the lower teeth. Some overbites can be corrected with orthodontic treatment alone, particularly when the problem primarily involves tooth position.
When the discrepancy is caused by the underlying jaw structure, however, overbite corrective jaw surgery may be considered. Repositioning the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both may create a more functional relationship between the teeth.
Underbite
An underbite occurs when the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth when the mouth is closed. This can happen when the lower jaw extends too far forward, the upper jaw has not developed far enough forward, or a combination of both is present.
Significant underbites can interfere with biting and chewing. Corrective Jaw Surgery can reposition the jawbones to create better alignment and improve oral function.
Crossbite
A crossbite occurs when some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth instead of slightly outside them. Depending on its cause and severity, a crossbite can affect chewing and contribute to uneven bite forces.
For a crossbite caused by skeletal jaw differences, crossbite correction may involve Orthognathic Surgery. Your treatment team can determine whether orthodontics, surgery, or a combination of both is appropriate.
Open bite
With an open bite, the upper and lower teeth do not fully meet when the mouth is closed. For example, the front teeth may remain separated even when the back teeth come together.
A significant skeletal open bite can make it difficult to bite through certain foods and may affect speech. When jaw position is the underlying cause, surgery may be used to improve the relationship between the upper and lower jaws.
Facial and jaw asymmetry
Sometimes one side of the jaw develops differently from the other, causing the chin or jawline to appear shifted. Jaw asymmetry may also result in an uneven bite or difficulty chewing comfortably on both sides.
Orthognathic Surgery may reposition the jaws to improve alignment and function. Changes in facial balance can also occur as a result of correcting the underlying skeletal problem, although the exact outcome varies by patient.
Can Orthognathic Surgery help with sleep apnea?
In certain patients, yes. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the upper airway repeatedly becomes narrowed or blocked during sleep. Jaw anatomy can be one factor contributing to airway obstruction.
For appropriately selected patients, maxillofacial jaw surgery for sleep apnea may involve advancing the upper and lower jaws to create more space for the airway. This type of procedure is not appropriate for every person with sleep apnea, and treatment recommendations depend on factors such as airway anatomy, overall health, and previous treatments.
An evaluation can help determine whether jaw structure is contributing to breathing concerns and whether surgical treatment should be considered.
What to expect from Orthognathic Surgery treatment
Corrective Jaw Surgery is usually a planned process rather than a single appointment. Many patients undergo orthodontic treatment before surgery, so their teeth are positioned appropriately for the corrected jaw relationship.
Your oral surgeon will use imaging, examinations, and detailed treatment planning to determine how the jaws should be repositioned. Surgery is performed under Anesthesia, with the specific procedure depending on your anatomy and treatment goals.
After surgery, swelling, soreness, and temporary changes in eating are expected. Many patients experience manageable discomfort with the medications and aftercare recommended by their surgical team. Recovery occurs gradually, and your surgeon will provide instructions for diet, oral hygiene, activity, and follow-up care.
How can correcting jaw alignment improve long-term function?
The goal of Orthognathic Surgery is not simply to change the appearance of the jaw. Correcting a significant skeletal misalignment may improve the way the teeth meet and help make everyday functions such as biting and chewing more efficient.
Depending on the condition being treated, patients may also experience improvements in speech, jaw balance, or airway function. Correcting the skeletal foundation can also allow the teeth to function in a more appropriate relationship after orthodontic treatment.
Individual outcomes vary, which is why careful evaluation and personalized planning are important.
Finding care for a misaligned jaw in Cleburne
If you have been told that your bite or jaw alignment cannot be fully corrected with orthodontics alone, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon can help you understand your options.
Cleburne Oral Surgery provides Corrective Jaw Surgery evaluations for patients in Cleburne, TX, and surrounding communities. Your surgeon can assess your jaw structure, discuss how it affects your oral function, and explain whether Orthognathic Surgery may be appropriate for your needs.
Take the next step toward better jaw function
Living with a significant jaw misalignment can affect everyday activities such as eating, speaking, and, for some patients, breathing. Orthognathic Surgery can address the underlying skeletal problem when less invasive treatment cannot provide the needed correction.
If you are concerned about a misaligned jaw or have been referred for Corrective Jaw Surgery, book an appointment with Cleburne Oral Surgery. Our team can evaluate your needs, answer your questions, and help you understand your treatment options.
