Corrective jaw surgery might sound scary, but you have nothing to worry about in the hands of the right surgeon.
At Legacy Surgery, Dr. Jeffery Kesecker and his team are dedicated to providing compassionate, expert care. If you or your child are receiving orthodontic treatment and require corrective jaw surgery, contact Legacy Surgery today for a consultation.
What is Corrective Jaw Surgery?
Corrective jaw surgery, or orthognathic surgery, is performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to correct an improper bite or misaligned jaw.
Jaw surgery can correct:
- Malocclusion: Misalignment of the upper and lower teeth.
- Crossbite: When the upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth, causing dental problems and difficulty biting or chewing.
- Overbite: The upper teeth protrude further than the lower ones, leading to speech and bite function issues.
- Underbite: The lower jaw is positioned ahead of the upper jaw, impacting facial appearance and oral function.
There are several reasons why the jaw may be misaligned. Jaw growth is a gradual process and sometimes the upper and lower jaws grow at different rates, resulting in misalignment. It may also be the result of an injury or birth defect.
Surgically Assisted Orthodontics
Orthodontics are effective at correcting bite problems by repositioning the teeth. But if the problem is with the position of the jaw bone, corrective jaw surgery may be necessary.
Surgically assisted orthodontics combines orthodontic treatments, such as braces or aligners, with surgical procedures to properly position teeth and jaws.
If you qualify for corrective jaw surgery, Dr. Kesecker will collaborate with your dentist and orthodontist throughout your treatment.
Talk to a treatment coordinator
(540) 437-1230
The Benefits of Corrective Jaw Surgery
There are many benefits to corrective jaw surgery, including:
- Improved appearance: Surgery can fix jaw conditions that affect the symmetry of your face, repair facial injuries or birth defects, and make it easier to bring your lips together. All of this will improve the appearance of your smile.
- Improved function: Orthognathic surgery can adjust your bite, which will prevent wear and tear on your teeth and make biting, chewing, and swallowing easier. It can also improve speech difficulties.
- Health benefits: Orthognathic surgery can help with obstructive sleep apnea or chronic mouth breathing that leads to dry mouth. It can also alleviate pain associated with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.
What To Expect From Orthognathic Surgery
Presurgical Orthodontics
Before your surgery, you will usually need braces placed to align your teeth in preparation for the procedure. Orthodontic treatment is not provided at Legacy Surgery but is available through a regular orthodontist’s office.
Pre-Surgery Preparations
- Consultation: Initial consultations with Dr. Kesecker and your orthodontist.
- Diagnostics: X-rays, molds, and digital images will be taken so Dr. Kesecker can plan the surgery.
- Orthodontics: Braces or aligners are usually applied to align teeth before surgery.
During Surgery
Surgery is performed under general anesthesia and, depending on the specific procedure being done, can take between two to five hours. The majority of incisions will be made inside your mouth, although there may be instances where small incisions are required externally.
Post-Surgery
After undergoing jaw surgery, you will typically need to stay in the hospital for at least one night, with an average stay of one to four days. It’s normal to experience stiffness, swelling, and discomfort in your face and jaw, which should improve over time.
You will be given detailed aftercare instructions. These will include instructions on managing pain, what to do in case of bleeding, what to eat, and how to clean your mouth.
In approximately six to twelve weeks, you will return to your orthodontist, who will continue to align your teeth using braces.
Aftercare Tips
The recovery time can vary depending on the procedure and individual healing abilities. Typically, it takes about six weeks for the bones to heal fully, but you may need several months for your muscles and nerves to adjust to the changes.
Here are a few tips to aid in your recovery:
- Follow all post-operative instructions.
- Use prescribed medications for pain and swelling.
- Eat a soft foods diet for the first few weeks after surgery.
- Keep your mouth clean with gentle brushing and rinsing with salt water or prescribed mouthwash.
- Avoid strenuous activities that could cause injury to the surgical site.
- Avoid the use of tobacco products, as they can hinder the healing process.
- Attend follow-up appointments with your surgeon and orthodontist.
Why Trust Legacy Surgery for Corrective Jaw Surgery?
Legacy Surgery is committed to delivering outstanding patient care and achieving successful outcomes.
- Experienced Professionals: Dr. Kesecker and his experienced team offer a full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery services, including corrective jaw surgery, bone grafting, and dental implants. They can diagnose and treat facial pain and injuries and perform a full range of oral surgeries.
- Patient-Centered Care: You are our top priority! Our team is dedicated to providing personalized care for each patient, making sure they feel comfortable and informed throughout their journey.
- Advanced Surgical Center: We use the latest technology in our procedures so that our patients can receive the best possible treatment.
Legacy Surgery: Your Best Choice for Jaw Surgery in Harrisonburg, VA
When you choose an experienced oral surgeon for your orthognathic surgery, you’re making the best decision for your dental health.
If you require surgically assisted orthodontics, we are here to guide you every step of the way. With our experienced team, advanced technology, and patient-centered approach, we are confident that we can provide you with the best possible care and results.
If you are in the Shenandoah Valley and are searching for an ‘oral surgeon in Harrisonburg, VA,’ an ‘oral surgeon in Staunton,’ or an ‘oral surgeon near me,’ we can help. To book an appointment, call our treatment coordinator at (540) 437-1230 for our Harrisonburg location or (540) 213-8750 for our Staunton location.
FAQ
Does Insurance Cover Corrective Jaw Surgery?
Jaw surgery performed to correct a medical issue may be covered by your insurance. It’s important to check with your insurance provider before the surgery to determine what they cover, including any deductibles or copays.
What are surgically assisted orthodontics?
Surgically assisted orthodontics is a combination of orthodontic treatment and corrective jaw surgery. It involves using braces or aligners to align the teeth, followed by surgery to correct jaw conditions that cannot be addressed with orthodontic treatment alone.
What can I eat after jaw surgery?
After your surgery, you will need to stick to a soft food diet for some time. You can include foods such as mashed potatoes, smoothies, and soups. Dr. Kesecker will provide specific guidelines on what to eat during your recovery.
Will I have scarring after jaw surgery?
Most incisions for jaw surgery are made inside the mouth, so visible scarring is unlikely. Any small incisions made on the outside are carefully placed to minimize scarring.
What qualifies you for corrective jaw surgery?
Corrective jaw surgery is typically recommended for individuals with structural issues with their jaws that cannot be corrected through orthodontic treatment alone. This can include conditions such as a misaligned bite, facial asymmetry, or difficulty chewing or breathing due to jaw alignment. Dr. Kesecker will evaluate your case and determine if you are a good candidate for corrective jaw surgery.