The Basic Guide on Orthognathic Surgery
Posted on 3/22/2021 by Andrew Horowitz, DMD, MD, FACS |
 Orthognathic surgery, or corrective jaw surgery, is done to fix a range of defects in your teeth and jawbones. People who undergo this surgery can bite, chew, speak, swallow, and breathe better.
At New York Oral, Maxillofacial, and Implant Surgery, Dr. Gary Orentlicher and Dr. Andrew Horowitz can perform orthognathic surgery to correct the functional issues of the jaw. This also results in improved esthetics for the client.
Candidates for Orthognathic Surgery
According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, orthognathic surgery may be performed on people who suffer from the below conditions:
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Difficulty in biting, chewing, swallowing, and speaking.
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Chronic temporomandibular pain (pain associated with the hinged jaw joints).
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Facial trauma.
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Cleft palate or other maxillofacial birth defects.
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Overbite, underbite, or crossbite.
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Incorrect bite (malocclusion) and lip alignment.
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Obstructive sleep apnea.
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Jaw tumor.
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Chronic mouth breathing. |
We may only recommend jaw surgery if your problems are chronic and cannot be fixed by orthodontics or conservative therapies. It is important that your jaw has fully matured before you decide on getting corrective jaw surgery.
Types of Jaw Surgery
Here are the most common types of jaw surgery:
Maxillary Osteotomy or Upper Jaw Surgery
Maxillary osteotomy involves the upper jaw, including your upper dental arch and roof of the mouth. This surgery is done to ensure your jaw can open and close and move sideways with ease.
The surgery involves securing your jaw in the correct position with the help of screws and plates and shaving away extra bone in some cases.
This surgery is performed to correct an open or crossbite and protruding or receding jaw. It is often done to treat midface hypoplasia, a development issue in which the upper jaw, cheekbones, and eye socket do not grow as much as they should.
Mandibular Osteotomy or Lower Jaw Surgery
Mandibular osteotomy involves making incisions behind the molars down to the length of the bone so that your lower jawbone can move as a single unit. The jaw is then secured into the new position with screws and plates.
This surgery may be done to fix a protruding or receding jaw.
Genioplasty or Chin Surgery
Genioplasty is done to fix a disproportionately small chin. People who have a deficient chin also often have a receded lower jaw.
At New York Oral, Maxillofacial, and Implant Surgery, we can restructure the lower jaw and chin with genioplasty by cutting a part of the chin bone at the front, positioning it forward, and securing it with screws and plates.
Patients who undergo orthognathic surgery can go about their daily lives in about two to three weeks, though the complete healing of the jawbone may take a few months. Once your jaw is healed, we may recommend an orthodontic procedure to align your teeth.
Hence, people who require this surgery should have a commitment for years of treatment.
If your jaw needs correction, call New York Oral, Maxillofacial, and Implant Surgery at (914) 768-8220 and we will diagnose your issue and determine if orthognathic surgery is the best treatment option for you.
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