Corrective jaw surgery is also known as orthognathic surgery. It is performed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons to correct a wide range of major and minor skeletal and dental irregularities. It also corrects misalignment of the jaws. This improves chewing, speaking and even breathing. In order to correct the teeth, the jaw must be corrected first. Improper positioning of the jaw contributes to overbites, under bite and misaligned teeth. This leads to cracking and chipping of teeth. Corrective jaw surgery corrects a wide range of facial and jaw problems that cause improper bite, difficulty in chewing and even biting problems. This surgery improves the overall facial structure and enhances appearance. This procedure occurs under general anesthesia. If the problem is in the lower jaw, the rear portion of the bone is separated and moved in front or behind. If the surgery is in the upper jaw, the jaw is repositioned again. In some cases, the parts of the bone could be added or removed.
Corrective jaw surgery is usually indicated to patients with the following conditions:
- Difficulty in biting or chewing food
- Chronic jaw or temporomandibular pain
- Excessive wear of the teeth
- A protruding jaw
- Inability to make the lips meet without straining
- Xerostoma/ dry mouth
Any of the above conditions can occur at birth or they may be acquired after birth as a result of genetics, trauma to the face or influences from the environment. The orthodontist seeks to determine whether the patient is a candidate for corrective jaw surgery. This surgery repositions all or part of the upper jaw, lower jaw and the chin.
Before a corrective jaw surgery is conducted is performed, the patient requires orthodontic treatment or braces. The surgeon may add, take away or reshape the bone and repositions the jawbones in accordance with ones needs. After the surgery, the patient is provided with instructions for a modified diet, which may include solids and liquids as well as schedules for changing to a normal diet.
Corrective jaw surgery is of great importance as it moves the teeth and the jaws into positions that are more balanced. This surgery improves the bite and also improves on enhancements to their appearance and speech. to minimize the risks caused by this surgery, its importance to consider the recovery instructions given by the dentist.
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