Corrective Jaw Surgery
Corrective Jaw Surgery for Misaligned Jaws in Metro Atlanta
A misaligned jaw can make chewing your favorite foods painful and speaking clearly a challenge. It may also cause stiffness in your face or a clicking sound when you open your mouth. You may wonder how to fix misaligned jaw problems safely and effectively, but Atlanta Oral & Facial Surgery knows. We have extensive experience treating jaw misalignment in patients throughout Metro Atlanta. Our team will help you understand your options, which may include corrective orthognathic surgery, and what you can expect as we restore the function and appearance of your smile.
Understanding Jaw Misalignment
A misaligned jaw happens when the upper and lower jaws don’t grow at the same rate. This uneven growth can cause the teeth to fit together incorrectly. Sometimes, people inherit this issue from their parents. In other cases, it can result from a facial injury, a birth defect, or environmental factors.
When your jaws don’t align, your teeth might wear down faster. You could also develop pain in your temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Fixing the alignment will protect your teeth and improve the function of your mouth.
Signs You May Need Jaw Surgery
Not everyone with a slight jaw misalignment needs an operation. Traditional braces can typically fix minor bite issues. However, if the problem lies in the jawbone itself, you might need a surgical approach. Here are some common signs that you might benefit from surgery:
- You have trouble chewing, biting, or swallowing food.
- You suffer from chronic jaw or TMJ pain.
- Your teeth don’t touch when your mouth is fully closed.
- You have an unbalanced facial appearance from the front or side.
- You breathe through your mouth constantly.
- You struggle with sleep apnea or heavy snoring.
What Is Jaw Surgery?
Jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, corrects irregularities of the jaw bones. This procedure realigns the jaws and teeth to improve their function. By moving your jaw into the correct position, your doctor can fix your bite and improve your facial balance.
This type of procedure falls under maxillofacial surgery, which focuses on treating diseases, injuries, and defects in the head, neck, face, and jaws. Our doctors will work closely with your orthodontist to ensure your teeth and jaws line up perfectly after the procedure.
Types of Jaw Surgery
There are a few different ways we can perform this surgery. The right type will depend on your specific needs:
- Upper Jaw Surgery – This treats issues like a significantly receding upper jaw, an open bite, or a crossbite. A surgeon moves the upper jaw forward, backward, upward, or downward.
- Lower Jaw Surgery – This procedure corrects a lower jaw that recedes or protrudes too far. A surgeon will carefully move the lower jawbone into proper alignment.
- Double Jaw Surgery – Our patients regularly ask, “What is double jaw surgery?” Simply put, it’s when a surgeon operates on the upper and lower jaws at the same time to fix severe bite problems.
FAQ About Jaw Surgery
Preparation usually begins with your orthodontist. You’ll likely wear braces for several months before the procedure to move your teeth into a new position. Our doctors will take X-rays, pictures, and models of your teeth to plan the surgery.
You’ll arrive at one of our specialized clinics in Metro Atlanta, where we’ll administer general anesthesia so that you’ll be asleep and comfortable for the entire surgery. Procedures usually take a few hours, but the total duration depends on the amount of work required.
Initial healing usually takes about six weeks. However, complete healing of the jaws may take up to three months. You’ll need to eat a soft diet and avoid strenuous activities during the early stages of recovery. We’ll schedule follow-up visits to ensure your recovery is going well.
You should sleep on your back with your head elevated for the first few weeks to help reduce swelling. Most patients can start sleeping on their sides again after four to six weeks, but our doctors will provide specific instructions for you.
Contact Us for a Jaw Surgery Consultation Today
Relief for your misaligned jaw is possible with the help of Atlanta Oral & Facial Surgery. Our team performs jaw surgery at locations throughout Metro Atlanta. Contact us today for a consultation to determine your best treatment approach.