Orthognathic Surgery or Corrective Jaw Surgery in Houston, TX

Oral surgeon for jaw misalignment

Oral surgeon for jaw misalignment

Orthognathic surgery, or corrective jaw surgery, is a commonly performed procedure specifically for patients whose jaws do not meet correctly, creating an improper bite and misalignment of the jaw. For some individuals, the problem can be corrected without jaw surgery with their orthodontist. In more severe cases, the orthodontist will need to work with an oral surgeon to correct the bite with orthognathic surgery.

Why do I need corrective jaw surgery?

Misaligned jaws can cause a multitude of problems inside the mouth as well as to the facial structure, including

  • The inability to properly chew and grind food
  • Digestive problems
  • Dental crowding
  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Increased risk of dental caries and periodontal disease
  • Shorter tooth lifespan
  • Snoring and sleep apnea
  • The inability to fully close the lips
  • Heavy breathing
  • Impaired speech function
  • Poor facial aesthetics

Many of these problems can have serious consequences on the overall health of the mouth and face. Therefore, it is very important to ensure that irregularities of the jaw are diagnosed and treated early to reduce the risks of this condition.

While the goal of orthognathic surgery is to correct the functional problem with the jaw, this procedure also results in improved aesthetics and facial proportions.

Patients who elect to undergo corrective jaw surgery can expect to see several benefits, including

  • Improved chewing, speech, and respiratory function
  • Decreased likelihood of short- and long-term relapse
  • Enhanced facial harmony, balance, and aesthetic appearance
  • Minimal treatment time

The surgical team at Oral & Facial Surgery Institute of Houston is uniquely trained, and they are experts at performing corrective jaw surgery. They thoroughly enjoy seeing the positive transformations and results that follow orthognathic treatment.

Am I a candidate for corrective jaw surgery?

Many patients who are candidates for orthognathic surgery are already aware of the problem, but they do not know that there is a treatment to correct the issue. If you experience any of the following problems, you may be a candidate for corrective jaw surgery:

  • Receding or protruding chin
  • Significantly protruding upper or lower jaw
  • Abnormal bite
  • Difficulty biting or chewing
  • Receding chin
  • Difficulty closing your lips comfortably

If you think that you may be a candidate for corrective jaw surgery, we encourage you to contact our office. Dr. Johnson has undergone extensive surgical education and training that makes him qualified to examine and treat abnormalities of the facial skeleton. If he determines you are a candidate, he will work hand in hand with your orthodontist to plan and execute your procedure.

When you elect to undergo orthognathic surgery, your orthodontist will prepare your jaw beforehand with braces. Dr. Johnson will then separate your jaw, move the separated bones to their new positions, and secure them in place. After surgery, your orthodontist will make any small, fine corrections needed to finish the bite before removing your braces.

If you think you may be in need of this procedure, we invite you to schedule a consultation at our office in Houston, TX. Our well-trained office staff and highly skilled surgical team are happy to help in any way possible to restore your oral function.

More Information about Orthognathic (Corrective Jaw) Surgery:

Wikipedia – Corrective Jaw Surgery Information
AAOMS – Corrective Jaw Surgery Information

What Is Orthognathic Surgery?

Orthognathic surgery is a surgical procedure that is meant to help correct any abnormalities with the jaw bones and facial structures. This type of procedure is performed by an oral surgeon and an orthodontist to treat issues an orthodontist cannot treat by an orthodontist alone. 

Orthognathic surgery can help treat the following:

  • Malocclusions - A malocclusion is when a patient’s jaw is misaligned. There are four types of malocclusions: overbite, underbite, open bite, and crossbite. An overbite is when the jaw protrudes over the lower jaw. An underbite is when the lower jaw overlaps the upper jaw. Open bites are when there is a gap between the upper and lower teeth. Crossbites are when the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth. 
  • Facial asymmetry - Facial asymmetry can be caused due to the misalignment of the jaw. Orthognathic surgery can help treat facial asymmetry by fixing the size, shape, or position of the jaws.
  • Having difficulty chewing - A misaligned jaw can make it difficult for patients to chew. 
  • Breathing issues - Orthognathic surgery may be recommended for patients who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea or other breathing issues. 
  • Severe TMJ disorders - Those who suffer from a severe TMJ and cannot treat it through conventional methods may benefit from orthognathic surgery. 

One of our qualified healthcare providers will assess your medical history and the symptoms you are currently experiencing. This is done to make a definitive diagnosis and help create a custom-tailored treatment plan that meets your needs. 

What Are The Benefits of Orthognathic Surgery?

Orthognathic surgery offers a wide variety of benefits for patients who suffer from a misaligned jaw or facial asymmetry. 

These benefits include the following:

  • Improved chewing - One of the most common symptoms associated with jaw misalignment is having difficulty chewing. Having difficulty chewing can cause discomfort and make it harder to eat certain foods. Orthognathic surgery can improve your bite and chewing ability, which can allow you to eat a wide array of foods without much difficulty.
  • Enhanced breathing - Jaw misalignment can be a precursor to obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition where your airways become blocked. When obstructive sleep apnea is caused by a misaligned jaw, it can cause the tongue to be in an abnormal position and block the airways. Orthognathic surgery can correct jaw misalignment and ensure your tongue is in a proper position when you sleep.
  • Long-lasting results - Orthognathic surgery is meant to provide patients with long-lasting results. With proper post-operative care, the results of your procedure can last for years. 

What Are The Risks of Orthognathic Surgery?

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved with orthognathic surgery. 

These risks include the following:

  • Bleeding
  • Nerve injuries
  • Facial swelling and bruising
  • Malocclusion
  • Increased risk of infection
  • Prolonged healing
  • Increased risk of TMJ symptoms
  • Having an allergic reaction to the anesthesia
  • Being unsatisfied with the results

One of our healthcare professionals will discuss these risks in more detail during your consultation with them. 

Schedule a Consultation

If you need this procedure, we invite you to schedule a consultation at our office in Houston, TX. Our well-trained office staff and highly skilled surgical team are happy to help restore your oral function in any way possible.

Schedule a Consultation

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