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Jaw surgery, or orthognathic surgery, is a corrective procedure that shifts the jaws and teeth for proper alignment. With corrective jaw surgery, patients can improve their lives by being able to speak, bite, and chew properly. Prior to jaw surgery you may need braces to align the teeth to maximize the correction during your procedure. Dr. Jewell has extensive training in orthognathic (jaw surgery) orthodontics from residency with the Mayo Clinic. She will thoroughly discuss your case with your surgeon to ensure all of the puzzle pieces will fit together for your optimal result.
DID YOU KNOW?
Most people who get jaw surgery go home right after the procedure, and can get back to work or school within 1-2 weeks.
Why should I choose Jaw Surgery?
Sometimes, orthodontic treatment alone may not be enough to correct the position of your jaws. If this is the case, Dr. Jewell may recommend jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery). Jaw surgery can improve the position of your jaws and correct your bite. This improves your smile, but it also protects your oral health. Serious bite problems can raise your risk of premature tooth wear, TMJ/TMD, teeth grinding, and other issues.
Intraoral Scanner
Our intraoral scanner uses an array of cameras to create a detailed 3D model of your teeth, gums, and interior of your mouth. We use these images to help plan your treatment, and can even show you what your smile will look like when it’s complete!
The Benefits of Jaw Surgery
Improved Smile And Appearance
Jaw surgery is often done alongside braces to improve the position of your teeth and jaws, and give you a picture-perfect smile. It can create a more balanced facial appearance, too. For example, if you have an underbite, your jaw may stick out too far. Or if you have an overbite, your chin may not be prominent at all, causing a “sunken” appearance. Jaw surgery can significantly improve your appearance and your self-confidence.
Better Eating, Chewing, And Speaking
Serious jaw alignment problems are more than just cosmetic. They also can make it hard for you to eat and chew properly, and may even affect your speech, since your tongue may not be able to move properly within your mouth. Jaw surgery corrects these issues and allows you to eat, chew, and speak normally.
Prevent Future Dental And Health Problems
Severe jaw problems also affect your oral and overall health. You could have a higher risk of sleep apnea, TMJ/TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder), teeth grinding, premature tooth damage, tooth decay, and more. Jaw surgery reduces your risk of these problems, making it a great investment in your oral health.
Jaw Surgery: What To Expect
Preparing For Surgery
At the first appointment the Jewell Orthodontic team will take photos, x-rays, and a 3D video of your mouth, jaws, and teeth to determine if you may be a candidate for jaw surgery. Dr. Jewell will then refer you to a highly qualified oral surgeon and work closely with them to plan your treatment. Braces are almost always required for surgery and may need to be worn for 1-2 years before the surgery can take place. In many cases, the braces will remain on during and after the surgery to finish and detail the treatment for about 6 months.
Jaw Surgery
Your surgeon will review your surgical plan before the surgery date to review exact details with you, but generally, jaw surgery is done in a hospital under general anesthesia, so you will be completely unconscious. Once you’ve been sedated, your oral surgeon will make cuts into your jaw bone, remove material to correct your jaw, then use plates and screws to hold the jaw bone together as it heals. The process may vary depending on the type of surgery you need.
Aftercare & Recovery
Your oral surgeon will send you home with post-op instructions once you are released from the hospital, and you’ll return for follow-ups to ensure you are healing properly. It usually takes 6-12 weeks to fully recover. You will return to Jewell Orthodontics on a regular basis until your treatment is complete.
Before & Afters
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Frequently Asked Questions
Keeping Care Affordable
To keep your oral surgery procedure in line with your budget, our friendly team is here to walk you through your options and find a plan that works for you.
