Corrective Jaw Surgery | Chantilly VA

Corrective jaw surgery, commonly referred to as orthognathic surgery, is performed to correct both major and minor skeletal and dental irregularities such as the misalignment of teeth and jaws. This surgery can produce an improvement in your speaking, chewing, and breathing.  It can be a solution for repositioning your teeth in a more balanced, healthy, and functional manner. In some patients, drastic enhancements happen to their speech and appearance. 
The surgeon does the surgery under general anesthesia, and it may take about one to several hours. Your surgeon repositions the jaw according to your distinct requirements, and they may utilize surgical screws and plates to hold the jaws in the new position.
  • Correction of a protruding lower jaw: The surgeon separates the bone of the rear portion of the lower jaw from the front portion. They then modify it and move the tooth-bearing part of the jaw to the backside for appropriate alignment.
  • Correction of a weak chin: The surgeon separates the bone in the lower jaw from its base and modifies it. Then they reposition the tooth-bearing portion of the jaw (lower) and the chin forward.
  • Correction of an open bite: The surgeon removes some portion of the bone from the upper jaw (tooth-bearing portion). They then secure the upper jaw in position with screws and plates.

 

Though the primary aim of jaw surgery is the correction of the functional problems, the operation can also enhance your physical appearance dramatically.   Some of the common issues of the jaw that may require you to undergo jaw surgery are:

  • Chronic pain in the jaw or jaw joint (TMJ pain) and headaches
  • Facial injury or congenital disabilities
  • Open bite (some space remains between the lower and upper teeth when you close your mouth)
  • Difficulty in biting or chewing food
  • Difficulty in swallowing
  • Inability to close the lips without causing straining
  • Sleep apnea (a condition in which there is difficulty in breathing while sleeping; it also causes snoring)
  • The unbalanced appearance of the face from side or front
  • Chronic breathing through the mouth and chronic dryness of mouth
  • Excessive wear and tear of teeth
  • Protruding jaw
  • Receding chin and lower jaw

The surgeon, dentist, and orthodontist will work as a team and determine accurately the time needed to complete the process of jaw surgery. You, along with your family, should also provide a long-term commitment for the completion of the process as it may take several years for the process to complete in some cases. The process needs a surgeon, dentist, and orthodontist because:

Bone morphogenic protein or BMP is a subfamily of transforming growth factors. Research studies on both humans and animals evidence  BMP triggering the development of new bone. This phenomenon is very significant to a surgeon placing dental implants. They can add BMP (by adding PRP) to the site of the implant with bone substitute ingredients and can grow new bone more quickly and predictably than previously. 

  • Your dentist maintains your oral health during the time you are getting surgical and orthodontic treatment.
  • Your orthodontist aligns the teeth per the plan that they have developed before the surgery and will also make final modifications after the completion of the surgery.
  • Your surgeon determines the most suitable surgical procedure for you and also performs it. 

How to Prepare for Jaw Surgery

Before the surgery, you have to wear braces, which will help in moving the teeth in the new position. This stage of treatment may last from 6-12 months. During this stage, the dental care team is preparing your bite so that the teeth fit together post-surgery. Once the date of surgery gets closer, Dr. Raja will prepare for your surgery using the latest Virtual Surgical Planning prior to the actual surgery in order to provide the best possible result.

The Sequence of Jaw Surgery Procedure

Once the orthodontist completes a consultation, they will evaluate you by doing a clinical exam, reviewing the radiographs, and assess the pre-treatment models. During the orthodontic treatment, several progress evaluations will be made, and then before surgery final workup is completed. The surgeon will discuss with you the details of the operation, including options, indications, complications, and risks before the surgery. Surgery can be performed as an outpatient surgical setting or in a hospital setting. 

After Jaw Surgery

Following the surgery, rubber bands or wires will hold your jaws together for a duration ranging from 6-8 weeks.  In some cases, the surgeon may use a plastic guide or splint to help in maintaining the proper bite during the recovery period. Your surgeon may instruct you to make modifications in your diet that can include solids and liquids. They may also provide a schedule to you on how and when to change to your healthy diet. You must also avoid engaging in intense and strenuous physical activities and us

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