Jaw misalignment can affect chewing, speaking, breathing, and overall facial symmetry. Oral surgery includes corrective jaw procedures that may improve jaw function and restore facial balance when other treatments are insufficient. Here is an overview of key aspects of oral surgery for corrective jaw procedures:
Which Conditions Require Jaw Surgery?
A periodontist or oral surgeon can examine your bite, jaw joints, and facial structure before recommending oral surgery. Some jaw problems develop during growth, while others occur after an injury or another health issue. When braces alone do not correct the problem, surgery becomes an option. Here are some conditions that may require surgery:
- Open bite: The front teeth do not touch when the back teeth close, and this gap affects biting into food.
- Underbite: The lower jaw extends past the upper jaw, which can make chewing and speech feel different.
- Receding lower jaw: The lower jaw is far behind the upper jaw, changing how the teeth meet.
- Uneven jaw growth: One side of the jaw develops differently from the other, making the face and bite look off-center.
- Ongoing jaw joint pain: Pain near the ear sometimes relates to jaw alignment.
Which Corrective Jaw Procedures Exist?
The type of procedure depends on which jaw needs adjustment and how far it must move. In most cases, surgeons work inside the mouth, so visible facial scars are uncommon. Oral surgery procedures often fall into the following categories.
Upper Jaw Surgery
Upper jaw surgery, also called a maxillary osteotomy, moves the upper jaw and teeth into a new position. The surgeon makes cuts in the bone above the teeth, which lets the jaw move forward, backward, up, or down. Once the jaw sits in the planned spot, the surgeon uses small plates and screws to hold it in place.
Lower Jaw Surgery
Lower jaw surgery, called a mandibular osteotomy, adjusts the lower jaw’s position. The surgeon makes cuts behind the molars, and the front portion of the jaw then slides forward or backward as one unit. When the chin also needs adjustment, the surgeon may add a separate step called genioplasty. Some patients need surgery on both jaws.
How Should Patients Prepare?
Preparation for corrective oral surgery starts before the procedure. Patients often wear braces during this time, and the orthodontist moves the teeth into positions that fit the planned jaw changes. The surgical team takes X-rays, photographs, and 3D scans to map each movement in advance.
You will meet with the surgeon before the operation to review your medical history, medications, and anesthesia plan. The surgeon gives specific instructions about eating, drinking, and pausing certain medicines. The surgery usually takes place in a hospital under general anesthesia, and it generally lasts from one to several hours.
What Does Recovery Involve?
Most patients stay in the hospital for one to three nights after surgery. Swelling, numbness, and stiffness are common in the first weeks, and they generally lessen over time. While the jaw heals, you will follow a liquid or soft-food diet that the surgeon outlines. Initial healing often takes about six weeks, although full recovery takes longer. Follow-up visits let the surgeon check healing and jaw position. After the surgeon approves, the orthodontist continues adjusting the teeth, and this final phase often lasts several months.
Schedule Your Oral Surgery Consultation
Corrective jaw surgery is a form of oral surgery that repositions one or both jaws. Conditions such as open bites, underbites, and uneven jaw growth often lead to an evaluation. The process includes orthodontic preparation, detailed planning, and a structured recovery period, and each stage depends on close work with your care team. Contact a qualified periodontist near you to schedule your oral surgery consultation.
