Jaw Surgery
Jaw Surgery (orthognathic surgery)
While orthodontic treatment is most effective when carried out during childhood, it is never too late to obtain a perfect smile.
By the age of roughly 18 in males and 16 in females the jaw stops growing, making treatments such as functional orthopaedics much less effective. In adult patients, if the upper and lower jaws do not line up properly, jaw surgery may be required to re-align the jaws and enable correction of the bite. Utilizing jaw surgery during orthodontic treatment requires thorough diagnosis to make sure that jaw surgery is required, and that other options cannot deliver a similar result.
The decision to have jaw surgery as part of orthodontic treatment is often the most difficult decision for the parents or patients and we make sure that your journey is as easy as possible. It is also important for the patient to see the likely changes to their bite and their facial appearance, and at Dr Alex Yusupov Specialist Orthodontists we go to great lengths to simulate the surgery-induced changes so that the only surprise at the end of treatment is how great the smile and the face look.
If you suffer from any of the following conditions, you may be an excellent candidate for corrective jaw surgery:
- Difficulty chewing, biting food, or swallowing
- Chronic jaw or jaw joint (TMJ) pain and headache
- Excessive wear of the teeth
- Open bite (space between the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed)
- Unbalanced facial appearance from the front or side
- Facial injury or birth defects
- Receding chin
- Protruding jaw
- Inability to make the lips meet without straining
- Chronic mouth breathing and dry mouth
- Sleep apnea (breathing problems when sleeping, including snoring)
Receiving treatment to correct any of the above conditions is a commitment, not only to your health, but to your happiness as well. While treatment, which may include surgery and orthodontic treatment, may take several years to complete, the results will last a lifetime. There is no reason to live with painful, uncomfortable jaw conditions. Contact our office to learn about the best treatment option for you, your needs, and your smile.
