Today, a misaligned jaw is a very common issue. Many people in the world have some degree of misaligned jaw, out of which 50% of people have severe malocclusions, affecting their quality of life from eating to speaking. This is where orthognathic surgery comes to the rescue and offers a transformative solution to these challenges. This surgical intervention reconstructs the jaw in order to enhance its functions and appearance. It is also essential for oral health and general health to achieve the best shape and function. If you too are suffering from any jaw misalignment issue and are looking for a solution, then you have come to the right place.
In this blog, we will explore the different types of orthognathic surgery and the advantages of orthognathic surgery. We will also expand on recovery and aftercare.
Types of Orthognathic Surgery
There are mainly three jaw surgery options, let’s explore them one by one:
1. Maxillary Osteotomy
Maxillary Osteotomy, also known as upper jaw surgery, involves moving the maxilla(upper jaw) to the desired position in order to correct conditions such as overbites, open bites and mid-facial hypoplasia (underdeveloped upper jaw). It brings the upper jaw closer to the lower one. Maxillofacial surgery benefits include improvement in chewing, speaking and general facial symmetry. It is particularly useful in patients with OSA to improve airflow since the surgery causes the upper airway to open up.
2. Mandibular Osteotomy
Mandibular osteotomy deals with problems such as underbite, lower jaw undergrowth or overgrowth. By shifting the mandible forward or backwards, this operation realigns the face properly with the maxilla and provides the patient with balanced occlusion. It is used together with orthodontic treatment to enhance the outcome and can help to eliminate pain in the jaw area.
3. Bimaxillary Orthognathic Surgery or Double Jaw Surgery
Orthognathic surgery can be single or multiple jaw surgery, with bimaxillary surgery being the most common in correcting the two jaws at one time. This treatment plan is suitable for patients with severe facial disharmony, as well as both maxillary and mandibular jaw abnormalities. The double jaw surgery benefits include enhanced facial symmetry, improved breathing, and optimal bite alignment, making it one of the most transformative orthognathic procedures.
4-Genioplasty (Chin Surgery)
Although not always classified as orthognathic surgery, genioplasty works hand in hand with jaw surgery by altering the contour or position of the chin. It can be done to make a prominent chin smaller, increase a retrudede chin or correct facial proportions and thus achieve better facial symmetry.
Benefits of Jaw Realignment Surgery
The orthognathic surgery benefits extend far beyond aesthetics, providing functional and emotional improvements. Here’s a closer look at the key benefits:
1. Facial symmetry and beauty
Orthognathic surgery fixes both, symmetry and occlusion so that all the face features are balanced and even. This improvement greatly improves the looks of a patient and thus their self-esteem and social life.
2. Improved Bite Force and Movement of the Jaw
By properly aligning the jaws, orthognathic surgery for jaw alignment improves the efficiency of biting, chewing, and speaking. It can also help stop long-term dental diseases, which involve grinding of teeth or gum disease resulting from bad bites.
3. TMJ Pain and Symptom Relief
TMJ disorders cause chronic pain, headaches and stiffness of the jaw among the patients who seek treatment. These problems are resolved through jaw realignment because it relieves stress on the joint and offers a permanent solution to the TMJ disorder as well as enhanced jaw movement.
4. Improved Speech and Breathing
Some types of orthognathic surgery help in getting rid of speaking disorders due to improper position of jaws. Further, operations such as the upper and lower jaw surgery improve the air passage and are most helpful to those with sleep apnea or breathing problems.
5. Psychological Benefits of Orthognathic Surgery:
Some of the benefits of jaw realignment surgery that most patients often note are a significant improvement in self-esteem, enhanced social interaction and improved general well-being.
Orthognathic Surgery Recovery & Aftercare
The process of healing after jaw surgery is not very fast; the primary healing may take about six weeks, but the complete healing may take several months to a year. It is extremely important to reduce movement and swelling, which should be relieved by applying ice packs, taking non-narcotic pain medications, and avoiding heavy activity. Here are some key tips to support a smooth recovery:
- It is recommended that you should not take any solid foods and should go for a liquid or a blended diet
- Make sure you follow dental hygiene guidelines to avoid infections
- Avoid exercising such as running, weight lifting or any games which can affect your jaw
- Take pain relievers and antibiotics as directed
- Follow all the appointments with your surgeon after the surgery
Conclusion
Orthognathic surgery is not just an aesthetic procedure but a functional procedure which is meant to improve jaw shape, reduce facial pain, and increase confidence. Different types of orthognathic surgery can be performed to realign the upper jaw, the lower jaw, or both and change lives by correcting the imbalance in the facial structures. With the help of professional maxillofacial surgeons and after-operation treatment, the patients can expect not only a beautiful appearance but also health improvement.
At Gnathos Facial, we use the latest technology in our treatment while ensuring that you receive personalised care. We use modern equipment to make our procedures accurate from diagnosis to recovery process and also we maintain high standards of hygiene and safety.
Contact us today and be ready to be amazed by the kind of change we offer.
FAQs
Q1. What are the main types of orthognathic surgery?
The main types of orthognathic surgery include Maxillary Osteotomy, Mandibular Osteotomy, and Bimaxillary Orthognathic Surgery, along with related procedures like Genioplasty, Arthroplasty, and Arthrocentesis.
Q2.How does orthognathic surgery improve facial balance?
By repositioning the jawbones, orthognathic surgery for facial balance corrects asymmetry, enhances facial proportions, and aligns the jaw for a more harmonious appearance.
Q3.What are the benefits of jaw realignment surgery?
Benefits of jaw realignment surgery include improved bite function, relief from TMJ pain, enhanced speech, better breathing, and boosted self-confidence.
Q4. Is double jaw surgery more beneficial than single jaw surgery?
The advantages of double jaw surgery are much more comprehensive when both lower and upper jaws are misaligned, improving the function and achieving better aesthetics.
Q5.Are there any minimally invasive alternatives to corrective jaw surgery?
Minimally invasive alternatives like orthodontics or TMJ therapies may address minor issues, but surgical jaw correction types are essential for severe misalignments.