What is Jaw Correction: Overview, Benefits, and Expected Results

Definition and Overview

Also referred to as orthognathic surgery, jaw correction is a surgical procedure performed to repair or restore a faulty or problematic jaw, which can be caused by a congenital abnormality, poor development, or misalignment due to overuse or physical trauma. This condition can cause a series of problems including pain, wrong bite, and health conditions like obstructive sleep apnea, a sleeping disorder characterized by gaps in breathing, which makes it dangerous. It may also cause temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, which causes pain, headaches, and swelling of the face. It is also linked to bruxism (grinding of the teeth), ear pain (since a part of TMJ is close to the ear), toothache, and difficulty in chewing.

Who Should Undergo and Expected Results

The following are candidates for jaw correction:

• Individuals who regularly have toothaches, headaches, and pain around the jaw area, especially when chewing
• Those who exhibit a severe case of bruxism
• People who have congenital misaligned jaws
• Individuals who suffer from physical trauma (e.g., falling and hitting one’s face on a hard surface or a vehicle collision impact), which may result in broken or misaligned jaw
• Those who exhibit symptoms of sleep apnea such as snoring
• People who have trouble with speech with no other manifestation of an underlying disease

It may also be performed for cosmetic reasons such as improving a receding chin, as well as after a cleft palate surgery.

The surgery is expected to repair the jaw, making sure that it goes back to its original or correct position.

How Does the Procedure Work?

Before the patient goes through the surgery, he needs to go through an intensive consultation with a maxillofacial surgeon who works with an orthodontist, a type of dentist that specializes on oral appliances such as braces.

Aside from a review of the medical records and interview, the surgeon will also conduct thorough tests, including X-rays that show the current position of the jaw, particularly in respect to the position of the teeth and other parts of the face and mouth. Once the initial dental evaluation is complete, the treatment plan is laid out.

The surgical process is divided into different phases. In the first phase, the orthodontist obtains a dental impression prior to the procedure so the lab can create braces. These braces will see to it that the upper and/or lower teeth are aligned to the jaw. Depending on the anticipated movement of the teeth, some of the existing teeth may have to be removed.

This is followed by surgery, which is performed under general anesthesia. Wire hooks or surgical wires will be attached to the jaw to make sure the teeth won’t move during the procedure.

The surgeon may work on either the maxilla (upper jawbone) or the mandible (lower jawbone), although in some instances, both are adjusted. The surgeon uses tools such as surgical saws to perform osteotomy or the cutting of the bone. A part of the bone may be removed or repositioned depending on the end goal. A steel plate or screw is then used to join the bones together.

Once the surgery is complete, the incisions are closed. Since the incisions are made not on the skin but inside the mouth, scarring is hardly visible.

Braces may have to be adjusted and worn until the correct alignment of the teeth and jaws is achieved.

Possible Risks and Complications

There will be swelling, discomfort, and pain during the first few days after the surgery. The patient may have to avoid strenuous activities and eat an all-liquid diet during the early days of recovery.

The surgery may also cause bleeding and infection, which sets in when pathogens enter the body through the wound site. In rare cases, jaw correction can cause facial nerve damage.

References:

• Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

• Taub DI, Jacobs JMS, Jacobs JS. Anthropometry, cephalometry, and orthognathic surgery. In: Neligan PC, ed. Plastic Surgery. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2013:chap 16.

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## Jaw Correction: ‍Overview, Benefits, and Expected Results



**What is Jaw Correction?**



Jaw correction, also known as orthognathic surgery, ‌is a procedure that aims to correct a misalignment or disproportion in the jaws, commonly known as a “bad⁣ bite”. This surgical procedure aims to ⁣improve the⁤ functionality ‌and appearance of‌ the mouth, teeth, and facial ⁣structure. By properly aligning the jaws, jaw correction can effectively ⁣resolve various bite problems ‌and‌ improve⁤ overall oral health.



**Benefits of⁤ Jaw ⁢Correction:**



1. **Improved Functionality:** Jaw correction can significantly improve the​ functional aspects⁤ of the mouth. It can alleviate jaw ⁣pain, correct chewing⁢ and speaking difficulties, and ‍reduce or⁣ eliminate sleep‌ apnea, which ⁤enhances overall quality of life.



2.⁤ **Balanced Facial Aesthetics:** Properly aligned jaws contribute to a more balanced and⁢ harmonious facial appearance. By correcting jaw misalignment,⁣ jaw correction surgery ⁢can enhance facial aesthetics and ⁢boost self-confidence.



3. **Improved Oral Health:**⁢ Jaw correction improves oral health by aligning the bite, reducing the risk of tooth ‍decay and gum disease. It facilitates effective ⁤dental hygiene practices, making it easier to clean teeth and gums properly.



4. **Reduced TMJ Symptoms:** TMJ disorder (temporomandibular joint⁣ disorder) is often associated with jaw misalignment. Jaw correction can alleviate pain, clicking, or popping sounds, and reduce headaches stemming from TMJ issues.



**Expected Results from Jaw Correction:**



1. **Proper Jaw Alignment:** The primary⁢ goal of jaw correction is to achieve proper alignment of the jaws, ensuring ⁣optimal functionality and a balanced facial appearance.



2. **Increased Bite Functionality:** After ⁤jaw correction, individuals typically experience‍ improved chewing and biting efficiency. Speech difficulties caused by misaligned jaws are often resolved, enabling clearer pronunciation and articulation.



3. **Reduced Pain:** Surgery aims to eliminate or significantly alleviate pain associated with jaw misalignment, TMJ issues, and sleep apnea. Patients often report a substantial improvement in their quality of life.



4.⁢ **Enhanced Aesthetics:** Corrected jaws can harmonize facial features, ⁢resulting in a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing appearance. Improved facial proportions contribute to increased self-confidence and a positive self-image.



5. **Long-term Oral Health Benefits:** A properly ‌aligned bite, the result of jaw correction, contributes to long-term oral health benefits. Tooth‌ decay, gum disease, ⁢and dental wear can be better prevented with improved oral ​hygiene and bite balance.



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