What is orthognathic surgery?
Orthognathic surgery is a type of surgery that corrects the alignment of your upper and lower jaws. It is a complex procedure that involves moving the bones of your face to create a more balanced and functional smile.
Why is orthognathic surgery necessary?
Orthognathic surgery may be necessary if you have a jaw deformity that is causing problems with your breathing, eating, speaking, or appearance. Some common jaw deformities that are corrected with orthognathic surgery include:
- Overbite: Upper jaw protrudes over lower jaw.
- Underbite: Lower jaw protrudes over upper jaw.
- Crossbite: Upper and lower jaws misaligned, causing some teeth to bite inside opposing teeth.
- Open bite: Upper and lower teeth do not come together when mouth is closed.
What are the benefits of orthognathic surgery?
Orthognathic surgery can offer a number of benefits, including:
- Improved function of teeth: Orthognathic surgery can improve your ability to chew, bite, and speak clearly.
- Health benefits: Orthognathic surgery can improve your sleep, breathing, chewing, and swallowing, leading to better cardiovascular health, reduced risk of sleep apnea, and improved digestion.
- Improved speech: Orthognathic surgery can improve speech impairments caused by jaw deformities.
- Balanced appearance: Orthognathic surgery can create a more balanced and harmonious facial profile.
- Improved confidence: Orthognathic surgery can give you a smile that you can be proud of, boosting your confidence and self-esteem.
What are the risks of orthognathic surgery?
Like any surgery, orthognathic surgery carries some risks. These risks include:
- Bleeding: Bleeding is normal after any surgery, but it may be more severe with orthognathic surgery because of the many blood vessels in the face.
- Infection: Infection is also a possible risk, but it is less common with orthognathic surgery because antibiotics are used.
- Nerve damage: Nerve damage is rare, but it can happen if the nerves in the face are injured during surgery.
- Numbness and tingling: Numbness and tingling in the face and lips are common after orthognathic surgery, but they usually go away within a few weeks.
- Difficulty eating and speaking: Difficulty eating and speaking is also common after orthognathic surgery, but it usually improves within a few weeks or months.
- Changes in facial appearance: Changes in facial appearance can occur after orthognathic surgery, but they are usually minor and temporary.
What should I expect during the orthognathic surgery process?
The orthognathic surgery process typically involves the following steps:
- Preoperative consultation: You will meet with your surgeon to discuss your goals for surgery and to develop a treatment plan.
- Orthodontic treatment: You may need to have orthodontic treatment before surgery to prepare your teeth and jaws for surgery.
- Surgery: Orthognathic surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia and can last several hours.
- Recovery: You will need to wear a splint or braces after surgery to keep your jaws in place. You will also need to eat a soft diet and avoid strenuous activity.
How long is the recovery time from orthognathic surgery?
The recovery time from orthognathic surgery can vary depending on the individual. However, most people can expect to recover within 6-12 weeks.
How much does orthognathic surgery cost?
The cost of orthognathic surgery can vary depending on the surgeon, the complexity of the surgery, and your insurance coverage. However, orthognathic surgery is typically covered by insurance.
Is orthognathic surgery right for me?
Only you and your surgeon can decide if orthognathic surgery is right for you. However, if you have a jaw deformity that is causing problems with your breathing, eating, speaking, or appearance, orthognathic surgery may be a good option for you.
Or you can contact us today at Sbenati Dentistry to schedule a consultation and let us help you with any of your dental needs. [https://calendly.com/sbenatidentistry/interview]
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