A short guide to corrective jaw surgery

Orthognathic surgery or corrective jaw surgery corrects and treats abnormalities of the jaws, facial bones and teeth. These abnormalities can cause a strain for the patient when it comes to talking, chewing and other day to day activities. The benefit of orthognathic surgery is that it corrects these problems and combined with orthodontic treatment, can enhance a patient’s facial appearance dramatically.

At Muswell Hill Smile our computerized treatment enhances the overall efficacy of jaw survey while reducing treatment time and recovery periods. Advances in technology and the modern equipment we use help reduce post-surgical recovery time. With our state-of-the-art materials such as titanium plates and miniature fixation screws, patients enjoy the maximum benefit of stability, strength and precision of surgical treatment.

Here are a few conditions that may indicate the need for jaw surgery:

• Chronic jaw or joint pain and headache
• Difficulty swallowing food or liquids
• Difficulty biting or chewing food
• Unbalanced facial appearance from the front or the side
• Open bite (when there’s a space between the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed)
• Birth defect or facial injury
• Overbite (receding chin)
• Underbite (protruding lower jaw)
• Excessive worn out teeth
• Inability to make lips meet without strain
• Breathing problems when sleeping including snoring (sleep apnea)
• Dry mouth and chronic mouth breathing

If orthodontic treatment can correct the condition then orthognathic surgery is unnecessary. You may need to see our expert orthodontist and oral surgeon to determine the best course of action.

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The complete corrective jaw surgery process

To go through the whole process of orthognathic surgery normally takes between 2 and a half to 3 years.

The first step is orthodontic treatment to reposition your teeth using permanent train track braces. After over a year, you’ll be ready for jaw surgery. Post surgery, the patient continues with orthodontic treatment with train track braces for another 6 – 9 months after which they are removed in exchange for removable retainers to maintain the teeth in the new position. At first, you might need to wear the retainers all day and night and with time, the number of hours you’ll need to wear them reduces.

The Jaw Surgery Procedure

Your surgery may include repairs done to your upper jaw or the lower jaw or a combination of both upper or lower jaw also known as double jaw surgery.

It is carried out from the inside of the mouth so that there are no scars left on your face.

Step 1: During orthognathic jaw surgery, your jaws are repositioned and held in place by plates and small screws beneath the gum. During healing, you might need to wear orthodontic elastics while your bite settles in.

Step 2: Orthodontic jaw surgery is jaw surgery to correct your bite. For the upper jaw (maxillary osteotomy) it involves a cut to the bone above your teeth so that the entire top jaw can move. The upper teeth and jaw are moved forward until they are positioned correctly together with the lower teeth. Lower jaw (mandibular osteotomy) surgery involves making a cut behind the molars so that the front of the jaw can move and it can be realigned to its new position. Plates and screws are used to keep the bone in place.

Step 3: In the event of more work being required, orthodontics will help correct any outstanding issues. With the jaw realigned, plates and screws hold the jaw in place.

Step 4: Jaw surgery can help correct your bite (occlusion) as well as alter your facial profile. Sometimes the effect of jaw surgery before and after is quite noticeable. This is the case when you’ve had extensive corrective surgery such as correcting a small setback lower jaw or a prominent lower jaw.

Recovery

For most patients, after surgery they stay in hospital for a night and after that, they would need 2 – 4 weeks off from work or school. Expect some facial swelling a few days after the operation and this will ease up at least 2-3 weeks after surgery. Recovery speed is different from one patient to the other. The real change to your facial appearance will be visible after a few months and the changes will depend on whether the surgery was meant to have a minimal or noticeable effect on your smile.

After surgery care

After orthognathic surgery, patients can eat soft food and drink liquids. Opening the mouth will be a bit restricted so it’s important to have easy to swallow meals like smoothies, soup and yoghurt.  A few weeks later, your diet can go back to normal with the exception of eating hard foods as your bones heal. It is important to keep brushing teeth using a soft toothbrush for the first weeks after surgery. Also, take it easy, avoid strenuous activity and avoid smoking in general. Take your medication as prescribed.

After 2 – 3 weeks, it is advisable to go back to the orthodontist to confirm how your healing is progressing.

Results of orthognathic surgery

A few months after surgery you can expect:

• Improved function of your teeth
• A more balanced facial appearance
• Improved breathing, sleep, chewing and swallowing
• Improvement in speech impairments

It could also lead to improved self-esteem and improved appearance.

Cost

Jaw surgery cost in the UK depends on the condition that needs correction and the complexity of the treatment, but due to the length of it, it can be very costly. Our 0% finance plan enables you to get the right treatment at the right time and to spread the costs of your orthodontic treatment over 6 to 12 months for more complex treatment plans (over £1000). You won’t pay any interest during that time.

Book your orthodontic consultation today and discuss all your concerns and questions with our Muswell Hill Smile team on Alexandra Park Road in North London.