What is jaw alignment surgery? Orthognathic surgery is a serious but common resolution to a jaw problem that cannot be solved by orthodontics or dentistry alone. Let’s talk about why orthognathic surgery Gilbert Arizona might be necessary and how it may help you or your child.
Jaw bone structure surgery is a specialty of Dr. Hansen at Desert Valley Oral Surgery Clinic. If a medical or dental professional is recommending this procedure, visit our office for a jaw surgery consultation in Gilbert or Queen Creek Arizona. Contact us.
Misaligned jaws. Sometimes the upper and lower jaw simply grow at different rates. This leaves the patient with mismatched jaws. Even if they don’t appear to be hurting a patient, jaws must be corrected for the sake of their health. It will catch any breathing, swallowing, or eating problems. This may be due to a birth defect or an inherited genetic trait.- Jaw Injury. Car accidents, workplace accidents, and sports injuries can damage the human jaw. A surgical repair can put things right again.
- Speech problems. A person with a poorly aligned jaw may not be able to open their mouth all the way. They may not be able to speak clearly. This can cause a student to perform poorly in school. It can inhibit the career of an adult. Yet jaw-related speech problems can be solved with orthognathic surgery Queen Creek Arizona.
- Chewing problems. A jaw misalignment can cause chewing problems. This makes it hard for a person to maintain a healthy diet. It can lead to other health problems over time.
- Improper bite. This can be due to genetic causes or an accident. An improper bite can cause the patient to frequently bite their cheek or tongue. It also may be the root of chewing and speech problems.
- Jaw pain. The causes of jaw pain include TMJ disorder, arthritis, or a jaw injury. This may have happened all at once or overtime. For some patients, corrective surgery eliminates the source of the pain and lets them return to a normal life free of painkillers.
- TMJ Disorder. Everyone has a temporomandibular joints. These joints allow the jaw to slide back and forth and up and down as needed. However, many people suffer from TMJ disorder caused by unintentional clenching and grinding of their teeth. Orthognathic surgery can put the jaw back in place, reduce or eliminate pain, and prevent TMJ-related headaches.
- Open bite. When a person cannot close their teeth together, this is often addressed by orthodontics. However, appliances cannot always solve it. Jaw surgery can be a quick and decisive way to correct this problem.
- Swallowing problems. Jaw problems can make it hard to swallow. If orthognathic surgery can correct this problem, it can have positive consequences for a child’s life.
- Breathing problems. If a person has trouble breathing due to jaw misalignment, it is definitely worth it to have the problem surgically corrected. This may help with nighttime breathing as well. This means jaw surgery can be a tool to cure sleep apnea, according to the Mayo Clinic.
- Appearance. Like orthodontics, orthognathic surgery is a tool of cosmetic dentistry. However, it is rarely done strictly for appearance. A jaw misalignment causes serious problems for a patient. The fact that the surgery corrects appearance is simply an added benefit for most patients.
- Health. If your teeth are aligned correctly and your jaw is working properly, it is easier to eat right and to maintain your dental health. Poor alignment, jaw pain, and other related problems often correlate with a decline in good eating habits and a decline in effective tooth care. If your eating has been affected by your jaw problems, jaw alignment surgery can help.
Do You Need Jaw Alignment Surgery?
Patients may be referred to our office by their dentist, their orthodontist, their physician or an emergency room. Sometimes patients contact us independently to discuss a concern that they want addressed.
At a consultation, Dr. Hansen can evaluate your jaw. Facial x-rays will reveal the extent of your current jaw problems. Computer video imaging can be used to see how Dr. Hansen can improve your bite. You can look at corrective jaw surgery before and after pictures. If surgery is the best answer to your problem, we can schedule the procedure.
The final outcome should be a healthy jaw and better long-term oral health. Not only improving the functional, orthognathic surgery should result in a more attractive look for the patient. Please call for more information or to schedule an appointment.