Orthognathic surgery upper jaw is like the foundation of a house—critical for balance and stability. When the upper jaw is misaligned, it can affect everything from your bite to your appearance. This blog will guide you through when orthognathic surgery of the upper jaw is necessary, why you should consider it, and what the procedure entails.
If you’re in SE or SW Calgary, Mahogany Oral Surgery offers a team of expert oral surgeons ready to help you through this transformative process. Chin surgery (genioplasty) can also be performed in conjunction with orthognathic surgery of the upper jaw to enhance facial symmetry and address jaw alignment issues.
When Is Orthognathic Surgery Upper Jaw Needed?
Imagine trying to piece together a puzzle with one piece out of place—no matter how you try, it won’t fit right. That’s what it’s like when your upper jaw doesn’t align properly. Orthognathic surgery of the upper jaw is typically recommended for significant jaw misalignments that cannot be fixed with orthodontics alone.
Common Conditions That Require Orthognathic Surgery of the Upper Jaw:
- Severe underbite or overbite
- Open bite, where the upper teeth don’t touch the lower teeth
- Cleft lip or palate and other birth defects
- Obstructive sleep apnea caused by jaw positioning
- Improper bite, leading to excessive tooth wear or difficulty chewing
These conditions can create more than just cosmetic concerns; they affect speaking, chewing, and even breathing. Orthodontics alone often can’t fix severe misalignments, making orthognathic surgery of the upper jaw the best option to move the upper jaw forward to its proper position.
This type of surgical correction, called a maxillary osteotomy, not only resolves functional issues but can also improve your overall facial appearance.
Practical Tip:
Consult both an orthodontist and a maxillofacial surgeon to assess if orthognathic surgery of the upper jaw is needed. If braces can’t correct your alignment issues, surgery may be necessary to move the jaw into the right position.
Why Consider Orthognathic Surgery of the Upper Jaw?
Why would someone consider a surgical procedure like orthognathic surgery upper jaw? The reasons go far beyond aesthetics, although improved facial appearance is often a welcome benefit. Orthognathic surgery can have a transformative impact on your health and quality of life.
Chin surgery (genioplasty) can also be performed in conjunction with orthognathic surgery of the upper jaw to enhance facial symmetry and address jaw alignment issues.
Functional Benefits:
Jaw misalignments can lead to a range of functional problems, such as:
- Speech difficulties
- Difficulty biting or chewing food
- Sleep apnea caused by airway obstruction
- Chronic jaw pain and headaches
By repositioning the upper and lower jaws through surgery, these issues can often be resolved. For example, patients with sleep apnea often experience relief after surgery because the upper jaw is moved forward, which opens the airway.
Dr. Jeffrey C. Posnick, a well-known oral and maxillofacial surgeon, explains, “Orthognathic surgery is about more than straight teeth; it’s about creating balance and restoring comfort to the entire face and jaw.”
Practical Tip:
Ask your surgeon about virtual surgical planning. This advanced technology allows surgeons to create a detailed treatment plan and show you the expected results before the procedure.
What Does Orthognathic Surgery of the Upper Jaw Entail?
Understanding the process of orthognathic surgery upper jaw can ease your concerns. Whether it’s surgery for the upper jaw alone or double jaw surgery (for both the upper and lower jaws), the procedure follows a structured approach to ensure the best outcome.
The Surgical Process:
- Initial Consultation: Your surgeon will use virtual surgical planning technology, which allows precise measurements of your jaw bones to create a custom treatment plan. This often involves close collaboration with your orthodontist, who may place braces to align the teeth before surgery.
- Surgery: The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. The oral and maxillofacial surgeon will make incisions inside the mouth to access the bones. For upper jaw surgery, the upper jaw is moved forward and secured with titanium screws and tiny bone plates.If necessary, bone grafting may be used to fill gaps and stabilize the jaw in its new position. Chin surgery (genioplasty) can also be performed in conjunction with orthognathic surgery to enhance facial symmetry and address jaw alignment issues.
- Recovery: Post-surgery, you can expect swelling and some discomfort, and you will likely follow a liquid diet for the first few weeks. Initial jaw healing typically takes about six weeks, but full recovery may take several months. Pain medications will help with discomfort, and regular follow-up visits are essential for monitoring your progress.
Practical Tip:
The recovery process can be challenging, but proper oral hygiene and closely following your surgeon’s instructions will support faster healing.
Why Is Bone Grafting Best Performed by an Oral Surgeon?
Bone grafting is an essential part of many jaw surgeries, especially when repositioning the upper jaw. But why is it important to have a specialized oral surgeon perform this aspect of the procedure?
Expertise in Bone Grafting:
Bone grafting requires a deep understanding of facial anatomy and the intricate balance of jaw movement. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons have extensive training in reconstructing and reshaping jaw bones, ensuring that your upper jaw heals correctly after the surgery.
At Mahogany Oral Surgery, our team in Calgary is experienced in performing bone grafts, ensuring the highest level of care.
Dr. Larry Wolford, an expert in orthognathic surgery, says, “The success of a bone graft depends largely on the surgeon’s skill in balancing the dynamics of facial movement.”
Practical Tip:
If your surgery involves bone grafting, make sure it’s done by an experienced oral surgeon. Their specialized skills will ensure a more stable and effective result.
The Role of Orthodontic Treatment Before and After Orthognathic Surgery of the Upper Jaw
Orthodontic treatment is a vital part of the overall process, both before and after surgery. Most patients will need braces to prepare their teeth for the surgical changes in the jaw, ensuring that the teeth will fit together properly once the surgery is complete.
How Orthodontics Complements Surgery:
- Before Surgery: The orthodontist will place braces to align the upper and lower teeth. This step is crucial for ensuring that your bite will fit together properly once the jaw bones are repositioned.
- After Surgery: After your jaw surgery, you will continue with orthodontic treatment to fine-tune your bite. This stage can take several months to a year, depending on the complexity of your case.
Practical Tip:
Patience is key. Although orthognathic surgery can offer life-changing results, the entire treatment process may take one to two years, including both the orthodontic and surgical phases.
Addressing Complex Jaw Problems with Double Jaw Surgery
For some patients, adjusting only the upper jaw may not be enough to correct severe misalignments. In cases where both jaws need repositioning, double jaw surgery may be recommended. This surgery, also known as bimaxillary orthognathic surgery, involves adjustments to both the upper and lower jaws.
Patients with a combination of an improper bite, open bite, or severe underbite are common candidates for double jaw surgery. In addition to improving appearance, double jaw surgery can alleviate symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea by increasing the size of the airway.
This procedure not only enhances chewing and speech function but also leads to a balanced and aesthetically pleasing facial appearance.
Practical Tip:
Discuss with your surgeon whether double jaw surgery is necessary for your case. The right treatment plan can address multiple functional and aesthetic concerns in one surgical procedure.
The Benefits of Orthognathic Surgery for Facial Appearance and Function
Orthognathic surgery isn’t just about correcting bite issues or realigning the jaw—there’s a significant aesthetic component that benefits patients as well. For many, improving facial symmetry and proportion can lead to a dramatic boost in self-esteem.
By repositioning the upper jaw and, in some cases, the lower jaw, the surgery creates a more balanced and harmonious facial appearance, which many patients find life-changing.
Chin surgery (genioplasty) can also be performed in conjunction with orthognathic surgery to enhance facial symmetry and address jaw alignment issues.
When the upper jaw is too far back or forward, it can create a disproportionate appearance between the upper and lower facial structures. This is particularly noticeable in individuals with severe underbite or open bite, where the upper teeth do not align properly with the lower teeth. Corrective surgery moves the upper jaw forward or into its correct position, creating better alignment and enhancing the overall facial structure.
Patients with conditions like a weak chin or those born with cleft lip or other birth defects can also see a significant improvement in their facial appearance. Many experience enhanced facial harmony, which not only improves functionality but also contributes to their overall confidence.
As celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay once said after undergoing jaw surgery, “It’s amazing how a small shift can change everything. Now, I don’t just feel better physically, but also mentally, knowing that everything is in its right place.”
Practical Tip:
If you’re concerned about how orthognathic surgery may affect your appearance, ask your maxillofacial surgeon to show you a digital simulation of the expected results. Most surgeons offer virtual surgical planning, which allows you to visualize the post-surgery outcome and feel more confident about the decision.
Risks and Recovery: What You Need to Know
Like any surgical procedure, orthognathic surgery comes with potential risks and a period of recovery. While the surgery is generally safe, it’s essential to understand the recovery process to set realistic expectations and ensure the best results.
Potential Risks:
Some common risks associated with orthognathic surgeries include infection, nerve damage, and bleeding. In rare cases, patients may experience a shift in jaw position post-surgery, which may require further adjustments. Additionally, some may face temporary numbness in the face, lips, or lower jaw, which typically resolves over time.
Recovery Process:
Recovery from jaw surgery is gradual, with most patients returning to their regular activities within six to eight weeks. However, complete recovery can take up to a year as the jaw bones fully heal and adjust to their new position. During this time, patients follow a strict post-op care regimen, including a liquid diet and avoiding strenuous activity for several weeks. Your surgeon will likely prescribe pain medications to manage discomfort during the initial jaw healing phase.
It’s also important to note that after the surgery, you will need to continue seeing your orthodontist for further treatment. Braces typically remain on for several months after surgery to ensure that the upper and lower teeth align perfectly in the new position of your jaw.
Practical Tip:
Follow your surgeon’s post-operative care plan closely. The recovery process can feel long, but sticking to your treatment plan, including good oral hygiene and regular checkups, will help ensure a successful outcome.
Conclusion
Orthognathic surgery for the upper jaw is a comprehensive solution to significant jaw misalignments that affect more than just your smile. From improving function to enhancing appearance, the procedure can truly transform lives. If you’re considering this surgery, Mahogany Oral Surgery in Calgary offers expert care and personalized treatment plans, ensuring you receive the best possible outcome.
With the right surgical team and a commitment to your treatment plan, you can expect to achieve a balanced, functional, and aesthetically pleasing result. Remember, a well-aligned jaw isn’t just about looks; it’s about quality of life.