Jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, is a procedure that corrects upper and lower jaw misalignments. This surgery can improve your facial appearance, bite, and oral health.

If you’re considering jaw surgery, you may wonder if you’re a good candidate. To determine your jaw surgery eligibility, consult an orthodontist to assess your jaw alignment, overall health, and treatment goals.

What are the Common Reasons for Jaw Surgery?

Jaw surgery is typically recommended for individuals with significant jaw misalignments that cannot be corrected with braces alone. Some common reasons for jaw surgery include:

Underbite: Occurs when the lower jaw protrudes too far forward, causing the lower teeth to overlap the upper teeth.
Overbite: Occurs when the upper jaw protrudes too far forward, causing the upper teeth to overlap the lower teeth.
Open bite: Occurs when the front teeth do not touch when the mouth is closed.
Crossbite: Occurs when the upper and lower teeth do not align correctly when the mouth is closed.
Sleep apnea: Jaw misalignments can contribute to sleep apnea, which causes breathing interruptions during sleep.
TMJ disorders: Jaw misalignments can also lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, which can cause pain and discomfort in the jaw joint.

Factors Considered for Jaw Surgery Eligibility

Several factors are considered when determining if a patient is a good candidate for jaw surgery:

Age: Most patients are adults, as jaw growth is typically complete by the late teenage years. However, in some cases, jaw surgery may be considered for younger patients if their jaw growth is complete.
Overall health: Patients must be in good overall health to undergo surgery. Any underlying health conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, may need to be managed before surgery.
Dental health: Good oral hygiene is a non-negotiable before undergoing jaw surgery. Patients with gum disease or other dental problems may need to address these before surgery to ensure the best possible outcome.
Expectations: It’s crucial to have realistic expectations about the results of jaw surgery. While jaw surgery can significantly improve your facial appearance and bite, it’s essential to understand that it may not eliminate all facial asymmetries or dental problems.

The Consultation Process

If you’re considering jaw surgery, the first step is to schedule a consultation with an orthodontist. During the consultation, your orthodontist will:

Review your medical history: This includes information about past surgeries, medications, and allergies.
Perform a physical examination: Examining your teeth, jaws, and facial structure.
Take X-rays and photographs: These will help your orthodontist assess the severity of your jaw misalignment and plan your treatment.
Discuss your treatment options: Your orthodontist will explain the benefits and risks of jaw surgery and discuss other treatment options, such as braces or Invisalign.

Conclusion

Jaw surgery has the potential to be truly life-changing for individuals with significant jaw misalignments. If you’re considering jaw surgery, it’s essential to consult with a qualified orthodontist to determine if you’re a good candidate.

Consult with Toombs Orthodontics in Prairie Village and Lenexa today to learn more about jaw surgery and other orthodontic treatment options.