Types of Jaw Surgery
Jaw surgery, or orthognathic surgery, typically involves the use of corrective surgical procedures to fix facial bone abnormalities, primarily the jaws and teeth. These abnormalities might include cleft palates, sleep apnea, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, airway defects and severe bite problems. These medical conditions often interfere with daily activities, such as sleeping, eating and talking. Jaw surgery corrects these problems and improves the overall appearance of the face. The primary goals of jaw surgery include achieving a correct bite, enlarging airway passages and providing a more aesthetic appearance.
Upper Jaw Surgery
Upper jaw surgery, called maxillary osteotomy, is primarily used to treat underbites, overbites and open bites. During an upper jaw surgical procedure, the attending surgeon cuts just beneath the eye sockets so the whole top jaw, including the upper teeth and roof of the mouth, moves as one piece. The surgeon then moves the upper jaw and teeth forward until the bottom and top teeth are aligned properly. Tiny, metal screws are used to hold the jaw in its new position. If a patient is suffering from an open bite, the surgeon will shave away any excess bone that is causing a gap between the upper and lower teeth.
Lower Jaw Surgery
Lower jaw surgery, medically referred to as mandibular osteotomy, is typically used to correct a deficient or receded lower jaw, referred to as apertognathia, or a large lower jaw. During lower jaw surgery, the attending surgeon cuts just behind the back molars and lengthwise along the jawbone so that the front of the jaw is able to be moved. She then slides the lower part of the jaw into its new position and inserts screws to hold the bone in place.
Chin Surgery
Chin surgery, called genioplasty or interior border osteotomy, is usually used to correct a deficient or receded chin. This surgical procedure is accomplished by moving the chin bones. The chin is usually either moved upwards to make it look shorter or downwards to make it look longer. Sometimes the chin bones also need to be moved backwards or forwards so the patient's lips will touch in a natural position. Chin abnormalities are often accompanied by a severely receded bottom jaw, and surgeons typically perform the two corrective procedures at the same time.
Jaw Surgery Preparation
Jaw surgery preparation typically requires input from the chosen maxillofacial surgeon, the patient's orthodontist and a speech therapist. Occasionally a psychologist will be called in to provide a professional assessment on whether the patient will be able to emotionally and mentally handle the resulting changes in appearance. Digital imaging computer software and X-rays are used to determine which type of jaw surgery would best meet the patient's medical needs. The computer software also allows the patient to view the predicted outcome of jaw surgery.
Considerations
Jaw surgery is typically appropriate for individuals who are no longer growing. This is about age 15 for females and between the ages of 17 and 21 for males. The average length of a hospital stay for jaw surgery lasts from one to three days. A majority of healing happens during the first two months after the surgical procedure. Many patients stay home from work or school for the first three weeks. The recovery period commonly involves swelling, pain, congestion and trouble talking.
