Humans tend to be visual by nature; there are multiple conditions of facial appearance that can be differentiated by the physical features. This blog will help you relate. It is not just the physical appearance but also the functional, medical and health issues that makes jaw surgery a solution.

Jaw Surgery is technically known as Orthognathic surgery. It can be defined as orthopedic surgery of the jaws.It is used to “put the jaws back into the right position” when there is a discrepancy between the jaws and the dental arcades, and when orthodontics alone is insufficient.

Why is Orthognathic Surgery performed?

Anomalous dental occlusion has short, medium, and long term consequences that it is important to be aware of:

• Pain, rattle, cracks, chronic stiffness in the temporomandibular joint (the joint which connects the lower jaw bone to the skull),
• Headaches,
• Masticatory disorders (disorder in the muscles that move the jaw),
• Speech problems,
• Sleep apnea, snoring,
• Trauma to the teeth with a significant risk of loosening and premature loss,
• Aesthetic consequences in the event of significant anomalies in the positioning of the jaws.

What does Orthognathic Surgery involve?

The treatment will involve the following phases:

1. Initial examination
2. Preoperative orthodontic treatment
3. Surgery process
4. Postoperative period

What are the multiple conditions of jaw surgery?

Mandibular Hypoplasia –A lower jaw & chin that look small or set back

Maxillary Hypoplasia– A mid-face that looks sunken in or set back

Anterior open Bite- Front teeth that don’t touch when biting

Mandibular Hyperplasia-A lower jaw that looks too big or far forward

Maxillary Vertical Excess- A long face with excessive gum display

Hemifacial Microsomia- Severe asymmetry of the jaws & face

Bi Maxillary Retrusion- Upper & lower jaws that are both set back

Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis-A complete lack of lower jaw development

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is it a serious operation?

NO.

The patients are healthy and the risks related to the general anesthesia are minimal. The anesthetist is consulted before surgery and all the examinations are performed after the procedure.

• Will there be any visible external scarring?

NO.

All the scars are inside the mouth.

• Is this surgery painful?

NO.

Patients usually do not report any pain after the operation, but there is generally always a feeling of discomfort due to the oedema (swelling of the face), which recedes within a few days and disappears completely within a couple of weeks. Swelling may be surprisingly big, and may get worse over the first 48 hours. It is treated by applying ice cold compresses to the face and with appropriate medication.

• Can you eat and talk after the operation?

YES.

The jaws, once they have been moved, are held in their new position with titanium plates and screws. It is therefore possible to talk and eat immediately. However, a number of precautions should be taken during the postoperative period: – The jaw bone will be held in place using elastic bands, which will need to stay in place for two weeks. – The diet should be entirely liquid throughout the immobilization period (15 days), then pureed for the next 15 days, then softened for the following 15 days, with a return to a normal diet 6 weeks after the operation. – Strict oral hygiene is essential to prevent the risk of infection and should be begun immediately after the procedure. All of the products needed for this purpose will be prescribed.

• How long after the surgery can I start doing sports and performing other physical activities? After 6 weeks to 3 months only individual sports without the risk of falls can be undertaken 6 weeks after surgery, and after 3 months for all other sports.
• When can I return to school / work?

Between 2 and 4 weeks later Depending on the type of procedure, patients can usually return to school or work between the 2nd and 6th week after the operation.