Do I Need Corrective Jaw Surgery?
We often mistake an orthognathic issue with an orthodontic one. When faced with any cosmetic issues inside the mouth, more specifically around the teeth and jaws, our instinct is to approach an orthodontist or dentist to resolve our problems.
However, there are some issues that cannot be resolved by visiting an orthodontist alone. Certain situations and features require intervention that is surgical in nature and need you to visit an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, who alone can assess and diagnose the condition.
If the issue was diagnosed as being related to the jaw, the natural question which comes to mind is — do I need corrective jaw surgery?
If you have any of the following visible symptoms, then you may be a potential candidate for corrective jaw surgery –
- An under or over-protruding chin caused by incorrect positioning or growth of the lower jaw. This may also be accompanied by problems in speech, trouble in chewing food and breathing.
- Dental mal-alignment isn’t treatable through orthodontic procedures like braces alone.
- An excessively gummy smile makes you shy of laughing openly.
- A look at the sucked-in face after repair of a cleft palate.
- An asymmetrical face (one side bigger than the other) reflects in your photographs, making it appear as though you have a good angle and a bad angle.
The exact diagnosis and prognosis are undertaken by a maxillofacial surgeon. You must always make sure to visit an expert surgeon to discuss your case — they are best equipped and trained to use the best and latest medical equipment and techniques, and also take care to painstakingly plan each step of the procedure, should you require to go for corrective jaw surgery.
The procedure itself modifies the position of the jaw in a manner that improves symmetry and addresses any functional issues you may face while using your jaw.
This answers the question — do I need corrective jaw surgery? Make sure to properly prepare for the surgery by discussing your exact requirement and case history in detail with your surgeon, and then properly following all the protocols set by the doctor — both before the surgery and for post-operative care and recovery.
And if you are worried about scarring to your face due to the procedure, then rest assured, the surgery is performed from within the oral cavity. No incision and stitches are placed on your face.
