Hello, I'm Dr. Emily Carter, a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon with over 20 years of experience in the field. I specialize in corrective jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, a complex and rewarding field that significantly improves the lives of my patients.

Corrective jaw surgery is a surgical procedure that aims to correct misalignments of the jawbones, such as the upper jaw (maxilla) and lower jaw (mandible). These misalignments, known as malocclusion, can lead to a variety of problems beyond just cosmetic concerns. These problems include:

* Difficulty chewing and speaking: Misaligned jaws can interfere with the proper biting and chewing of food, leading to pain, discomfort, and difficulty in speaking clearly.
* Sleep apnea: A misaligned jaw can restrict airflow, leading to sleep apnea, a condition characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep. This can lead to fatigue, daytime sleepiness, and even heart problems.
* Facial pain and headaches: Misaligned jaws can put pressure on the muscles and nerves of the face, leading to chronic pain and headaches.
* TMJ disorders: Misaligned jaws can also lead to problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the jaw to the skull. TMJ disorders can cause pain, clicking, and limited jaw movement.
* Cosmetic concerns: In some cases, misaligned jaws can lead to an unattractive profile, a protruding chin, or a receding chin.

The goal of corrective jaw surgery is to realign the jawbones to achieve a correct bite, improve facial aesthetics, and address any associated functional problems.

The procedure itself involves:


1. Pre-surgical planning: This involves a comprehensive examination, including a dental evaluation, facial scans, and X-rays to determine the extent of the misalignment and plan the surgical approach.

2. Surgery: The surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes incisions inside the mouth to access the jawbones. The bones are then repositioned and secured using titanium plates and screws.

3. Post-surgical recovery: After surgery, patients are monitored closely for a few days in the hospital. A soft diet is recommended for several weeks, and jaw exercises are prescribed to help regain full function. Recovery typically takes several months, with most patients returning to normal activities within 6-8 weeks.

Candidates for corrective jaw surgery:

* Adults who have completed their facial growth.
* Individuals with severe malocclusion that cannot be corrected with braces alone.
* Those with functional problems associated with misaligned jaws, such as difficulty chewing, sleep apnea, or TMJ disorders.
* **Individuals seeking to improve facial aesthetics**.

**It's important to note that corrective jaw surgery is a major surgical procedure**, and it's not appropriate for everyone.
Potential risks and complications include:
* Infection
* Bleeding
* Nerve damage
* Changes in facial sensation
* Jaw stiffness
* Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems

**It is crucial to discuss all potential risks and benefits with your surgeon** to determine if corrective jaw surgery is the right choice for you.

**Ultimately, corrective jaw surgery can be a life-changing procedure** for individuals struggling with misaligned jaws. It can improve their bite, alleviate pain, enhance their facial aesthetics, and improve their overall quality of life.
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Corrective jaw, or orthognathic surgery is performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) to correct a wide range of minor and major skeletal and dental irregularities, including the misalignment of jaws and teeth. Surgery can improve chewing, speaking and breathing.read more >>