Also known as orthognathic surgery, surgery of the jaw can help bring both comfort and aesthetic improvement to patients. Jaw surgery can help realign both the jaw and the teeth, which helps them function how they were meant to and reduce the discomfort of TMJ and other jaw conditions.
If your jaw condition presents a cosmetic concern, jaw surgery can help align your bite and improve the profile of your jaw as well. Jaw surgery is also common and beneficial for patients that have a repaired cleft palate.
If you or your children are in need of jaw surgery it is ideal to perform surgery before the jaw stops growing. This makes the ideal time for surgery between the ages of 13 and 16 years old. If left untreated, jaw conditions can lead to issues with chewing, speech, swallowing, breathing and pain.
Having jaw surgery can help make biting and chewing easier, restore balance to facial features, correct over, cross and under bites, aid those who suffer from sleep apnea, and stop premature and excessive breakdown of permanent teeth.
While the surgery itself may take a one or two day stay in the hospital, complete recovery takes anywhere from three to six weeks. Your treatment may also include the addition of braces in order to keep your teeth aligned.
Contact the Cleft and Facial Cosmetic Surgery Center today to learn how jaw surgery can improve the function and appearance of your jaw.