Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery) Metairie
is a realignment of the jaws and teeth in order for them to work naturally and correctly function, while also improving appearance. It is also part of the treatment for those who suffered from a cleft palate.
Usually the most appropriate time for a patient to undergo this corrective surgery is after growth stops. For females that time is between the ages of 13 to 15 and for males, the age is around 13 to 16 years.
Those that benefit from this surgery include patients with an improper bite or offset jaws. Due to the jaw’s growth process being gradual, the lower and upper jaws may grow at different speeds causing a variety of problems such as chewing or biting, speech, swallowing, breathing troubles, oral health, including chronic jaw pain, and appearance. Birth defects such as cleft palates can also have an affect with regards to the alignment of the jaw.
The reason for the growth rates and the like is usually due to a hereditary nature, but can also extend from any complications after birth, such as facial trauma. An examination, including extensive x-rays will take place to see which jaw surgery may be the best fit.
There are three main types of jaw surgery: upper jaw (maxillary osteotomy), lower jaw (mandibular osteotomy), and chin surgery (genioplasty).
Having jaw surgery can help make biting and chewing easier, restore balance to facial features, correct over, cross and underbites, aid those who suffer from sleep apnea, and stop premature and excessive breakdown of permanent teeth. The procedure is usually performed inside the mouth, as to avoid facial scars. Depending on the patient’s situation, the jawbone may be cut and properly aligned or the possibility of having extra bone added to the jaw may correct the problem.
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.
Jaw Distraction Surgery: Distraction Osteogenesis
Distraction osteogenesis is an example or technique of how to expand (palate expander) the jaw’s stretch bone during orthognathic surgery. The technique was based on a similar procedure that involved lengthening leg bones. This procedure has usually been involved with the lower jaw or mandible but has also seen success with the upper jaw (maxilla) as well. The distraction process is where the jaw’s bone segments are slowly moving apart, thus allowing new bone to fill in the gap created by the separation.
Another benefit to distraction osteogenesis is that it can be safely done in both children and adults. Since the jaw area is surrounded by the gums and soft tissue, expansion is a simple technique to use.
A distraction device is put into a specific position, inserted into the patient’s jaw. There are both external and internal distraction devices so while some may be visible; others are hidden under the soft tissue that surrounds the jaw. In fact, with progressing medical achievements, most cases involve internal devices to cut down on facial scarring or discomfort. This process may also eliminate the need for extensive bone grafting, thus allowing the patient a lot less ache and pains. It can also take a considerably less time to perform with superior results than certain grafting techniques.
Patients are instructed on how much distraction or movement they should apply each day and at the end of the necessary expansion, surgery may also be required to remove the device, depending on what distraction tool was used.