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Orthognathic Surgery; Jaw Surgery Options That Can Help
What Is orthognathic surgery?
Orthognathic surgery is usually referred to as corrective jaw surgery. It’ is an umbrella term that covers around 10 different surgical procedures. Jaw surgery is an option for those cases when irregularities are too pronounced and braces or Invisalign alone can’t fix it. The main goal of the corrective jaw surgery is to realign bones in optimal functional and esthetic position.
Who needs orthognathic surgery and how is it done?
The rule of thumb is: braces move teeth and surgery moves bones. One will need surgery when jawbones are misaligned. A facial imbalance, asymmetry, difficulty biting and chewing, facial injury all of these can be a reason an orthodontist might refer a patient to maxillofacial surgeon. Resetting the jawbones to an optimal position will allow the orthodontist to properly align your teeth to achieve balanced smile. Generally an orthodontist and maxillofacial surgeon will work together to prepare a treatment plan before the surgery and follow up the treatment with braces or Invisalign. The surgery is usually done in a hospital-based setting.
When can you get orthognathic surgery?
Short answer is – when the growth stops. Generally after 16 year old for females and 21 year old for males, but an evaluation by a doctor is necessary to determine if the patient can undergo this surgery.
Why would one need orthognathic surgery ?
There are multiple indications for these procedures:
- Severe Class 2 malocclusion with skeletal problem: severe Class 2 malocclusion with a skeletal problem is a complex dental condition that involves misalignment of the upper and lower jaws, leading to an abnormal bite and facial appearance. Class 2 malocclusion is characterized by the upper jaw protruding significantly ahead of the lower jaw, resulting in an overbite, In cases of severe Class 2 malocclusion with a skeletal issue, the problem originates from the underlying bone structure rather than just the teeth. This condition can be caused by genetic factors, improper growth of the jaws during development, or a combination of both. It often manifests as a noticeable protrusion of the upper teeth and may affect speech, chewing, and facial aesthetics, Orthognathic Surgery can fix thah problem
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Severe Class 3 malocclusion with a skeletal problem: severe Class 3 malocclusion with a skeletal problem is a complex dental condition characterized by significant misalignment of the upper and lower jaws, resulting in an abnormal bite and facial structure. In this condition, the lower jaw protrudes forward, causing an underbite where the lower teeth are in front of the upper teeth.
The underlying cause of severe Class 3 malocclusion with a skeletal problem can be attributed to genetic factors, improper growth of the jaws, or a combination of both. This skeletal issue can affect not only the alignment of teeth but also the overall facial appearance and function.Treatment for severe Class 3 malocclusion with a skeletal problem involves a comprehensive approach. Orthodontic treatment using braces or other appliances is typically the first step to align the teeth as much as possible within the existing jaw structure. However, due to the severity of the skeletal discrepancy, orthognathic surgery (jaw surgery) is often recommended to reposition the jaws and achieve proper alignment, Orthognathic Surgery can fix that problem. - Increased overbite: an increased overbite, also known as a deep bite, is a dental condition characterized by a significant vertical overlap of the upper front teeth over the lower front teeth when biting down or closing the mouth. In other words, the upper teeth excessively cover the lower teeth. This condition can lead to functional and aesthetic concerns. An increased overbite can be caused by various factors, including genetics, improper jaw growth, habits like thumb-sucking, or missing lower teeth. It can result in difficulties with chewing, speech, and can also contribute to dental wear, jaw pain, and temporomandibular joint issues. Orthodontic treatment, such as braces or clear aligners, is often used to address an increased overbite by gradually adjusting the positioning of the teeth, Orthognathic Surgery can fix that problem.
- Anterior open bite: an anterior open bite is a dental condition characterized by a lack of vertical overlap between the upper and lower front teeth when the mouth is closed. In other words, the front teeth do not meet when biting down, leaving a gap between them. This condition can result from various factors, including thumb-sucking, tongue thrusting, prolonged bottle feeding, or certain genetic and skeletal issues. An anterior open bite can have functional implications, such as difficulties in biting and chewing certain foods, as well as speech challenges. It can also lead to aesthetic concerns, Orthognathic Surgery can fix that problem.
- Facial asymmetries: facial asymmetries refer to the condition where there is an imbalance in the size, shape, or positioning of the facial features on one side of the face compared to the other. These asymmetries can manifest in various ways, such as uneven eye levels, differences in the position of the nose or mouth, or variations in the size of the cheeks or jaws.Causes of facial asymmetry can be diverse, including genetics, developmental factors, trauma, or certain medical conditions affecting facial bone growth. Mild facial asymmetry is quite common and often considered a natural variation, but more pronounced asymmetry might impact both aesthetics and function.Treatment options for facial asymmetries depend on their underlying causes and severity. Orthodontic interventions, such as braces, aligners, or other appliances, might help address certain asymmetries related to tooth positioning. In cases where the imbalance is due to skeletal issues, orthognathic surgery might be considered to reposition the bones for better symmetry and function, Orthognathic Surgery can fix that problem.
- Cleft lip and cleft palate:
- Cleft Lip: cleft lip refers to a separation or opening in the upper lip, creating a gap or notch. This condition can range from a small notch to a more significant gap that extends up toward the nose. It can affect one or both sides of the upper lip and may vary in severity. Cleft lip can occur on its own or in combination with cleft palate Orthognathic Surgery can fix that problem.
- Cleft Palate: cleft palate involves an opening or gap in the roof of the mouth. This can occur at the front of the mouth (hard palate), the back of the mouth (soft palate), or both. The cleft can range from a small opening to a larger gap that extends into the nasal cavity. Cleft palate can affect feeding, speech development, and can increase the risk of ear infections due to the connection between the palate and the middle ear, Orthognathic Surgery can fix that problem.
How much does orthognathic surgery costs?
Orthognathic surgery is an important and a life-changing investment.
Here in ChicagoLand area the most affordable options are Cook County Hospital and University of Illinois at Chicago. Price varies from $10,000 to $20,000 per jaw. In many patients who require such surgery, both jaws have to be operated.
Alternatives to the orthognathic surgery
If you have been told that your case requires jaw surgery, there’s a chance you may fall into the category of patients who we can treat with orthodontic treatment alone. At Archer Dental Chicago, we offer up-to-date orthodontic techniques and continuously study the latest innovations of dentistry and orthodontics. Our skilled doctors are able to treat many patients with severe orthodontic issues without the jaw surgery.
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Our skilled doctors are able to treat many patients with severe orthodontic issues without the jaw surgery.
Contact us
Please know that you can always contact our dental team by calling 773-581-1345, making an appointment through the contact form, or stopping by the Archer Dental Chicago office at 5200 S Archer Ave, Ste #3, Chicago, IL 60632.