A good bite is important to overall health. Inability to chew food well can lead to poor nutrition. An unstable bite can cause headaches and muscle pain. Furthermore, unhappiness with one’s physical appearance can result in negative psychosocial consequences.
Due to growth disturbances, the upper and lower jaws may fail to meet normally. The lower jaw may protrude past the upper teeth resulting in an “underbite.” Conversely, the lower jaw may rest far behind the upper teeth, producing an “overbite.” Many other jaw deformities that can occur such as asymmetry, excess vertical growth, deficient vertical growth, or a narrow upper jaw. Sometimes these malocclusions (irregularities in jaw and tooth relationship) can be corrected with braces alone. However, when the magnitude of the problem exceeds the capabilities of orthodontics alone, corrective jaw surgery can help.
Orthognathic surgery (corrective jaw surgery) has both functional and esthetic goals. Functional improvements are achieved in the bite, chewing, and airway. Esthetic improvements are seen by creating facial harmony. Patients can obtain dramatic results in both their bite and physical appearance, both of which are life transforming.
YOU MAY BENEFIT FROM CORRECTIVE JAW SURGERY IF…
- You have difficulty closing your lips together
- You have a gummy smile
- Your jaw protrudes
- Your chin is recessed
- Your face is asymmetric
- You have obstructive sleep apnea
- You find yourself breathing primarily through your mouth
- You have difficulty chewing food
IS CORRECTIVE JAW SURGERY RIGHT FOR ME?
You may be a candidate for corrective jaw surgery if you have a malocclusion (bad bite) caused by poorly aligned jaws. In some cases, bad bite can be treated with orthodontics alone. In others, a combination of orthodontics and surgery will correct alignment problems. After a thorough consultation with Dr. Poyourow, Dr. Chandra, or Dr. Pham you will know if orthognathic surgery can benefit you.