What is Corrective Jaw Surgery?
Corrective jaw surgery, or orthognathic surgery, addresses skeletal and dental irregularities by realigning the jaws and teeth. It aims to improve function, such as chewing and speaking, and can also enhance facial appearance. This surgical intervention is often recommended when orthodontic treatments alone cannot correct the underlying skeletal problems.
The vast majority of skeletal discrepancies do not require orthognathic surgery; in most cases, orthodontic treatments alone can correct minor issues. During your initial consultation, Dr. O’Connor will evaluate whether jaw surgery is necessary for you or if orthodontic treatment can address your condition. Terenure Orthodontics leverages the latest orthodontic technologies to showcase the functional and aesthetic improvements possible through jaw surgery.
How does Corrective Jaw surgery work?
Corrective jaw surgery involves cutting and repositioning the jawbones to align them properly. Surgeons may add, remove, or reshape bone in the jaw and secure the new position with screws, plates, or wires. This procedure aims to improve jaw function, appearance, and alignment, often following or in conjunction with orthodontic treatment to ensure teeth fit together correctly post-surgery.
The Process
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FAQs
Jaw surgery can involve discomfort, managed effectively with pain management techniques and medications. Patients report discomfort rather than severe pain, decreasing during the healing process.
The initial healing period is around 6 weeks, with complete healing up to 12 months. Healing time can vary based on surgery complexity, patient health, and adherence to care instructions.
Jaw surgery is a major procedure, involving changes to jaw bone structure and requiring experienced surgical execution. It underscores the importance of a skilled surgical team.
Corrective jaw surgery can significantly improve jaw function, appearance, and quality of life, often recommended for severe misalignments not correctable with orthodontics alone.
Surgery duration varies, typically 3 to 5 hours, depending on complexity and goals. More complicated procedures may take longer.
Jaw surgery carries risks like infection, bleeding, and nerve damage, but risks are minimized with skilled surgeons. Discuss potential risks and benefits with your surgeon.
Downsides include a lengthy recovery, risk of complications, temporary changes in eating and speaking, and the need for pre- and post-surgery orthodontic treatments.
Surgery is typically performed on adults after jaw growth stops, around age 18 for males and 16 for females, depending on individual growth patterns and orthodontic/surgical needs.
Read what our patients say about us
"Two of my daughters had braces fitted by the lovely Dr. Katherine Condren. I would highly recommend her services, she was so good with my daughters, we are extremely happy with the service received and they both have beautiful smiles now."
"Dr Joseph O’Connor is such a skilled orthodontist. His kindness and attention to detail is outstanding. He takes the time to explain everything and makes you feel very comfortable. Could not recommend him more."
"Joseph is a kind, compassionate and skilled orthodontist. He has a beautiful patient manner and his attention to detail is second to none. Highly recommend."
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Discuss your goals with one of our specialist orthodontists to find out what treatment option suits you best. We offer free consultations both in person and online.
