As the foundation of your smile, your jaw plays a vital role in many different aspects of your oral health and bite function. When your jaw is asymmetrical or doesn’t align properly on both of its joints, your oral health expert might recommend jaw surgery (or orthognathic surgery) to correct it. Orthognathic surgery is the process of surgically correcting abnormalities that result from congenital or other issues, and often includes orthodontic treatment to further improve your bite’s alignment and function.
Why is jaw surgery usually necessary?
There are many reasons why our oral health expert might suggest jaw surgery. For instance, some patients are born with an improperly shaped jawbone, or experience issues that affect the jaw’s symmetry during its growth and development. Others may suffer an injury to the jaw or experience tooth loss that leads to degradation of certain areas of the jawbone. To determine if jaw surgery is the best option for you, we’ll perform a thorough examination (including 3D digital imaging) to diagnose the exact nature and extent of your condition.
Will I need orthodontic treatment, too?
The jaw surgery part of orthognathic surgery typically focuses on the proper shape and alignment of your jawbone. However, if improper jawbone formation has led to tooth misalignment, then the second part will include orthodontic treatment, as well. Orthodontic treatment ensures that all of your teeth are properly aligned according your new, more proper jawbone shape and alignment.
What are the main benefits of the procedure?
By properly aligning your jaw and teeth alignment, orthognathic surgery offers myriad benefits, including a more comfortable and properly functioning bite, a more attractive smile, and more appealing facial appearance. It also lowers your risks of dental diseases that result from harmful oral bacteria hiding in hard-to-reach areas of your teeth and gums.
Ask Us if Jaw Surgery Is Right for You
Orthognathic surgery may be the best way to regain your bite’s balance and function to help you avoid more serious oral health complications in the future. To learn more, schedule a consultation by calling Santa Rosa Oral Surgery in Santa Rosa, CA, today at 707-545-4625.
