What Does It Mean When the Oral Surgeons Mentions Orthognathic Surgery?

What is Orthognatic Surgery?  As opposed to orthodontic surgeries, which aim only to correct problems with the teeth and gums, Orthognatic (“straight jaw”) surgery goes a step further.  Its aim is to correct underlying problems with the jaw and facial structure, while correcting teeth-related issues.  These surgeries may aim to restore cosmetic appearances, may be used to correct problematic jaw and teeth function, or both.  Like any other surgery, a professional is required to diagnose the problem and perform the procedure.

Am I a Candidate? The only people that would consider an operation of this kind are those who have a jaw that does not properly close or is seriously misaligned.  The effort is made when a person feels that the misalignment causes cosmetic defects or if the medical professional feels that it is causing improper function of the jaw and teeth, which could lead to further damage.

It is thought that about twenty percent of the world’s population suffers from jaw deformities, and they are considered for such a procedure by oral surgeons Colorado Springs when they are having difficulty breathing, chewing or swallowing, when they have difficulty forming words, or suffer from jaw pain.

Who Will I See? There are many players in the decision to go through with an Orthognatic surgery.  The patient is obviously the first and most notable.  However, there are several professionals who can stand up and defend the benefits of that patient undergoing the procedure, which will ultimately be performed by an oral or maxillofacial surgeon.

An orthodontist, periodontist, or prothodontist will likely speak up if the problem is causing difficulty forming a tight and straight bite.  Otherwise the problem could become more serious and lead to those problems mentioned above (i.e., eating, breathing, and swallowing).  Neurosurgeons, opthamalogists, ear-nose-and-throat (ENT) specialists or a plastic surgeon might come into play if the deformity is related to a facial- or head- related trauma or illness.  Finally, a speech therapist could also have a say if the problem is affecting the patient’s ability to speak properly.  Lisps and continued mispronunciations can be a result of jaw deformity.

What are the Intended Results? As stated above, the surgery is performed to correct a problem – cosmetic or otherwise – therefore, the intended result is the correction of the determined problem (or problems).  These surgeries can take two or more hours to perform and may require up to several months for full recovery (though most patients are back to normal activity after a week or two), but generally result in very notable differences in look and function of the jaw line.

If you think there is a possibility that you could benefit from such a surgery, or it has been recommended to you by a professional, then it is time to speak to an oral surgeon regarding the potential benefits and risks, in order to weigh your options.