Jaw Correction Surgery: What Jacksonville Residents Need to Know

Here’s what you should know about jaw correction or orthognathic surgery near me in Jacksonville, Florida.

Understanding Jaw Correction Surgery

Orthognathic surgery is a corrective procedure, one of many available orthodontic services, used to align the jaw correctly. Misalignment can cause several issues, from difficulty chewing and speaking to sleep apnea and chronic jaw pain. It can also cause painful clicking and popping in your jaw. Jaw misalignment can be caused by genetics, injury, and other root symptoms like thumb sucking.

There are several non-surgical options for jaw misalignment, including braces and headgear. Sometimes, non-surgical treatments may be ineffective, and jaw correction surgery may be recommendable to provide long-term relief and improvement. If you have been asking your smart device about an “oral or maxillofacial surgeon near me,” Ortho 99 Plus 1 is here in Jacksonville, FL, to answer your questions and serve your jaw correction needs.

Who Needs Jaw Correction Surgery?

Jaw correction surgery may be necessary for those experiencing difficulties caused by a misaligned jaw, including problems with chewing, swallowing, speaking, or breathing. In some cases, it may also be recommendable for those with facial asymmetry due to jaw misalignment.

The jaws of children and teens are still developing, so non-surgical methods like braces are often the best solution to fix jaw misalignment. For adults, the jaw has finished developing, so it is often more difficult to use non-surgical methods to correct misalignment of the jaw, depending on the severity.

The Surgical Process of Jaw Correction

The orthognathic surgery operation itself is complex; thus, the doctor must have a lot of relevant expertise. The jaw correction procedure, which includes rearranging the jaw bones, is carried out in a hospital environment under the influence of a general anesthetic. The particular procedure differs from patient to patient based on their unique requirements and the characteristics of their jaw misalignment.

Step 1: Consultation

Orthodontic consultation with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon should be the initial step in the process. During this appointment, the oral surgeon will evaluate your condition, take X-rays, pictures, and imprints of your teeth, and talk to you about the many treatment choices that are available. You may discover surgery is not necessary.

Step 2: Treatment Planning

The surgeon will formulate a thorough treatment strategy after completing the examination. In addition, to get the best possible outcomes, they can coordinate their efforts with those of other dental and medical specialists, such as orthodontists.

Step 3: Orthodontic Preparation

Before the surgery, it’s common to undergo orthodontic treatment to align the teeth properly. This step is necessary to ensure the teeth fit together correctly after the jaw correction surgery. There are several options your orthodontist has to choose from for orthodontic treatment, including headgear worn as you sleep or braces. This process could take anywhere from nine months to several years if needed.

Step 4: Anesthesia and Incisions

On the day of surgery, you’ll be placed under general anesthesia to ensure you’re comfortable and pain-free throughout the procedure. The surgeon will then make incisions inside the mouth to access the jawbone. This approach avoids visible external scarring.

Step 5: Jaw Repositioning and Bone Grafting

Depending on your needs, the surgeon will reposition the jawbones by cutting and reshaping them. They may use specialized plates, screws, or wires to hold bones in their new positions. Sometimes, bone grafts may be necessary to offer additional support or fill jawbone gaps.

Step 6: Closure of Incisions

After repositioning the jawbones, the surgeon will close the incisions with dissolvable sutures. Then, you’ll get monitored in a recovery area until the effects of anesthesia wear off. You may experience swelling, discomfort, and bruising, which are manageable with pain medication.

Step 7: Follow-up Care

You’ll get directions on how to care for your surgical site, maintain oral hygiene, and manage any discomfort during the recovery period. Finally, an orthodontist will schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor your progress.

Recovery from Jaw Correction Surgery

Recovery from jaw correction surgery typically involves a few days of hospitalization and several weeks of at-home recovery. It’s normal to experience pain, swelling, and bruising after the surgery, but these symptoms will gradually decrease.

A diet of soft foods will be necessary for a while, and physical therapy exercises may be essential to help regain full jaw function.

Costs and Insurance

The cost of jaw correction surgery can vary widely depending on the complexity of the procedure and other factors. If the surgery is deemed medically necessary, health or dental insurance may cover it at least partly. Dental insurance orthodontics is a complex issue that may take some time to resolve to your satisfaction.

Before proceeding, discuss the expected costs and insurance coverage with your orthodontist and insurance provider. They are here to help.

Let Ortho 99 Plus 1 Facilitate Your Recovery from Jaw Correction Surgery

If you’re searching for “orthographic surgery near me,” you have come to the right place. Jaw correction surgery is an effective procedure that can significantly boost the quality of life for those struggling with jaw misalignment.

If you’re a Jacksonville resident considering this procedure, it’s vital to find an orthodontist skilled in orthognathic surgery to ensure the best outcome for your health and comfort. An orthodontic consultation can help you find a skilled provider you feel comfortable with.

Contact Ortho 99 Plus 1 for more information about jaw correction surgery.