Jaw Surgery
Everybody wants to obtain a great smile. That’s what most people are dreaming about, in fact. However, what many people do not realize is that there are some conditions capable of making that dream a bit impossible. Misaligned jaws are specifically one of the most common.
Misaligned jaws have been known throughout the dental industry as one of the most serious conditions affecting millions of people in the United States alone. It is common for people of all ages, for both men and women. The bad thing about it is that it affects victims not only physically, but mentally and emotional. Several researches, in fact, have revealed that jaw deformities, medically known as malocclusions, affect people psychologically in the sense that many of its victims lose their self-esteem and confidence.
So, is there any solution designed to at least reduce the risks of such condition? Is there a scientifically proven technique that will help people suffering from jaw deformities recover from shame? Fortunately, there is, and that solution comes in the form of jaw surgery.
WhatIis Jaw Surgery?
Medically known as orthognatic surgery, jaw surgery is basically a corrective procedure designed to correct both the minor and major dental irregularities on the jaws and teeth. It also involves the techniques for treating a wide range of skeletal problems on the mouth so to improve not just its physical appearance, but also the chewing, breathing and speaking that every human being needs. Simply put, the jaw surgery is designed to correct functional glitches involved.
Types Of Jaw Surgery
Jaw surgeries come in a number of forms. The most well-known of these types is the so-called “maxillary osteotomy”, which is but a procedure developed to align deficient upper jaws. It also helps people with problems associated with apertognathia or open bite.
The upper jaw surgery is performed strategically. The operation may take for hours and involves cutting of the upper jaw bone just beneath the eye sockets. As a result, the upper teeth and the mouth roof can be moved together. But to correct the condition, the upper jaw and teeth are adjusted in a forward fashion until the teeth are set on the right position. The right potion is determined once the upper teeth fit firmly with the bottom sets. Tiny screws are used in this procedure to hold the jaw bone on its new position, which later on becomes integrated into the structure of the bone.
On the other hand, there is what experts call as “mandibular osteotomy”. This involves the operation of the lower jaw, but is also deemed appropriate for those with problems of open bite.
The main difference between this surgery and the first mentioned type is that when operating on the lower jaw deformity, the cuts are made just at the rear of the molars. It is run lengthwise down until it reaches the front teeth. Once the cuts are made, it is expected for the jaw to slide smoothly to fit the right position determined for it to take. Screws are also needed for the same purpose as that of the first mentioned form.
What Happens During The Recovery?
As soon as the operation is done, the jaw surgery recovery starts. The patient is then required to follow certain recovery rules to keep the jaws in the right position until it stables. Considering an all liquid diet can be one of the most required moves here, but soft food will be introduced back to the diet once the condition sets to rest. According to several experts, maintaining a healthy and proper diet right after the jaw surgery is made is a very important consideration that patients should note as it helps keep the recovery faster than normal.
Certain medications and antibiotics will also be prescribed for further healing. Other than that, regular checkups should be maintained. All of these ways are normal for patients suffering from mild and severe jaw deformities.