Michigan Oral Surgeons can perform corrective jaw surgery in any of our four convenient practice locations: Ann Arbor, Plymouth, Adrian, and Dexter, MI.
Corrective jaw surgery, or orthognathic surgery, is a procedure that is regularly performed for patients whose jaws do not meet properly, creating a misalignment of the jaw or an improper bite. Sometimes an orthodontist can correct the problem without jaw surgery, but if the problem is severe, the orthodontist will need to work with an oral surgeon to correct the bite with orthognathic surgery.
Why do I need corrective jaw surgery?
A misaligned jaw can cause a variety of problems affecting the mouth and facial structure, including
- The inability to properly chew and grind food
- Digestive problems
- Snoring and sleep apnea
- The inability to fully close the lips
- Heavy breathing
- Impaired speech function
- Poor facial aesthetics
- Dental crowding
- Poor oral hygiene
- Increased risk of dental caries and periodontal disease
- Shorter tooth lifespan
Unfortunately, many of these problems can cause more serious consequences to the overall health of the mouth and face. To reduce the long-term risks, early diagnosis and treatment of any disharmonies of the jaw are very important.
The primary goal of orthognathic surgery is to correct the jaw’s function; however, this procedure also offers improved aesthetics and facial proportions. Patients who choose to have corrective jaw surgery can expect to experience several benefits, including
- Improved chewing, speech, and respiratory function
- Decreased likelihood of short- and long-term relapse after orthodontic therapy
- Enhanced facial harmony, balance, and aesthetic appearance
- Reduced treatment time
- Reduction of accelerated tooth loss
Our doctors and surgical staff at Michigan Oral Surgeons are specially trained and experienced in performing corrective jaw surgery. They enjoy seeing the positive transformations and results our patients experience following orthognathic treatment.
Am I a candidate for corrective jaw surgery?
Many orthognathic surgery candidates are unaware that there is a procedure to treat their problem. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you may be a candidate for corrective jaw surgery:
- Speech problems, breathing problems, or sleep apnea
- Receding chin
- Significant protrusion of the upper or lower jaw
- Difficulty biting, chewing, or swallowing
- Difficulty closing your lips comfortably
If you think that you may be a candidate for corrective jaw surgery, we encourage you to contact our office for an initial consultation with either Dr. Fear, Dr. Lopez, Dr. Fasi, or Dr. Sanker. As oral and maxillofacial surgeons, they have undergone extensive surgical training and education, making them uniquely qualified to examine and treat irregularities of the jaw and face.
When you choose to have orthognathic surgery, your orthodontist will first align the teeth with braces. After the pre-surgical alignment, the surgical team at Michigan Oral Surgeons will then separate your jaw, move the bones to their new permanent position, and secure them in place. After surgery, your orthodontist will make any small, final corrections needed to finish the bite before removing your braces.
If you think you may need corrective jaw surgery, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at one of our office locations in Plymouth, Adrian, Ann Arbor, or Dexter, Michigan. Our extensively trained surgical team and skilled office staff are pleased to help in any way possible to restore your oral function to achieve the best result.