Lake Norman Oral & Facial Surgery • Dr. Raymond J. Haigney II • 9727 Northcross Center Ct. Huntersville, NC 28078 • (704) 987-3132
9727 Northcross Center Ct. Huntersville, NC 28078 • (704) 987-3132
Corrective Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery)
Corrective Jaw Surgery (orthognathic surgery) refers to any procedure that is performed to correct issues related to the jaw. This procedure can be performed on the chin, lower jaw, upper jaw, or both. Correcting jaws that are improperly aligned is the most common type of jaw surgery. It is generally recommended that patients avoid having jaw surgery until growth has stopped, which is typically between the ages of 13-15 for females and 16-18 for males. Although performing corrective jaw surgery will typically result in a dramatic improvement in the aesthetic appearance, this procedure is typically performed to address functional issues. At Lake Norman Oral & Facial Surgery, we offer a full range of oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures, specializing in facial reconstruction, facial surgery, corrective jaw surgery, obstructive sleep apnea, and wisdom tooth removal. If you would like to learn more about our services, or schedule an appointment for corrective jaw surgery, contact us today. New patients are welcome and a referral from another doctor is not required.
Steps Involved with Corrective Jaw Surgery
Prior to beginning your procedure, you will need to schedule a consultation with one of our skilled professionals, during which we will discuss what issues you would like to address. Following this conversation, a physical evaluation will be performed, we will discuss your health history, and x-rays will be taken.
Once this information has been collected, you and the surgeon will discuss what options are available to you to address your jaw issues.
If it is determined that corrective jaw surgery is the best approach for you, a follow up appointment will be made. In most cases, surgery will not be performed until the patient has spent a considerable amount of time wearing pre-surgical orthodontics, which are placed to align the teeth.
Once enough time wearing these orthodontics has passed, the procedure will begin with administration of anesthesia and/or IV sedation to ensure that you are comfortable during the procedure and do not experience pain. For the majority of these procedures, you will need to plan on staying in the hospital for at least one to two days following surgery, and the total recovery time typically ranges from three to six weeks.
To limit future scarring to your face, this procedure will be performed inside your mouth. Small incisions will be made in the mouth, which will allow the surgeon to realign the jaw. Once in the correct position, the jaw will be secured in place by installing plates and screws. A bone graft may also be necessary, though this will not be the case for every procedure.
Following the completion of your procedure, you can begin the healing process, which will include continued wearing and adjustment of orthodontics to ensure that your teeth remain properly aligned. Braces will typically need to be worn following this procedure for at least nine months and up to 18 months.
Benefits of Corrective Jaw Surgery
There are a range of benefits associated with realigning your teeth and jaw, including the following:
- Appearance: Jaw surgery is often performed to improve the overall aesthetic appearance of the face, which often results in patients experiencing a newfound confidence.
- Improved mastication: Following jaw surgery, patients often enjoy improved bite function due to the realignment of their jaw. Due to this optimal realignment, chewing is generally made easier, which in turn allows patients to enjoy foods they were not previously able to and improves their overall digestion.
- Improved Speech: Correcting jaw alignment can positively effect speech and generally improve speech capabilities.
- Pain Relief: Misaligned jaws are typically painful, due to strain that occurs on the surrounding jaw area. One of the primary benefits of having jaw surgery is the alleviation of this pain.
- Tooth Wear: When the jaw is aligned correctly, teeth are more likely to wear better, due to the pressure being evenly spread around the jaw.
Candidates for Jaw Surgery
Jaw surgery may be an ideal solution for any patient whose jaws are improperly positioned or who have an improper bite. When lower and upper jaws grow at different rates, a range of issues can develop, such as issues with chewing, oral health issues, and difficulty with speech. For certain cases, orthodontics can be used for treatment, but when repositioning is necessary, orthognathic surgery may be required.
The following issues may indicate the need for jaw surgery:
- Breathing issues
- Chronic jaw pain
- Chronic TMJ pain
- Difficulty biting, chewing, or swallowing
- Open bite
- Protruding jaw
These symptoms can occur at birth, develop due to environmental or hereditary preconditions, or as a result of physical trauma. Prior to determining if corrective jaw surgery is necessary, a consultation will be performed that will include x-rays, a review of your medial history, and a discussion as to what your best treatment options are moving forward.
Cost of Sleep Apnea Surgery
The cost of corrective jaw surgery will be determined by a variety of factors, such as the severity of your condition, any unique oral or health issues you have that may complicate the procedure, and what type of dental insurance plan you have. Our office will file your claim, handle the paperwork, and ensure you maximize your insurance reimbursement. The remaining balance following your insurance coverage will be your responsibility.
Prior to performing the procedure, we will discuss the expected cost, as well as payment plan options that are available to you, such as Lending Club and Care Credit, which offer 6 and 12 month interest-free payment plans.
For your convenience, we accept MasterCard, Visa, Discover, and American Express.
Schedule Your Appointment
At Lake Norman Oral and Facial Surgery, we are committed to treating our patients the way we would expect to be treated. Because Dr. Haigney is a Board Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, you can be confident you will receive care that implements the latest dental advancements and is informed by current research and best practices, resulting in you achieving the results you deserve.
To schedule an appointment or consultation, contact our staff at (704) 255-5888 or request an appointment online