If your jaw pops, or if it’s painful, recessive, or protrudes, you may need jaw surgery to improve functionality and enhance your appearance. Expert orthodontist Neker Bernuy, DDS, recommends jaw surgery to correct abnormalities, restore function, and improve your profile at Bernuy Orthodontic Specialist in Austin and Georgetown, Texas. Correct your jaw and improve your life by contacting the friendly team at Bernuy Orthodontic Specialist for jaw surgery today. You can reach out by phone or schedule an appointment online.
Jaw Surgery Q & A
What is jaw surgery?
Jaw surgery consists of procedures that balance and correct your jaw and bite to restore or enhance functionality and improve your facial symmetry and appearance. Jaw surgery may be the best choice if your jaw is too far out of alignment to benefit from orthodontics alone.
Who needs jaw surgery?
Jaw surgery is only performed once your jaw bone has finished growing, so it’s not appropriate for females until they’re between 14-16 years old or males between 17-21 years old. Dr. Bernuy may recommend jaw surgery if you have problems such as:
- Recessed chin
- Protruding chin
- Extreme under- over-, or cross-bite
- Problems chewing or speaking
- Painful jaw
- Teeth that are ground down or uneven
- Open bite (i.e., molars don’t touch when the mouth is closed)
- Obstructive sleep apnea
Depending on your needs, Dr. Bernuy may recommend a combination of jaw surgery and orthodontics to correct your bite, balance your face, and align your jaw.
What happens when I get jaw surgery?
In most cases, you wear braces for about 12-18 months before your surgery to start the process of realigning your jaw and fixing your bite. Dr. Bernuy works with a maxillofacial surgeon to design your treatment plan. You should prepare for in-hospital surgery that takes about 2-4 hours. Since you will be under general anesthesia, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home. Your surgeon usually makes incisions for jaw surgery inside your mouth. In most cases, you won’t have any visible scars on your face. After cutting your jawbone, your surgeon moves it into the correct alignment. They secure the healthy alignment with screws, bone plates, or wires. The screws eventually fuse with your jawbone. Your surgeon may operate on your upper jaw (maxillary osteotomy), lower jaw (mandibular osteotomy), or both. You can usually return to school or work in 1-3 weeks. However, complete healing may take up to 12 weeks. Align your jaw for improved functionality, a better appearance, and less pain by scheduling a jaw surgery consultation at Bernuy Orthodontic Specialist today. You can reach out by phone or schedule an appointment online.