Corrective Jaw Surgery Birmingham Al

Your jaw and teeth do a lot of work—so it’s important they work the way they should.

When jaw bone and bite irregularities are present, everything from chewing to talking to sleeping can be challenging. On top of that, your facial appearance may not be what you want it to be.

Pretty soon your jaw health is affecting your whole life. But there is hope. Orthognathic surgery, or corrective jaw surgery, is a good next step. Trust us to help you start anew.

Orthognathic Surgery

Problems with the bite, alignment of the teeth, or congenital defects can sometimes be corrected with orthodontic treatment.

Orthodontic Treatment

Often, orthodontic treatment is initially used to straighten and align teeth before and after surgery. Correcting the jaw requires precision and time—it’s never a quick fix. And sometimes braces alone don’t do the trick.

Jaw surgery

When non-surgical techniques fail to remedy jaw position or irregularities, jaw surgery is recommended.

Jaw surgery corrects irregularities of the jaw bone, realigns the jaws and teeth, and enhances the overall function of the jaw. Making these corrections will also improve facial appearance.

Ready to consider orthognathic surgery? Call our Birmingham Southside office today at (205) 933-1331 to schedule your orthognathic surgery consultation.

Jaw-Related Problems

Jaw-related issues, tooth misalignment and facial asymmetry may exist from birth, develop over time or be the result of jaw or facial trauma.

Symptoms of Jaw-Related Problems

• Difficulty chewing, biting or swallowing
• Speech problems
• A jaw that looks or feels unbalanced
• Chronic pain or TMJ
• Open bite
• Protruding jaw
• Breathing problems or obstructive sleep apnea

Benefits of Jaw Surgery

Corrective jaw surgery will improve your oral health, appearance and overall well-being.

• Correct your bite, or the way your teeth fit together.
• Enhance the functionality of the teeth, making it easier to bite and chew.
• Resolve issues with swallowing or speech.
• Minimize excessive wear and deterioration of the teeth.
• Balance facial features.
• Repair damage caused by injury, environmental influences or congenital conditions.
• Alleviate pain.
• Discover relief from breathing issues like obstructive sleep apnea.

Genioplasty – surgery on the chin

 

This surgery is often used to add or reduce the chin portion of the lower jaw. Like the other osteotomies, this procedure is performed through the mouth, so there are no scars to the face. The bone of the chin can be moved forward, back, shortened or lengthened, depending on the individual needs of the patient, titanium bone plates and screws are used to hold the bone in place until the bone naturally heals. If the patient desires a stronger chin, for example, the natural bone of the patient is much more desirable than a man-made implant material. This is an advantage to this type of surgery over implantable materials.

Types of Jaw Surgery

Upper Jaw Surgery

A maxillary osteotomy refers to surgery on the maxilla, or upper jaw.

What to Expect

This corrective jaw surgery is performed through the mouth, so no scarring to the face results. During the procedure, the upper jaw, or maxilla, is adjusted to the proper position for achieving a better bite or desired cosmetic need. Each case is different, so we will discuss with you your individual needs.

The new bone position is kept in place by titanium bone plates and screws. They very rarely will need to be removed in the future.

Corrective upper jaw surgery can address:

• A long, short or narrow upper jaw

• Open bite, where front teeth do not touch lower teeth when biting together

• Crossbite, where upper and lower teeth do not meet in proper position

• Midfacial hypoplasia, a congenital condition associated with reduced growth in the upper jaw and cheekbones, often resulting in a concave appearance of the midface

Lower Jaw Surgery

A mandibular osteotomy refers to surgery on the mandible, or lower jaw.

What to Expect

As with upper jaw surgery, this corrective jaw surgery is performed through the mouth, and no scarring to the face results. The lower jaw, or mandible, is maneuvered during surgery to a position that best supports a proper bite or cosmetic need. We will discuss with you your individual needs prior to treatment.

The new bone position is kept in place by titanium bone plates and screws, and they very rarely will need to be removed later down the line.

Corrective lower jaw surgery is most often performed to reposition a lower jaw that is too long or short when compared to the upper jaw and face.

Jaw Surgery Involving the Chin

Genioplasty

A genioplasty refers to surgery on the chin and should be performed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons.

What to Expect

This corrective jaw surgery is performed through the mouth and no scarring to the face results. The chin bone can be positioned forward or backward, and shortened or lengthened, depending on your needs.

The new chin position is kept in place by titanium bone plates and screws, and they very rarely will need to be removed later. One advantage of this type of jaw surgery is that natural bone is used instead of implant material.

Preparing for Orthognathic Surgery

Orthodontic Treatment

An overall treatment plan will likely include both surgery and corrective orthodontic measures, such as braces. Your dentist, orthodontist, and oral and maxillofacial surgeon will coordinate your treatment. The surgery can be performed while braces are still in position. In addition, tooth or teeth extraction may be required before treatment.

Prior to Jaw Surgery

For successful results, planning must involve your dentist, orthodontist, and your oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

What to expect:

• We will obtain many diagnostic images of your teeth, including X-rays and CT scans.

• Impressions will be made on your teeth and bite.

• A before photo of your face, smile and profile will be taken.

• A step-by-step plan will be developed by consulting your dentist, orthodontist, and oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

Jaw Surgery Procedure

Jaw repositioning and correction involve anesthesia and oral surgery and is done in a hospital setting. A hospital stay will likely be required.

After the Procedure

After surgery, swelling and pain are controlled with ice and pain medication, and a soft or liquid diet is required. A removable splint is worn in the mouth to train muscles to function properly with the new jaw alignment, and you are closely monitored with follow-up care and appointments.

Usually, braces and retainers are worn during and after the procedure until desired and effective results are achieved. The process can last months to years, but the wait will be worth it.

Is it time for you to have corrective jaw surgery? Call our Birmingham Southside office today at (205) 933-1331 to schedule your orthognathic surgery consultation.

Orthognathic Surgery Cost

We provide an estimate of all expenses involved in the jaw surgery process and consult your insurance company about coverage. Remember, multiple providers, including your dentist and orthodontist, are also involved and will bill separately.

Insurance Coverage

Please know that some insurance companies provide limited or no coverage, but many do offer coverage for jaw surgery. Consider your personal financial investment for treatment.

We recommend you factor in the cost of each of these steps:

• Exams and office visits

• Imaging and X-rays

• Surgeon, facility, and anesthesia fees

• Additional tests

• Medication

• Orthodontia

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

Our practice has been around since 1960. We’re a family business that prioritizes quality and affordable care.

Dr. Buck and Dr. Phillips are committed to your proper diagnosis and treatment. You can expect to communicate with your surgeon regularly.

Our team has many years of experience, and our practice covers the full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery, from wisdom tooth removal to orthognathic surgery.

We think you’ll really love our friendly and focused people. Call our Birmingham Southside Office at (205) 933-1331 and schedule your orthognathic surgery consultation.