CORRECTIVE JAW SURGERY In NYC
Corrective jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, moves your teeth and jaws into positions that are more balanced, functional and healthy. Although the goal of jaw surgery is to improve your bite and function, many patients also experience enhancements to their appearance, breathing and speech. The results can have a dramatic effect on many aspects of your life – and it’s likely that your self-esteem and confidence will also be significantly boosted.
How do you know if you need jaw surgery?
There are numerous conditions and symptoms that may indicate the need for corrective jaw surgery. If you suffer from any of the following, we recommend that you schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Cohen at Park Smiles NYC to properly diagnose the problem and develop a course of action:
- Difficulty chewing or biting food
- Difficulty swallowing
- Chronic jaw or jaw joint (TMJ) pain and headache
- Excessive wear of the teeth
- Open bite (space between the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed)
- Unbalanced facial appearance from the front or side
- Facial injury or birth defects
- Receding chin
- Protruding jaw
- Inability to make the lips meet without straining
- Chronic mouth breathing and dry mouth
- Sleep apnea (breathing problems when sleeping, including snoring)
How is jaw surgery performed?
Corrective jaw surgery often requires pre-surgical preparations that attempt to realign the teeth towards the new structural formation. The realignment will be closely monitored through the use of x-rays, pictures, and models of your teeth. The surgery itself can last up to several hours, during which the jaw bones may be restructured, realigned, added to, or removed from your jaw based on your specific needs. Orthodontic treatment is often performed at the same time. Patients are typically able to return to work or school one to three weeks after surgery. Although the initial phase of healing is about 6 weeks, complete healing of the jaw takes nine to 12 months.
Benefits of jaw surgery
Chewing:
The surgery can help those who have difficulties in chewing or swallowing food due to the misalignment of the jaw. Correcting this will make necessary daily activities such as eating more enjoyable.
Joint Pain:
Once jaw surgery is completed, chronic joint pain of the jaw will no longer occur. Straining from the teeth can also be an issue since they may be separated and the mouth will not close. This can relieve pressure and make daily life more comfortable.
Headaches:
Many times those who have misaligned jaws experience headaches and pain. This pain can be eliminated with corrective jaw surgery and less pain medication will be needed.
Sleeping:
Many patients who have corrective jaw surgery are mouth breathers and have issues with breathing and sleeping. Corrective jaw surgery can eliminate sleep apnea and allow for more rest, which can provide renewed energy for a more productive lifestyle.
PARK SMILES NYC
our oral surgeons in NYC can help you with any jaw surgery corrections you need.