Jaw surgery may be a corrective option if you have jaw problems that can't be resolved with orthodontics alone. In most cases, you also have braces on your teeth before surgery and during recovery after surgery until healing and alignment are complete. Your orthodontist can work with your oral and jaw and face (maxillofacial) surgeon to determine your treatment plan.
Treatment Overview.
Eligibility For Treatment.
Jaw surgery is appropriate after growth stops, usually around ages 14 to 16 years for females and ages 17 to 21 years for males.
Conditions that may call for maxillary osteotomy include:
an upper jaw that protrudes or recedes significantly
an open bite, which is when your back teeth (molars) don’t touch when your mouth is closed
a crossbite, which is when some of your bottom teeth sit outside of your upper teeth when your mouth is closed
midfacial hyperplasia, which is a condition where growth in the middle portion of your face is reduced
Preparation Before Treatment.
In most cases, an orthodontist places braces on your teeth before surgery. Braces are usually on for 12 to18 months before surgery to level and align your teeth in preparation for surgery.
Your orthodontist and oral and maxillofacial surgeon work together to develop your treatment plan. X-rays, pictures, and models of your teeth are part of the planning for your jaw surgery. Occasionally, the difference in the way teeth fit together will require either reshaping of the teeth, covering the teeth with crowns, or both to complete correction.
About Treatment.
Surgery usually can be performed inside your mouth, so no facial scars show on your chin, jaw, or around the mouth. However, sometimes small incisions may be required outside your mouth.
Your surgeon makes cuts in the jawbones and moves them into the correct position. Once your jaw movement is completed, tiny bone plates, screws, wires, and rubber bands may be used to secure the bones into their new position. These screws — which are smaller than a bracket used for braces — become integrated into the bone structure over time.
In some cases, extra bone may be added to the jaw. Your surgeon transfers the bone from your hip, leg, or rib and secures it with plates and screws. In other cases, the bone may be reshaped to provide a better fit.
Jaw surgery may be performed on the upper jaw, lower jaw, chin, or any combination of these.
Post-Treatment Care Treatment.
Most people stay in the hospital for 1 to 4 days after their surgery.
When you’re able to leave the hospital, your doctor will give you instructions for eating and oral hygiene. It’s important to follow these instructions carefully during recovery.
After your surgery, it’s normal to experience swelling, stiffness, and discomfort in your face and jaw. These should go away over time.
Treatment Recovery Tips.
Most people stay in the hospital for 1 to 4 days after their surgery.
When you’re able to leave the hospital, your doctor will give you instructions for eating and oral hygiene. It’s important to follow these instructions carefully during recovery.
After your surgery, it’s normal to experience swelling, stiffness, and discomfort in your face and jaw. These should go away over time.
Treatment FAQs.
Is jaw surgery a major surgery?
Although it is considered safe for good candidates, it is a serious surgical procedure that requires general anesthesia, a 3-4 day hospital stay, and typically takes up to 3 months to recover from.
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