Orthognathic Surgery Before and After: What to Expect

Orthognathic or jaw surgery is a procedure that helps correct jawbone irregularities. The surgery works to realign the teeth and jaws to improve their function. The changes also help improve facial appearance. 

Orthognathic surgery is a corrective option for patients who have jaw problems that regular orthodontics alone cannot resolve. In most cases, patients need to wear braces before and after surgery until the healing and realignment process is complete. 

Why Perform Orthognathic Surgery?

The jaw plays a crucial role in different functions as it enables people to chew and speak clearly. It helps in the regulation of airflow while also enhancing facial symmetry. Damage to the jaw can affect an individual’s ability to perform simple functions. 

Several procedures can help address the different jaw and facial issues. Jaw surgery is ideal for people who have not achieved the desired results using standard orthodontic treatments. The surgery helps repair skeletal and dental irregularities, fixing the functional problems. 

Candidates for Orthognathic Surgery

People with an open bite, unbalanced facial structures, birth defects, or facial injuries can benefit from the procedure. The surgery can fix a receding chin or lower jaw. 

People who have difficulty biting, chewing, or swallowing can get the procedure. It is also ideal for treating chronic TMJ pain, sleep apnea, headaches, or chronic mouth breathing. An orthodontist will help determine if you are a good candidate for the surgery. 

Before Orthognathic Surgery

There are several things that you can do to prepare for orthognathic surgery. The surgeon will conduct X-rays and CT scans to plan for the surgery. They will also create models of the patients’ teeth. Most patients need to wear braces for 12 to 18 months before the surgery. 

The braces help align the teeth, ensuring a smooth procedure. It is necessary to maintain a healthy lifestyle before the surgery. Ensure proper dental hygiene, remain active, eat a healthy diet, stay hydrated, and get adequate sleep every day. A healthy body will heal faster. 

During Orthognathic Surgery

Orthognathic surgery is an in-patient procedure, so the patient needs to stay in the hospital for two to four days. The procedure is administered inside the mouth. This means that the patient will not experience scarring on the jaw or chin. 

Sometimes the surgeon may need to make some incisions outside the mouth, but the resulting blemishes usually fade with time. The surgeon will begin by making incisions along the jawbone, helping to align the jaw correctly. Tiny screws, bone plates, rubber bands, and wires help secure the jawbone in position. 

After Orthognathic Surgery

Several things need to happen after jaw surgery. Recovery from the procedure is about six weeks. Complete healing can take about three months. Swelling is common after the surgery. The face will feel numb, and bruising can last two or three weeks after surgery. Immediately after surgery, the patient may experience some bleeding, swelling, and nausea, but this should subside in a few hours. It is vital to follow the surgeon’s instructions. 

For more on what to expect before and after orthognathic surgery, visit Oral Surgical Associates at our offices in Missoula and Hamilton, Montana. You can call (406) 282-8768 today to schedule an appointment.