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Orthognathic Surgery for a More Balanced Facial Appearance
Jaw discrepancies can affect function and aesthetics. In addition to affecting the balance of the face, jaws that are disproportionate in size and shape make it difficult to chew food properly and result in painful spasms of the muscles of the jaw. Orthognathic surgery helps to reposition and align the jaws and teeth to correct minor and major facial imbalances. This procedure is also effective in resolving the condition called a “flat face” which is caused by inherited abnormalities in jaw growth and other genetic conditions like cleft lip and palate or hemifacial microsomia. The treatment can • Reposition misaligned jaws • Improve facial appearance
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• Ensure that teeth meet properly • Improve effective jaw function • Correct the imbalance between upper and lower jaws Orthognathic surgery helps to correct the teeth and how they bite together and also results in a more balanced and harmonious facial appearance. Jaw Surgery Corrects Aesthetic Conditions
Functional
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Facial irregularities and functional issues that can be set right with jaw surgery include • Weak facial projections • Larger jaw discrepancies • Weak chin • Unbalanced facial appearance • Receding lower jaw and chin • Speech problems • Protruding jaw
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• Excessive wear of the teeth • Open bite (space between the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed) • Gummy smile • Chronic mouth breathing • Chronic jaw pain • Chewing, biting or swallowing difficulty In most cases, this procedure is performed on patients who are above 18 years of age, when the jaw growth stops permanently. A team comprising a dentist, orthodontist and Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon will work together to analyze whether you are a suitable candidate for this procedure. An appropriate treatment plan will be devised after determining the nature and intensity of the condition. Procedure Corrective jaw surgery basically involves three stages: The first stage involves proper positioning of the teeth using orthodontic braces. For those
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with serious jaw abnormalities, this may take up at least 12 months or more of time. Plaster models are made to ensure that the teeth are in proper alignment. The second stage involves the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon repositioning the jaws. The procedure may take a few hours and is generally done on an outpatient basis. In certain cases, bone grafting is also done along with this surgery to restore and enhance facial aesthetics. The third stage begins after 2-3 months after the completion of the surgery, in which the teeth is gently manipulated by the surgeon. Postoperative orthodontic treatment may take 6 months, after which the braces are permanently removed. Minimum swelling and bruising are common complications that occur soon after the surgery. The initial healing phase is about six weeks and the complete healing of the jaws takes place between 9-12 months. It’s important to follow the plastic surgeon’s post-operative instructions for a smooth recovery.