Get the Facts About Corrective Jaw Surgery

Corrective jaw surgery can solve many mouth- and jaw-related issues, leaving you with a strong, healthy smile.

The idea of surgical treatment can seem daunting, and many patients put off procedures that could improve their quality of life. If you have problems with your mouth or jaws, consulting with an experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon could be to your advantage. Meanwhile, you might find the following facts about corrective jaw surgery helpful.

Oral Surgeons Perform Jaw Surgery for Many Reasons

Jaw correction surgery isn’t only for the purpose of repairing birth defects and serious facial injuries. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons may also recommend surgical treatment for people who have:

• Difficulty chewing or swallowing
• Chronic facial pain
• A protruding or receding chin
• An open bite (teeth don’t meet)
• Significant tooth wear
• An excessively gummy smile
• An unbalanced facial appearance

Jaw correction surgery can also be an effective treatment for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Better Function Is the Goal, but Jaw Surgery Offers Other Benefits

Jaw correction surgery alleviates functional problems to improve a patient’s quality of life. The benefits that come with treatment go beyond function, however. Surgery can eliminate pain, make eating easier and allow for clearer speech. Procedures also correct aesthetic issues, leaving patients with beautiful, symmetrical smiles.

Jaw Surgery May Require a Long-Term Commitment

In many cases, jaw correction surgery involves more than a single procedure. Patients often require a series of procedures over the course of several months or even several years. Resolving functional problems may also require oral and maxillofacial surgery as well as orthodontic treatment. Due to the time it takes, planning the timing for treatment takes careful thought.

Should You Consider Corrective Jaw Surgery?

If a mouth- or jaw-related problem is creating functional difficulties or an off-balance appearance, jaw correction surgery could be the right solution. The same may be true if you suffer from TMJ disorder or obstructive sleep apnea and cannot find relief through conservative treatment measures.

However, to determine if corrective jaw surgery is in your best interests, you’ll need to consult with an experienced local oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a qualified orthodontist. The two professionals will need to collaborate to create an effective treatment plan.

If you live in the greater Salt Lake City area or the surrounding northern Utah region, schedule a professional consultation with the team at Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of Utah.

Our highly skilled, board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons, Dr. Partridge and Dr. Maxfield, have over 10 years of experience successfully correcting mouth- and jaw-related problems. We can determine the least-invasive approach to giving you a functional, beautiful smile.

With three convenient northern Utah offices located in Cottonwood Heights, Toole and South Jordan, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of Utah makes committing to a long-term treatment plan much easier. If you’re considering corrective jaw surgery, contact us to schedule a consultation today.