Surgical orthodontics
Orthognathic surgery in Maryville
Your jaw plays an essential role in eating, speaking, breathing and smiling. If your jaw is aligned incorrectly due to injury or genetics, it can be difficult to complete daily tasks. With orthognathic jaw surgery from Owens Orthodontics, we can realign your jaw to improve its function and create a beautiful smile.
What is corrective jaw surgery?
Corrective jaw surgery, or orthognathic surgery, aligns the jaw bone and teeth for improved function and appearance. Depending on your specific needs, a jaw surgeon may lengthen or shorten your jaw or move your jaw up, down, in or out to improve your bite. Since corrective jaw surgery aligns your jaw and teeth, you will also notice an improvement in your smile.
Who is a good candidate for orthognathic surgery?
You may be a good candidate for corrective jaw surgery if you have jaw misalignment issues that orthodontic devices such as braces cannot resolve. Most patients will have braces before surgery and during recovery to maintain their teeth and jaw alignment.
Concerns that may require corrective jaw surgery
Difficulty swallowing, chewing or biting
Problems speaking
Open bite
Protruding jaw
Issues with breathing
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) or chronic jaw pain
What to expect with jaw surgery
Once you receive approval for corrective jaw surgery, Dr. Owens will place braces on your teeth 12 to 18 months before your scheduled procedure. While you have your braces on, it is essential to take care of your teeth through regular brushing and flossing.
When it is time for your surgery, Dr. Owens will remove your braces. Orthognathic surgery takes place in a hospital, and your oral surgeon for jaw surgery will place you under general anesthesia for the procedure. Orthognathic jaw surgery takes place entirely inside your mouth and will not create visible scarring on your jaw and chin.
After surgery, you will have a two-week rest period. Once this rest period is complete and your jaw has healed from surgery, Dr. Owens will place braces back on your teeth to ensure your jawbone stays in its new alignment. When your teeth and jaw are fully straightened, Dr. Owens will remove your braces and give you a retainer so you can maintain your new beautiful, fully functioning smile.
Why choose us for orthognathic surgery?
At Owens Orthodontics, we understand that every smile is unique — just like our patients! Dr. Owens takes a personalized approach to all our treatment plans to provide the best possible care.
We treat all our patients like family to create a lasting connection and ensure you have a positive experience each time you visit.
