How to Know if You Need Corrective Jaw Surgery

Living with jaw problems can significantly impact your quality of life, affecting everything from eating and speaking to sleeping and breathing.

Corrective jaw surgery can be a life-changing solution for many people experiencing jaw-related issues.

Yet, it can be difficult to know when an issue is just the normal “aches and pains” of life and when an issue may need more serious attention.

This guide will help you understand when corrective jaw surgery might be necessary and what signs to watch for.

What is Corrective Jaw Surgery?

Corrective jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, is a procedure performed to address various skeletal and dental irregularities affecting the jaws and teeth.

This type of surgery aims to improve both function and appearance by realigning the jaws and teeth to their proper positions.

While the prospect of surgery may seem daunting, for many individuals, it can significantly enhance their quality of life by resolving issues related to breathing, chewing, speaking, and overall facial aesthetics.

Corrective jaw surgery is typically performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon in collaboration with an orthodontist.

The procedure involves making precise cuts in the jawbones to reposition them, often using plates, screws, or wires to secure the bones in their new positions.

Depending on the specific condition being addressed, surgery may be performed on the upper jaw (maxilla), lower jaw (mandible), or both (bimaxillary osteotomy).

“Surgery can improve breathing, chewing and speaking,” says the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS). “While the patient’s appearance may be dramatically enhanced as a result of surgery, orthognathic surgery is performed to correct functional problems.”

15 Signs You Might Need Corrective Jaw Surgery

Here are some signs that you might need corrective jaw surgery:

1. Chronic Jaw Pain: Persistent pain in your jaw, especially when chewing or speaking, can indicate a serious underlying issue requiring surgical intervention.
2. Difficulty Chewing: If you struggle to properly chew your food or find yourself avoiding certain foods due to difficulty biting, this could be a sign.
3. Asymmetrical Face: Noticeable facial asymmetry where one side of your face appears different from the other might indicate jaw misalignment.
4. Open Bite: When your front teeth don't meet when you close your mouth, creating a gap between upper and lower teeth.
5. Sleep Apnea: Jaw position can contribute to sleep apnea, causing breathing difficulties during sleep.
6. TMJ Symptoms: Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when moving your jaw, accompanied by pain.
7. Speech Difficulties: Problems pronouncing certain sounds or persistent speech impediments can be related to jaw positioning.
8. Protruding Jaw: Either the upper or lower jaw extending noticeably forward or backward compared to the other.
9. Mouth Breathing: Chronic difficulty breathing through your nose, leading to persistent mouth breathing.
10. Facial Pain: Recurring headaches, facial pain, or neck pain that seems related to jaw position.
11. Gum Problems: Excessive gum display when smiling or uneven gum lines between teeth.
12. Tooth Wear: Unusual or excessive wear patterns on your teeth due to misalignment.
13. Limited Jaw Movement: Restricted ability to open or close your mouth fully.
14. Swallowing Issues: Difficulty swallowing or frequent gagging when eating.
15. Bite Problems: Inability to bring lips together comfortably when your mouth is closed.
    
    

Consequences of Ignoring Jaw Pain

Ignoring persistent jaw pain or other symptoms related to jaw misalignment can lead to several serious consequences:

Short-term Consequences

• Worsening pain and discomfort
• Difficulty eating and speaking
• Poor sleep quality
• Headaches and facial pain
• Reduced quality of life

Long-term Consequences

• Permanent jaw damage
• Chronic pain conditions in the head, neck and shoulders
• Advanced TMJ disorders
• Dental problems
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Psychological impact
• Increased treatment complexity
• Higher medical costs
  
  

Diagnosis and Treatment by Oral Surgeons

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons use a variety of methods to diagnose and treat jaw problems that may require corrective surgery:

• Comprehensive examination: This includes a thorough review of medical history and a physical examination of the jaw, face, and mouth.
• Imaging tests: X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs are commonly used to get detailed images of the jaw structure and joint.
• Bite analysis: Surgeons may evaluate how the teeth come together and assess overall jaw alignment.
• TMJ arthroscopy: In some cases, a small camera may be inserted into the joint space for a detailed examination.

Once a diagnosis is made, treatment options are discussed. These may include:

• Non-surgical treatments: For milder cases, orthodontics, physical therapy, or medications may be recommended.
• Minimally invasive procedures: Arthrocentesis or arthroscopy may be used to treat certain TMJ disorders.
• Corrective jaw surgery: For more severe misalignments or when other treatments have been ineffective, orthognathic surgery may be necessary.
• Post-surgical orthodontics: Often, braces or other orthodontic treatments are required after surgery to fine-tune the bite.
• Follow-up care: Regular check-ups and potentially physical therapy are important for optimal recovery and long-term results.

The decision to undergo corrective jaw surgery should not be taken lightly. It typically involves a long-term commitment, including pre-surgical orthodontics, the surgery itself, and post-surgical care and adjustments.

“The oral and maxillofacial surgeon determines which corrective jaw surgical procedures are appropriate and performs the surgery,” says AAOMS. “It is important to understand that your treatment, which will probably include orthodontics before and after surgery, is a process rather than a single event. Your OMS and orthodontist understand this is a long-term commitment for you and your family and will try to realistically estimate the time required for your treatment.”

For those who need it, the results can be life-changing, improving not only physical function but also confidence and overall quality of life.

If you're experiencing persistent jaw pain, difficulty chewing, or any of the signs mentioned above, it's crucial to consult with a dental professional. They can provide a thorough evaluation and guide you towards the most appropriate treatment option for your specific situation.

Remember, early intervention can often prevent the need for more invasive procedures in the future.

If you are a candidate for corrective jaw surgery, reach out to the surgeons at Northwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery who can work closely with your dentist and orthodontist to provide you with the proper treatment.