Many people do not realize how important oral health truly is. It is important to be aware of having a healthy mouth in order to have a healthy body. People who are health-conscious realize that they must follow a good diet and exercise routine on a regular basis. The same goes for oral hygiene, as it can help us live a longer and happier life. The jaw is an important aspect of the mouth, and is just as important to take care of as our teeth. If the jaw is not functioning properly, surgery may be needed to correct the issues.
Your jaw consists of two parts; the maxilla or upper jaw and the mandible or lower jaw. Orthognathic (meaning “straight jaw”) surgery, or corrective jaw surgery straightens or aligns the jaw. There are a few different types of jaw surgery, depending on which part of your jaw requires correcting:
• Maxillary Osteotomy (Upper Jaw): This type of surgery corrects a significantly receded upper jaw, cross bite, or when you have too many or too few teeth showing. It can also adjust an open bite.
• Mandibular Osteotomy (Lower Jaw): This surgery corrects a significantly receded lower jaw. The surgeon moves the jawbone forwards or backwards depending on the best adjustment and bite alignment.
• Genioplasty (Chin): A deficient chin often accompanies a severely receded lower jaw. Typically, surgeons can alter the jaw and restructure the chin during the same surgery.
Those who have issues with their jaw and have surgery to correct it can live an easier lifestyle by improving the following:
Chewing: The surgery can help those who have difficulties in chewing or swallowing food due to the misalignment of the jaw. Correcting this will make necessary daily activities, such as eating, easier and more comfortable.
Joint Pain: Once jaw surgery is completed, chronic joint pain of the jaw will no longer occur. Straining from the teeth can also be an issue since they may be separated and the mouth will not close. This can relieve pressure and make daily life more comfortable.
Headaches: Many times those who have misaligned jaws experience headaches and pain. This pain can be eliminated with corrective jaw surgery, and less pain medication will be needed.
Sleeping: Many patients who have corrective jaw surgery tend to breathe through their mouth while asleep, and have issues with breathing and sleeping. Corrective jaw surgery can eliminate sleep apnea and allow for more rest, providing energy for a more productive lifestyle.
Speech: The alignment of the teeth and jaw can affect speech. This is very important in adolescent children as they learn to speak and pronounce words. Correcting the jaw line can improve speech and prevent impediments.
To find out if you are a candidate for jaw surgery, or more information about different types of jaw surgery and their benefits, call Atlantic Center for Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery at (954) 983-1899 to request an appointment with Dr. Stelnicki.
