Corrective jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, is a transformative procedure that not only improves facial appearance but also enhances oral function and health. For individuals experiencing difficulty chewing, speaking, or breathing due to misaligned jaws, corrective jaw surgery can be a life-changing solution.
At St. Louis South Oral Surgery, our team of board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons, led by Dr. William Gray, provides expert treatment using advanced technologies to ensure lasting results for our patients throughout the St. Louis area.
Why Is Corrective Jaw Surgery Needed?
Corrective jaw surgery addresses a range of functional and aesthetic issues that cannot be resolved through orthodontics alone. Common reasons for undergoing jaw surgery include:
- Misaligned jaws causing bite problems (overbite, underbite, open bite)
- Chronic jaw or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain
- Excessive wear on teeth due to misalignment
- Breathing difficulties, including obstructive sleep apnea
- Facial imbalance or asymmetry
- Reconstructive needs due to trauma or congenital conditions, such as cleft lip and palate
If you experience any of these issues, an evaluation by a board-certified oral surgeon can help determine whether you are a candidate for corrective jaw surgery. Learn more about who is a candidate.
How the Corrective Jaw Surgery Procedure Works
The procedure typically involves realigning one or both jaws (upper jaw, lower jaw, or both) to improve function and aesthetics. Here is a general outline of the process:
1. Comprehensive Treatment Planning
A thorough assessment and diagnostics using technologies like 3D imaging are essential for successful surgical planning. Your oral surgeon may collaborate with your orthodontist to ensure the best outcome.
2. Pre-Surgical Orthodontics
Braces are often used before surgery to align your teeth in preparation for your new bite configuration. This phase may last several months, depending on your specific case.
3. Surgical Procedure
The surgery usually takes place in a hospital or specialized surgical center under general anesthesia. Adjustments to the jawbone are made with precision, and the jaws are then secured using plates, screws, or wires.
Advances in technique and anesthesia technology have made this process more comfortable and efficient, with shorter recovery times than in the past.
4. Recovery Phase
After surgery, most patients spend a brief period in the hospital before continuing recovery at home. A modified diet, pain management, and follow-up visits are part of the healing process. Read more about recovery from complex jaw surgery.
What to Expect During Recovery
Recovering from corrective jaw surgery can take several weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of the case. During this time, it’s essential to follow your surgeon’s instructions for optimal healing.
- Swelling and Bruising: These are normal and will subside over time.
- Diet Modifications: You may need to follow a soft food or liquid diet for several weeks. See what to eat after surgery for guidance.
- Pain Management: Prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as cold compresses, can help manage discomfort.
- Follow-up Care: Regular appointments with your oral surgeon ensure proper healing and track progress.
Patients are typically able to return to work or school within two weeks, although full jaw function may take several months to restore. Learn more about post-operative care best practices.
Expected Results and Long-Term Benefits
The benefits of corrective jaw surgery extend beyond aesthetics. By aligning your jaws properly, you can expect improvements in:
- Chewing and speaking ability
- Bite alignment and oral health
- Facial symmetry and appearance
- Sleep quality if previously affected by jaw misalignment or sleep apnea
- Jaw pain and and TMJ-related discomfort (read more on TMJ advancements)
By correcting functional problems early, jaw surgery may also help prevent more severe dental complications in the future — such as abnormal tooth wear or compromised jawbone health.
Related Treatments Often Combined with Jaw Surgery
In some cases, jaw surgery is part of a larger treatment plan that includes:
- Dental implants for missing teeth or bite restoration
- Bar-attachment dentures or Teeth in a Day procedures
- Bone grafting when additional support is needed
- Addressing impacted teeth such as impacted canines
If you’re unsure about the right path for you, discuss all available options during your consultation. St. Louis South Oral Surgery provides a full range of oral and maxillofacial surgery services to meet your needs.
When Should You Consider Jaw Surgery?
If orthodontic treatment alone isn’t enough to resolve jaw misalignment or if you’ve been struggling with functional impairments like chronic pain, breathing issues, or chewing problems, corrective jaw surgery may be an ideal solution.
Review what to expect during jaw surgery to understand the full scope of the treatment journey.
Discover Renewed Function and Confidence
Corrective jaw surgery is one of the most rewarding procedures we perform at St. Louis South Oral Surgery. With over two decades of experience, Dr. William Gray and his skilled surgical team use innovative techniques and personalized care to help patients not only regain function but also feel confident in their appearance.
Whether you’re exploring surgery for medical reasons or are interested in the cosmetic benefits of jaw realignment, our compassionate team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment and see how transformative jaw surgery can be for your health and quality of life.