Corrective Jaw Surgery Can Improve General Health and Wellness

Patients of Dr. Allan Libunao and Dr. Jeffrey Hawkins know they they are receiving care from some of the finest dental surgeons in the Bolingbrook. Our practice offers the latest in advance oral surgery, including procedures for the upper jaw, lower jaw, and chin area.

Surgery for the jaw area is also known as orthognathic surgery. Let's take a moment to consider some of the basics of orthognathic surgery right now.

Why Corrective Jaw Surgery May Be Necessary

When the upper jaw or the lower jaw is not properly aligned, a number of health problems may arise, including tooth pain, tooth grinding (bruxism), TMJ disorders, speech impediments, sleep apnea, respiratory problems, and so forth. The appearance of a person's face can also be negatively impacted by poor alignment of the upper or lower jaw.

Corrective jaw surgery will improve dental health and dental alignment, and also enhance general wellness in the process.

Reasons for Corrective Jaw Surgery

Corrective jaw surgery can address congenital problems with the structure of the upper or lower jaw as well as problems that are the result of accidents or injury. Typically surgery rather than advanced orthodontic care is considered when patients are past their teens.

Some common health issues that can be treated through corrective jaw surgery include:

• Malocclusion (significant underbite, overbite, crossbite)
• Pain related to poor bite alignment
• Bruxism (tooth grinding)
• Serious TMJ disorders
• Cosmetic treatment for gummy smiles
• Reconstructive surgery following facial trauma
• Severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)

Upper Jaw Surgery Procedures

Surgeries for the upper jaw target the maxilla. Surgeries for the maxilla will typically involve incisions made within the mouth above the upper dental arch, allowing the entire roof of the mouth to shifted and corrected as needed. Plates, screws, bone shaving, and bone grafts will be used in order to shift, reshape, and reposition these structures of the upper jaw as needed.

Lower Jaw Surgery Procedures

Surgeries for the lower jaw will target the mandible. Surgeries for the mandible will typically involve incisions made behind the rear molars of the lower dental arch. Again, the use of plates, screws, grafts, and bone reshaping will be used in order to improve the overall alignment of the lower jaw. The jaw joint (the TMJ) may also be targeted in these cases by using these incisions.

Surgeries to Address the Chin

For surgeries that are meant to target the chin specifically, incisions are typically made in the crease where the bottom of the lower dental arch meets the inside of the lower lip. The exact nature of the procedure will vary based on the health or aesthetic needs of the patient.

Working Closely with Patients to Ensure Optimal Results

Each orthognathic surgery needs to be carefully customized and tailored to the needs of each patient in order to ensure optimal results. This is why we take great care to work closely with every patient, going over all treatment options as well as covering the risks and benefits of each procedure. We want to make sure that any procedure performed is carefully tailored to your needs so that all wellness and cosmetic issues are fully resolved.

Schedule a Consultation at Suburban Oral Surgery and Implant Center

To learn more about corrective jaw surgery and how it can help you achieve better health and wellness, it's important that you contact our oral surgery team today. Dr. Allan Libunao and Dr. Jeffrey Hawkins will work closely with you so you understand all of the risks and benefits related to any surgical procedures you will undergo.