What
What is jaw surgery within cosmetic dentistry?
Jaw surgery involves the movement or shift of either upper jaw, lower jaw or both jaw into position. Also known as orthognathic surgery, it is normally done to treat functional malocclussions of the jaw. And in turns provides for a more balanced symmetry to facial appearance.
When
When would I consider jaw surgery?
Orthognathic surgery is normally done only after jaw growth stops. This is usually around the ages of 14 to 16 years for females and the ages 17 to 21 years for males.
Why
Why would I undergo jaw surgery?
Having jaw surgery done is a major decision and is normally not done unless necessary to treat a certain concern. Orthognathic surgery aims to resolve issues that include:
- allows you to bite and chew better
- helps correct swallowing or speech problems
- resolves excessive wear of teeth, correct lip, jaw or bite closure issues (underbites, overbites and crossbites)
- change facial imbalance to improve symmetry of face (small chins, portruded jaw)
- relieve pain caused by temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder
- repair skeletal facial injury or birth defects of jaw area
- relief obstructive sleep apnea
How
How does the whole orthognathic surgery treatment process goes?
To plan for your jaw surgery in Thailand, it will always start with a consultation and treatment plan with you, your orthodontist and oral surgeon. They gather 3D CT Scan, digital x-rays, models and health information to arrange your orthognathic surgery procedures. Sometimes, aside from orthodontic treatment, other dental treatment such as crowns or veneres may also be included in your overall plan to reshape or cover teeth to complete correction.
In most cases, braces are placed before surgery and worn for a typical period of 12 to18 months to level your teeth in preparation for surgery. Once ready, the jaw surgery procedure is arranged to be done under general anesthesia at BIDH oral surgery clinic. The surgery occurs in the hospital with possible overnight stay at our in-patient dental hospital.
Surgery is normally performed inside your mouth without facial scars visible externally. Your jawbones is cut and moved into correct positions. Screws, plates or additional bone may be added or existing bone re-shaped during surgery.
It can taken about 6 to 12 weeks for healing after surgery. Your oral surgeon will provide post care instructions on medications, cleaning and care. After a period of initial healing, your orthodontist continues the your thailand jaw surgery procedure with a second set of braces. Once the orthodontic treatment is complete, retainers are made to retain tooth position in place.