The idea of undergoing any type of surgery might seem unpleasant, particularly when the procedure involves your face! However, facial surgeries — including those that focus on the jaw — are necessary for many people. What are some common reasons for jaw surgery, and how might it improve your oral function, overall health, and appearance? This blog post explains.
Correct Developmental Jaw Issues
If you or your child has experienced problems with jaw development, corrective jaw surgery can resolve many issues. Sometimes, the upper and lower jaws do not grow at the same rate, which leads to misalignment and difficulties with chewing, speaking, or even breathing. By undergoing corrective surgery, you may achieve a balanced bite and improved facial harmony. This procedure not only enhances your appearance but also supports better long-term oral health.
Complement Orthodontic Care
In certain cases, braces or clear aligners alone cannot address all dental alignment concerns. Jaw surgery often works in conjunction with orthodontic treatment to correct severe misalignments that cannot be fixed with orthodontia alone. If your orthodontist believes you need surgery in order to fully benefit from treatment, they can put you in touch with a qualified surgeon, and they will work together to optimize your long-term results.
Heal Facial Trauma
Accidents and injuries can cause serious damage to the jawbone or its alignment. If you have suffered facial trauma, jaw surgery may be necessary to repair fractures, reposition bones, or restore lost function. This type of surgery can reduce pain, improve your ability to eat and speak, and help you regain your confidence after an injury. Skilled surgeons will work carefully to restore your jaw and facial features as close to their original state as possible.
Address a Cleft Lip or Palate
A cleft lip or palate is a congenital condition that affects both the appearance and function of the mouth and jaw. Surgical intervention is essential to close the gap and support normal eating, speaking, and breathing. If you or your child was born with a cleft, coordinated surgical care can dramatically improve quality of life and allow for more natural development. Early intervention often results in better outcomes for speech and facial symmetry.
Take Care of TMJ Disorder
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder causes jaw pain, headaches, and limited mouth movement. If other treatments have failed to provide relief, jaw surgery may offer a solution. A surgical procedure may be able to repair or reposition the joint to restore its proper function and alleviate discomfort.
Treat Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea happens when the airway becomes blocked during sleep, often due to jaw positioning. If you have sleep apnea and other treatments have not been effective, jaw surgery may be able to open your airway, improve your sleep, and reduce your risk of the many health problems that are associated with poor sleep, such as heart attack and diabetes.
Jaw surgery is good news! If you need it, you can be confident that your care provider will do all they can to help you enjoy excellent results.
Meet the Practice
At Piney Point Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of Houston, our four talented oral surgeons work together to provide a broad range of services, including multiple types of jaw surgery. If you believe that you or your child could benefit from the treatments we are able to provide, we would love to consult with you. To request an appointment or learn more about us, contact our office at 713-783-5560.