The three main types of jaw misalignment are overbite, underbite, and open bite. The latter can lead to oral health conditions such as tooth wear, tooth breakage, and TMJ disorders. It could also cause speech problems.
Jaw misalignments or bite problems can cause discomfort or even pain, and that pain can be disguised as problems that you would not normally associate with your teeth, such as headaches. Some bite problems can cause significant damage to your teeth without creating any obvious discomfort.
Mandibular setback surgery corrects a protruding lower jaw. It separates the tooth-bearing portion of the lower jaw from its base and moves it backward for proper alignment.
While a receding lower jaw or weak chin typically requires mandibular advancement surgery, which repositions the tooth-bearing portion of the lower jaw forward.
When is surgical orthodontics a good idea?
Surgical orthodontics is advised if the jaw misalignments are physically visible and are causing significant problems, such as difficulties in chewing, swallowing, and speaking. As misalignments can also disrupt the airways, the person’s breathing can also be affected.
If you are experiencing these issues and have a misalignment of the jaw, Wood Orthodontics in Weatherford, Texas, will be able to help.
In combination with the surgical procedure, orthodontic treatments are usually also provided. The surgical orthodontics recovery process usually takes between 6 and 12 weeks, and any braces or orthodontic treatment will predate and continue the treatment timeline, as with any orthodontic journey.
What are the benefits?
After the surgical orthodontics recovery process is complete, difficulties relating to the primary functions of eating, talking, and breathing should not affect you.
Any aches or pains caused by TMJ-related problems will be gone, and the jaw will feel more comfortable and free to move without the previous limitation. So you can eat, drink, and laugh with your friends at your favorite restaurant to your heart’s content.
What’s more, in many cases, the surgery will improve the appearance of patients dramatically. The procedure will align the jaw in a more aesthetically pleasing way because it typically restores the soft tissues of the face, the lips, and teeth to a more suitable position. Even small changes may also occur in the surrounding areas of the face, including the cheeks, nose, chin, and neck.
So you can feel more self-confident going about your life.
The benefits include:
- No jaw pains or toothaches.
- No TMJ-related problems.
- Malocclusion (bad bite) fixed.
- A more aesthetically pleasing profile.
- Look and feel great!
If you want to learn more about our surgical orthodontic treatments or schedule an appointment, contact our office today.
