Orthognathic surgery, or corrective jaw surgery, is used to correct a bad bite, or malocclusion, that cannot be resolved through orthodontic care alone. Generally, such issues are related to problems with jaw formation and misalignment. Among the most common of these is severe underbite, which causes the lower jaw to protrude, giving it an elongated appearance. If you’re suffering with this problem, you’re sure to be curious about how your Singapore oral surgeon can help.
Why Correcting an Elongated Jaw Isn’t Just About Appearances
An elongated jaw causes aesthetic issues that can greatly impact a person’s self-esteem and confidence, affecting quality-of-life. While those are very important concerns on their own, appearance is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of the problems this condition can cause.
Misaligned jaws can cause functional problems, such as difficultly biting, chewing and swallowing, sleep apnea and speech problems. Chronic jaw or TMJ pain can also be an issue with an elongated jaw, as can excessive wearing of teeth. Excessive tooth wear can result in dental problems that include decay, cracking or loosening of teeth and increased risk of infections and periodontal disease. Correcting misaligned jaws via orthognathic surgery at the earliest opportunity can prevent these problems from developing.
How Orthognathic Surgery Can Fix Your Elongated Jaw
To properly align your jaws and reduce the protrusion of an elongated jaw, your Singapore oral surgeon will work in conjunction with an orthodontic specialist. Typically, teeth will be moved into a new position with braces, a position that will better suit your soon-to-be-improved jaw alignment. Once orthodontic work is complete, your surgeon will perform your orthognathic surgery.
To properly align a protruding lower jaw, incisions will generally be made behind the third molars, allowing your surgeon to separate the front and rear portions of the jawbone. The rear portion is then modified to allow proper jaw positioning. Depending upon your particular circumstances, your repositioned jaw may be secured with surgical plates, screws or other devices to ensure proper healing, and further orthodontic work may be necessary after surgery to obtain optimal results.
While the idea of orthognathic surgery may seem a bit intimidating, the benefits of correcting your elongated jaw are sure to be well worth the time and discomfort involved. Corrective jaw surgery, done by a skilled and talented Singapore oral surgeon, improves the function, health and comfort of your teeth and jaws, as well as providing more balanced and attractive facial appearance.
