Orthognathic Surgery or Corrective Jaw Surgery in Houston, TX

Oral Surgeon for Jaw Misalignment

Orthognathic surgery, or corrective jaw surgery, is a commonly performed procedure for patients whose jaws do not meet correctly, creating an improper bite and misalignment of the jaw. For some individuals, the problem can be corrected without jaw surgery with their orthodontist. In more severe cases, the orthodontist will need to work with an oral surgeon to correct the bite with orthognathic surgery.

Orthognathic Surgery Houston TX

At the Oral & Facial Surgery Institute of Houston, board-certified oral surgeon Dr. L.T. Johnson is well-versed in these intricate treatments. He’ll work with your orthodontist to ensure functional and aesthetic improvements if you’re dealing with significant jaw discrepancies.

What Is Orthognathic Surgery?

Orthognathic surgery is a surgical procedure meant to help correct any abnormalities with the jaw bones and facial structures. This procedure is performed by an oral surgeon (like Dr. Johnson) and an orthodontist.

Orthognathic surgery can help treat the following:

  • Malocclusions - A malocclusion is when your jaw is misaligned. There are four types of malocclusions: overbite, underbite, open bite, and crossbite. An overbite is when the jaw protrudes over the lower jaw. An underbite is when the lower jaw overlaps the upper jaw. Open bites are when there is a gap between the upper and lower teeth. Crossbites are when the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth. 
  • Facial asymmetry - Facial asymmetry can be caused due to the misalignment of the jaw. Orthognathic surgery can help treat facial asymmetry by fixing the jaws' size, shape, or position.
  • Having difficulty chewing - A misaligned jaw can make it difficult to chew. 
  • Breathing issues - Orthognathic surgery may be recommended if you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea or other breathing issues. 
  • Severe TMJ disorders - Those who suffer from a severe TMJ and cannot treat it through conventional methods may benefit from orthognathic surgery. 

What to Expect During the Procedure

Corrective Jaw Surgery Houston TX

When you elect to undergo orthognathic surgery, your orthodontist will prepare your jaw beforehand with braces. Dr. Johnson will then separate your jaw, move the separated bones to their new positions, and secure them in place. After surgery, your orthodontist will make any small, fine corrections to finish the bite before removing your braces.

Recovery and Results

Recovery from orthognathic surgery is a gradual process that typically spans several weeks to months, depending on the extent of the surgery and individual patient factors. 

In the initial weeks after surgery, you can expect swelling and some discomfort, which you can manage with prescribed medications. You may need to follow a soft or liquid diet and limited activities to ensure proper healing during this time.

As the weeks progress, you will have follow-up visits with Dr. Johnson and your orthodontist to monitor your recovery and make necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. Most patients can return to non-strenuous activities within a few weeks. 

Complete healing and the final results of the surgery might not be fully apparent until about six to 12 months after surgery. Throughout this period, your care team will provide guidance on how to care for your surgical site and manage your recovery.

Why Do I Need Corrective Jaw Surgery?

Misaligned jaws can cause multiple problems inside your mouth and to your facial structure, including:

  • The inability to properly chew and grind food
  • Digestive problems
  • Dental crowding
  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Increased risk of dental caries and periodontal disease
  • Shorter tooth lifespan
  • Snoring and sleep apnea
  • The inability to fully close the lips
  • Heavy breathing
  • Impaired speech function
  • Poor facial aesthetics

Many of these problems can have serious consequences for your mouth and face health. It’s very important to diagnose your jaw irregularities and treat them early to reduce these risks.

While orthognathic surgery aims to correct the functional problem with the jaw, this procedure also results in improved aesthetics and facial proportions.

Benefits of Jaw Surgery

Patients who elect to undergo corrective jaw surgery can expect to see several benefits, including:

  • Improved chewing, speech, and respiratory function
  • Decreased likelihood of short- and long-term relapse
  • Enhanced facial harmony, balance, and aesthetic appearance
  • Minimal treatment time
  • Long-lasting results

The surgical team at Oral & Facial Surgery Institute of Houston is uniquely trained, and they are experts at performing corrective jaw surgery. They thoroughly enjoy seeing the positive transformations and results that follow orthognathic treatment.

Why Choose Oral & Facial Institute of Houston?

At the Oral & Facial Surgery Institute of Houston, you're in great hands with Dr. L.T. Johnson and his team. They're not just experts in their field; they genuinely care about making your experience as comfortable and successful as possible. Dr. Johnson, a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, brings a wealth of experience from his training at Meharry Medical College and his innovative work with All-on-4 dental implants. 

Whether you need dental implants, corrective jaw surgery, or facial trauma care, the team at OFSIH offers comprehensive services to improve both your health and your confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I a Candidate for Corrective Jaw Surgery?

Many patients who are candidates for orthognathic surgery are already aware of the problem but don’t know that there is a treatment to correct it. If you experience any of the following problems, you may be a candidate for corrective jaw surgery:

  • Receding or protruding chin
  • Significantly protruding upper or lower jaw
  • Abnormal bite
  • Difficulty biting or chewing
  • Receding chin
  • Difficulty closing your lips comfortably

If you think you may be a candidate for corrective jaw surgery, contact our office. Dr. Johnson has undergone extensive surgical education and training that makes him qualified to examine and treat abnormalities of the facial skeleton. If he determines you’re a candidate, he’ll work hand-in-hand with your orthodontist to plan and execute your procedure.

Are There Contraindications With Orthognathic Surgery?

There are some situations where this surgery may not be advisable. These can include severe systemic health conditions that could complicate surgery or recovery, such as uncontrolled diabetes or heart disease. Additionally, individuals with certain bone growth disorders may not be suitable candidates. We’ll conduct a thorough evaluation, including discussing your medical history and any potential risks during your consultation.

Can I Combine Orthognathic Surgery With My Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

Yes, it's often possible to combine orthognathic surgery with wisdom tooth extraction. This approach can potentially reduce the total recovery time and the need for multiple surgical sessions. Whether this option will work for you depends on your specific dental condition, the position of your wisdom teeth, and the complexity of the jaw surgery. You can discuss this with Dr. Johnson to determine the best course of action.

What if I Need Orthognathic Surgery but Don’t Want to Have It Done?

If you need orthognathic surgery but are hesitant about it, it's important to discuss your concerns with your orthodontist or Dr. Johnson. Alternative treatments like braces or other orthodontic options might be available depending on the severity of your jaw misalignment.

For more severe cases, surgery might be the only solution to prevent future complications. Talk with your healthcare provider to better understand the risks and benefits and make a more informed decision.

What Are the Risks of Orthognathic Surgery?

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved with orthognathic surgery. 

These risks include the following:

  • Bleeding
  • Nerve injuries
  • Facial swelling and bruising
  • Prolonged healing
  • Increased risk of TMJ symptoms
  • Having an allergic reaction to the anesthesia
  • Being unsatisfied with the results

We will discuss these risks in more detail during your consultation. 

Schedule a Consultation

If you think you need jaw surgery, we invite you to call 281-491-4545 to schedule a consultation at our office in Houston, TX. Our well-trained office staff and Dr. Johnson are happy to help restore your oral function in any way possible.

Schedule a Consultation

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