Jaw Surgery in Simsbury, Wallingford & Rocky Hill
JAW SURGERY SIMSBURY, ROCKY HILL, & WALLINGFORD, CT
Precision and Expertise: Orthognathic Surgery at Zaidi Orthodontics
At Zaidi Orthodontics, our commitment to delivering exceptional orthodontic care extends to specialized expertise in jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery). Our qualified orthodontists work closely with oral and maxillofacial doctors to provide the best care possible.
To ensure precise diagnosis and treatment planning, we use advanced 3D dental imaging equipment that puts your safety and comfort first throughout your jaw surgery journey. Grounded in the FACE philosophy, we seek to achieve not only aesthetically pleasing results but also optimal facial balance, recognizing the jaw’s role in overall facial aesthetics and functionality.
The Importance of Surgical Orthodontics
Surgical orthodontics, often referred to as orthognathic surgery, plays a pivotal role in addressing complex jaw issues. Through orthognathic surgery, we have the opportunity to restore not only the functionality of your jaw but also the aesthetics of your smile.
Collaboration for Exceptional Care
At Zaidi Orthodontics, we understand that exceptional patient care requires a collaborative approach. Our orthodontists work seamlessly alongside highly skilled oral and maxillofacial surgeons to provide you with the most comprehensive and effective care available.
- Precise Diagnosis: Collaboration enables precise diagnosis, allowing for a tailored treatment plan that addresses each patient’s unique needs.
- Comprehensive Care: Patients benefit from a seamless and comprehensive care journey, from the initial consultation to post-operative follow-ups.
- Optimal Results: The collaborative approach enhances the quality of care, leading to optimal treatment outcomes.
- Patient Comfort and Safety: Prioritizing patient comfort, safety, and well-being throughout the entire process ensures a positive experience.
When Might Surgical Orthodontics Be Needed?
Jaw Growth Cessation
Jaw surgery is typically recommended once the jaw has completed its growth phase. This is because this procedure aims to address structural issues in the jaw, and performing it before the jaw has finished growing can lead to complications. In females, jaw growth typically ceases by the age of 16, while in males, it usually stops by around 18.
Aesthetic Improvements
Beyond functional concerns, adults may also opt for surgical orthodontics to enhance their facial aesthetics. Orthognathic surgery can correct jaw discrepancies that affect the overall facial balance and profile, resulting in a more pleasing and harmonious appearance.
Adults Seeking Bite Correction
Adults who experience improper bites or malocclusion may seek surgical orthodontics when these issues cannot be effectively corrected with orthodontic treatment alone. As the jaw has stopped growing in adults, surgery becomes a viable option to align the jaw properly and achieve a functional bite.
Comprehensive Treatment
Surgical orthodontics offers adults a comprehensive solution to address not only bite problems but also aesthetic goals. By combining orthodontic treatment with surgery, adults can achieve both functional improvements and a more confident smile.
The Impact of Misaligned Jaws
Functional Challenges
Misaligned jaws can lead to a range of functional issues, including:
- chewing difficulty
- speech impediments
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) pain and disorders
- breathing problems
Aesthetic Challenges
Beyond functional concerns, misaligned jaws can have a significant impact on facial aesthetics, causing:
- facial asymmetry
- protruding or receding jaw
- malocclusion
How Do I Know If I Need Orthognathic Surgery?
Orthodontist Evaluation
Orthognathic surgery is a specialized procedure that aims to correct severe jaw misalignments and related issues. The process of determining whether a patient needs orthognathic surgery begins with a thorough evaluation by an orthodontist. Orthodontists are dental specialists with expertise in diagnosing and treating dental and facial irregularities, making them pivotal in assessing the need for surgery.
Comprehensive Assessment
Orthodontists conduct a comprehensive evaluation that includes the following steps:
- Medical History Review: Orthodontists review the patient’s medical history, considering factors such as previous dental treatments, surgeries, and existing health conditions.
- Clinical Examination: A detailed examination of the teeth, jaw, and facial structures is performed to identify misalignments, malocclusions, and aesthetic concerns.
- Diagnostic Imaging: Orthodontists often use tools such as X-rays, 3D dental imaging, and cephalometric analysis to obtain detailed images of the teeth and jaws.
Criteria for Recommending Surgery
Orthodontists use specific criteria and severity levels to determine whether orthognathic surgery is recommended. These criteria may include:
- Severe Malocclusion: Patients with severe malocclusion, where the upper and lower jaws do not align correctly, may be candidates for surgery.
- Functional Issues: Functional problems such as difficulty chewing, speech impediments, or TMJ disorders that result from jaw misalignment may indicate the need for surgery.
- Aesthetic Concerns: Significant facial asymmetry, protruding or receding jaws, or noticeable imbalances in facial features may prompt an orthodontist to recommend surgery for improved aesthetics.
- Failed Orthodontic Treatment: In cases where previous orthodontic treatments have not successfully corrected the jaw misalignment, surgery may be considered.
Severity Levels
Orthodontists assess the severity of the jaw misalignment, typically using standardized measurements and imaging analysis. The severity levels help determine the most appropriate course of treatment.
How Does Orthognathic Surgery Work?
The process begins with thorough pre-surgical planning, which includes extensive consultations between the orthodontist and oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays and 3D dental scans, is used to create a precise treatment plan.
The treatment plan considers the specific misalignment issues, and the surgery is customized to address the patient's unique needs.
On the day of surgery, the patient receives general anesthesia to ensure comfort and pain control throughout the procedure.
The surgeon makes carefully planned incisions inside the mouth to access the jawbones, minimizing visible scarring. In some cases, additional small incisions may be made externally near the jawline.
Recovery and Healing Process
Immediate Post-Surgery Period
- Swelling: Facial swelling is common following surgery and is most pronounced in the initial 48 to 72 hours.
- Pain Management: Patients receive pain medication to manage discomfort.
- Liquid Diet: During the first week, a liquid diet is recommended to avoid stress on the jaw.
- Oral Hygiene: Patients will need to maintain oral hygiene with a soft toothbrush and mouth rinses.
- Restricted Activities: Activities that could put a strain on the jaw are restricted during the early healing phase.
Risks Associated with Orthognathic Surgery
- Anesthesia Risks: General anesthesia is administered during surgery to ensure the patient is unconscious and pain-free. While complications related to anesthesia are rare, they can include reactions to medications or respiratory issues. An experienced anesthesiologist carefully monitors the patient throughout the procedure to mitigate these risks.
- Bleeding: Surgical procedures involve incisions, which can lead to bleeding. Surgeons take measures to control bleeding during surgery, such as sutures and cauterization. Excessive bleeding, while uncommon, can be addressed promptly during the procedure.
- Infection: Infections can occur in any surgical setting, but strict sterilization protocols are followed to minimize this risk. Patients are prescribed antibiotics as a preventive measure, further reducing the likelihood of post-operative infections.
- Nerve Damage: Manipulating the jawbones during surgery carries a slight risk of nerve damage. However, oral and maxillofacial surgeons are highly skilled and take the utmost care to avoid damaging important nerves in the area.
- Blood Clots: Prolonged immobility during the recovery period may increase the risk of blood clots. Patients are encouraged to move and ambulate as soon as possible after surgery to minimize this risk.
- Scarring: Incisions made during surgery may result in minor scarring, though surgeons strive for minimal scarring by placing incisions strategically inside the mouth or along natural facial contours.
- Pain and Discomfort: Post-operative pain and discomfort are common but can be managed with prescribed pain medications.
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