A properly aligned jaw does much more than shape your smile. Your upper and lower jaws play an important role in how you bite, chew, speak, swallow, and even breathe. When the jaws do not develop in proper alignment, these everyday functions can become difficult or uncomfortable.
For some patients, orthodontic treatment such as braces can correct problems involving the teeth. However, when the underlying issue involves the position or size of the jaw itself, braces alone may not be enough. In these cases, corrective jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, may be recommended.
At West Michigan Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, corrective jaw surgery is used to improve jaw alignment, function, facial balance, and overall health. Understanding the signs that may indicate a jaw alignment problem can help you know when it may be time to seek an evaluation.
What Is Corrective Jaw Surgery?
Corrective jaw surgery involves repositioning the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both to create better alignment between the jaws and teeth. The goal is typically to improve function while also creating better balance and symmetry of the face.
Jaw discrepancies can develop as the facial skeleton grows. In other cases, problems may be related to injury or other conditions affecting the jaw. Depending on the patient, misalignment can interfere with biting, chewing, speaking, swallowing, or breathing.
Corrective jaw surgery is generally planned in coordination with an orthodontist. Orthodontic treatment helps position the teeth appropriately, while surgery addresses the underlying skeletal alignment.
Signs You May Need Corrective Jaw Surgery
Every patient is different, and experiencing one of these symptoms does not automatically mean surgery is necessary. However, several issues may indicate that an evaluation with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon could be beneficial.
Difficulty biting or chewing: If your upper and lower teeth do not meet properly, eating certain foods may be uncomfortable or inefficient.
Difficulty swallowing: Significant jaw misalignment can affect the mechanics involved in swallowing.
Speech concerns: The position of the jaws and teeth can influence certain speech patterns. Correcting a skeletal problem may help improve function when jaw alignment is a contributing factor.
Jaw or facial asymmetry: A lower jaw that appears significantly forward, backward, or shifted to one side may indicate an underlying skeletal discrepancy.
Chronic jaw discomfort: Some patients with jaw alignment problems experience ongoing strain or discomfort involving the jaw joints and surrounding muscles.
Breathing or sleep concerns: In certain patients, a jaw that is too small or positioned too far back can contribute to a narrowed airway. West Michigan Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery notes that this can be associated with obstructive sleep apnea in some patients.
What Are the Benefits of Corrective Jaw Surgery?
The potential benefits extend beyond appearance. For many patients, the primary goal is to restore proper function.
Improving jaw alignment can create a more functional bite, making it easier to bite and chew food. Correcting the relationship between the upper and lower jaws may also improve speech or swallowing difficulties related to skeletal alignment.
For patients whose jaw position contributes to airway restriction, treatment may also improve breathing and address certain sleep-related concerns.
Corrective jaw surgery can also improve facial symmetry and balance. Because the jaws provide much of the underlying structure of the face, repositioning them can create noticeable changes in facial proportions. These changes are carefully planned with both functional and esthetic needs in mind.
What to Expect During the Process
Corrective jaw surgery begins with a comprehensive evaluation. Your oral and maxillofacial surgeon will examine your bite, jaw position, facial structure, symptoms, and overall oral health.
At West Michigan Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, advanced technology is used to help plan corrective jaw procedures. This includes Cone Beam CT and 3D imaging, along with computer-assisted virtual surgical planning. These tools allow surgeons to evaluate the facial skeleton in detail and carefully plan the movements needed for each individual patient.
Many patients also undergo orthodontic treatment as part of the overall process. Your oral surgeon and orthodontist can work together to coordinate the position of your teeth and jaws throughout treatment.
After surgery, recovery time will vary depending on the procedure and the individual patient. Swelling and temporary changes to eating are common during the initial healing period. Your surgical team will provide specific post-operative instructions and schedule follow-up visits to monitor healing.
Is Corrective Jaw Surgery Right for You?
Jaw alignment problems can affect much more than your smile. If you regularly experience difficulty chewing, problems with your bite, facial asymmetry, jaw discomfort, or concerns related to breathing and jaw position, an evaluation can help determine the underlying cause.
West Michigan Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery’s board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons have specialized training in diagnosing, planning, and performing corrective jaw surgery. The practice uses advanced imaging and virtual surgical planning to create treatment plans tailored to each patient’s functional and esthetic needs.
With locations in Grand Haven, Grandville, North Holland, and South Holland, West Michigan Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery provides specialized surgical care to patients throughout West Michigan.
If you have been referred for corrective jaw surgery or are experiencing ongoing problems with your bite or jaw alignment, contact West Michigan Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery to schedule a consultation and learn more about your treatment options.