If you have a misaligned bite, undergoing corrective jaw surgery could be in your best interests.
The goal of jaw surgery, also referred to as orthognathic surgery, is to correct functional problems. But after an oral surgeon repositions your jaws to be in proper alignment, your quality of life will improve in several ways.
Improved Appearance
When your jaws are misaligned, your face can look unbalanced from the front, the side or both. Orthognathic surgery works to realign the bite, and the adjustments made eliminate any noticeable asymmetry. A corrective jaw procedure can make a major difference, dramatically improving your facial appearance.
Easier Eating
Misalignment in the jaws often causes difficulties in chewing, biting and swallowing – and if you have a bite problem, certain foods may even be off-limits. After corrective jaw surgery, your teeth will meet properly and you will be able to eat anything you like with ease.
Clearer Speech
With a misaligned bite, pronouncing words correctly can be a challenge. Problems speaking can be quite embarrassing, and may even affect your self-confidence. Once an oral surgeon places your jaws in proper alignment, you will be able to talk clearly – the speech impediments will be gone.
Fewer Dental Issues
Bite misalignment often results in extra pressure on certain teeth, and the increased amount of wear and tear can result in damage, decay or even tooth loss. After jaw surgery, the pressure of your bite will be balanced and the risk of dental issues will be reduced.
Better Sleep
Misaligned jaws affect the anatomy of the airway and can be a contributing factor to obstructive sleep apnea, a dangerous condition characterized by repeated pauses in breathing at night. Orthognathic surgery can resolve obstructions in the airway to effectively treat sleep apnea.
No Jaw Joint Pain
A misaligned bite strains the jaw joints, or temporomandibular joints, and the added stress can create chronic pain. For many, the misalignment leads to the development of TMJ disorder and dysfunction in the joints. Orthognathic surgery can be an effective solution, eliminating pain and restoring joint mobility.
Can corrective jaw surgery improve your live? A board-certified local oral surgeon, like Dr. Partridge or Dr. Alderman at Richmond Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, can perform an evaluation to determine if you can benefit from an orthognathic procedure.
At Richmond Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, our professional team has extensive experience in successfully completing routine and complex orthognathic surgeries for patients in the greater east central Indiana area. If you have a misaligned bite and want to learn more about corrective jaw surgery, contact us and schedule a consultation today.