How Do You Know If You Need Corrective Jaw Surgery?

When the upper and lower jaws don't line up properly, you may experience problems with biting, chewing, speaking, breathing, or even chronic jaw pain and discomfort. In more significant cases that can't be corrected with orthodontics alone, corrective jaw surgery in Memphis may be recommended to reposition the jaws and improve both function and facial balance. At Sexton & Weiskopf Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, our team provides orthognathic surgery for patients throughout Arlington, Tipton, and the surrounding communities. 

If you've been living with an uneven bite, difficulty chewing, noticeable jaw imbalance, or other concerns related to jaw alignment, an evaluation can help determine whether surgery may be appropriate. Below, we'll take a closer look at some of the signs that you need jaw surgery for misalignment or another issue, and what treatment can accomplish for you. 

What are the signs you may need corrective jaw surgery? 

Jaw misalignment can show up in your appearance, your bite, or the way you use your mouth from day to day. Some people have lived with these issues since childhood, while others may become more aware of them as their jaws finish developing or they experience a facial trauma that affects the jaw. Signs that may warrant an evaluation for corrective jaw surgery include:  

• Difficulty biting or chewing food 
• An open bite or significantly uneven bite 
• A protruding or receding jaw 
• Noticeable facial or jaw asymmetry 
• Chronic jaw discomfort 
• Difficulty closing the lips comfortably 
• Speech or breathing concerns related to jaw position 

Having one of these concerns doesn't necessarily mean you need surgery, but an evaluation can help identify whether an underlying skeletal problem is contributing to your symptoms. 

When is corrective jaw surgery needed instead of orthodontic treatment alone? 

Braces and other orthodontic treatments are designed to move the teeth, but they can't reposition an upper or lower jaw that has developed out of alignment. If a bite problem is primarily caused by tooth position, orthodontic treatment alone may be enough. When the discrepancy involves the size, shape, or position of the jawbones, corrective jaw surgery may be necessary to create proper alignment. Our team will discuss the concerns you're experiencing and examine your bite, jaw position, facial proportions, and oral health. x-rays, scans, photographs, dental impressions, or other records may be used to evaluate the relationship between the teeth and jaws and plan potential movements precisely. 

What happens during jaw surgery? 

Corrective jaw surgery is performed using sedation, which could include general anesthesia, and may involve the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both, depending on the type of misalignment being corrected. The jawbone is carefully repositioned according to the surgical plan and secured in its new position with small plates and screws. Most incisions can typically be made inside the mouth, helping avoid visible facial scars after jaw surgery. Following the procedure, swelling and temporary changes in eating and activity are expected while the jaws heal. Your specific recovery instructions and timeline will depend on the extent of your procedure. 

How can orthognathic surgery help with jaw function and facial balance? 

By bringing the jaws into better alignment, orthognathic surgery in Tipton can improve the way the upper and lower teeth meet and make everyday functions like biting and chewing more comfortable and efficient. Depending on the problem being corrected, treatment may also improve speech, lip closure, breathing, or other concerns related to jaw position. Repositioning the jaws can change facial proportions as well, creating greater balance between the upper and lower face. These aesthetic changes are carefully considered during surgical planning alongside the functional goals of treatment. 

Improve jaw alignment and function with corrective jaw surgery in Memphis, TN 

If problems with your bite, jaw position, or facial balance are affecting your daily life, finding out whether the cause is dental or skeletal is an important first step. At Sexton & Weiskopf Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, our team provides comprehensive evaluation and corrective jaw surgery in Memphis, TN, as well as care for patients from Arlington, Tipton, and surrounding areas. Contact us to schedule a consultation today and learn whether orthognathic surgery may be appropriate for your needs.