Diagnosis Of Jaw Alignment
Care at our London clinic is provided by a maxillofacial consultant, experienced in orthognathic surgery. They will carry out a physical examination, review any related medical needs and discuss options with you in detail.
As part of this, planning can include using models, x-rays, or computer analysis. Our lead orthodontist may become involved in treatment planning, as orthodontic care often forms stages within your treatment.
Orthognathic surgery is normally used where orthodontics alone can not correct your bite. Because the asymmetry, commonly the variation in size between your upper and lower jaw is too great to simply be pulled into line.
Braces can still help to make sure your teeth meet correctly after the operation, or in preparation for orthognathic surgery. Wearing them for some time before surgery and a while afterwards is likely to be part of your care.
Surgical Procedure
The technique used is called mandibular osteotomy, which involves cutting and moving your jaw to a new position. This takes place in a respected London hospital, under general anesthesia, where you may need to stay for a night, or two.
A small, external cut by your jaw can be required but would quickly become almost invisible and is in any event rare. The operation is normally carried out from inside the mouth, so there are no external scars.
Once your jaw is repositioned, tiny titanium plates and screws hold this in place. There can be circumstances where they will be removed, although as with most bone surgery, they normally remain in their chosen location.
Retaining measures can be added after surgery, to help guide your teeth. They will not normally be wired together but small elasticated bands are likely to be in place for a while.
Recovery & Post Surgery
Although a significant operation, which can cause bleeding and short term discomfort, orthognathic surgery tends not to be too traumatic. You are likely to experience numbness and swelling, rather than significant pain
Your mouth will open normally, eating and drinking are actively encouraged from an early stage. A combination of initial swelling and elasticated banding may still dictate a soft diet for a few weeks.
Pain should be long gone by then but treatment of a form is still needed. Braces can be in place for several months, or swapped for a removable retainer.
There can be cases where a second operation to fine tune the bite is required but this is quite rare. As with potential for nerve damage, or other issues in complex cases, your consultant would discuss in detail before surgery.
Benefit Of Orthognathic Surgery
We did wish to be open in describing this procedure. One which may not be a medical necessity, although you are welcome to read notes on research into orthognathic treatment and the relationship with medical conditions.
Whatever your individual reasons for seeking care are, where time in braces before, or after surgery is needed, orthognathic treatment could take up to two years.
A commitment from our patients, which is matched by the consultant’s approach and dedicated staff at our London clinic. Your aims are shared and the expertise used to achieve them will normally create the result you were seeking.
Your bite will be improved, a practical, social and in a way, medical advantage. You will look different, how much depends on the original problem, although your features should be in proportion, a natural facial appearance.
Achieving that look in full may take time after surgery, follow up appointments will have been organised and any advice you need is readily available.
The vast majority of our patients are delighted with the results of orthognathic surgery. If we can help in any way, please get in touch.
