Orthognathic (Jaw) Surgery

JAW SURGERY IN WESTCHESTER, NY

Your Partner in Successful Jaw Realignment Surgeries

While orthodontic treatment can often address mild alignment issues, more complex cases may require orthognathic surgery. Advances in orthodontics have made it possible to avoid surgery in some cases, but determining the right treatment for your specific needs is crucial.

At Glaser Orthodontics, we specialize in providing top-quality jaw surgery in Westchester NY. We understand the impact that jaw misalignment can have on your daily life, and we are here to help you achieve optimal oral health and an improved facial profile.

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Understanding Jaw Surgery

WHAT IS JAW SURGERY (ORTHOGNATHIC SURGERY)?
Jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, is a medical procedure designed to correct abnormalities in the alignment of your upper jaw (maxilla) and lower jaw (mandible). When these jaws don’t line up correctly, it can lead to various issues, including difficulties with eating and speaking. Orthognathic surgery is a crucial step in addressing these problems and can greatly improve both functionality and facial aesthetics.

Common Jaw Problems

Jaw problems can affect individuals from all walks of life and may arise from various causes. At Glaser Orthodontics, we are dedicated to helping you comprehend these common jaw issues and guiding you toward effective solutions. Below are the types of jaw problems you may encounter:

Congenital Jaw Problems

  • Overbite: This occurs when your upper teeth protrude excessively over your lower teeth.
  • Underbite: An underbite happens when your lower teeth extend beyond your upper teeth.
  • Open Bite: In this condition, certain teeth don’t make contact when you close your mouth.
  • Cleft Lip and Palate: Congenital defects like cleft lip and palate affect normal facial and mouth development.
  • Pierre Robin Sequence: Infants born with this condition often have small lower jaws, which can lead to feeding and breathing difficulties.

Jaw Problems Due to Injuries or Medical Conditions

  • Facial Fractures: Jaw fractures can result from accidents, falls, or direct trauma.
  • Cysts and Tumors: Surgery may be necessary to address jaw cysts and tumors, especially after radiation exposure.
  • Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): OSA occurs when airway blockages during sleep lead to breathing interruptions. Maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) surgery can help treat this condition.
  • Temporal Mandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ): An improper bite can contribute to TMJ problems, affecting jaw alignment.
  • Growth Disturbances: Excess growth hormone can lead to abnormal jaw development, necessitating surgical intervention.

By understanding the various jaw issues and their origins, you can take the first step toward seeking appropriate treatment. At Glaser Orthodontics, we’re here to assess your specific condition, offer expert guidance, and provide tailored solutions to restore your oral health and overall well-being.

Is Jaw Surgery Right for You?

Determining whether jaw surgery in Westchester NY is the right choice for you involves careful consideration and professional evaluation. At Glaser Orthodontics, we believe in transparent communication and patient-centered care.

Understanding the Importance of Clear Communication

  • Effective communication with your healthcare providers is vital. Share your expectations and concerns, including any specific changes you hope to achieve through jaw surgery.
  • Keep in mind that every individual’s jaw issues are unique. Our team at Glaser Orthodontics will work closely with you to develop a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and goals.

Factors Considered When Recommending Jaw Surgery

  • Personal Goals: Your treatment plan should align with your desired outcomes, such as improved function, aesthetics, or both.
  • Overall Health: We assess your general health and consider how your jaw problems may impact your well-being.
  • Specific Health Concerns: We evaluate the medical conditions associated with your jaw issue and recommend treatments accordingly.

The Long-Term Commitment
It’s important to recognize that jaw surgery is not a one-time event. It’s a comprehensive process that spans several phases.

Our experienced team will provide answers to your questions and address your concerns about the entire process, from pre-surgery orthodontia to post-surgery recovery and follow-up orthodontic treatment.

Preparing for Jaw Surgery

Before undergoing jaw surgery, thorough preparations are necessary to ensure a safe and effective outcome. At Glaser Orthodontics, we prioritize your well-being and will walk you through the essential steps involved in getting ready for this transformative procedure.

01 – Gathering Crucial Information
Your healthcare provider will require specific information to plan your surgery effectively. This may include X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, and detailed photographs of your teeth and jaw.

Impressions of your teeth may be taken to create a dental model, aiding in precise surgical planning. These steps help us understand the extent of your jaw misalignment.

02 – Orthodontic Treatment Before Surgery
Preparing your mouth and teeth for jaw surgery often involves orthodontic treatment. This may include the removal of teeth and the placement of braces on selected teeth.

If braces are recommended, you may wear them for approximately one year before surgery, during the surgery itself, and for several months afterward.

03 – Dietary and Anesthesia Preparations
Dietary adjustments are necessary before surgery, as you’ll be limited to consuming liquid foods that don’t require chewing. Preparing for general anesthesia is a critical step. Our oral surgeon will guide you on the necessary precautions.

04 – Ensuring a Smooth Journey
Rest assured, our experienced team at Glaser Orthodontics will guide you through each preparatory step, ensuring you are fully informed and comfortable before surgery. We understand that preparation is key to a successful procedure, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Types of Jaw Surgery

Jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, encompasses several different approaches to address various jaw alignment issues. At Glaser Orthodontics, we offer expertise in a range of surgical techniques to ensure that your specific needs are met.

Maxillary Osteotomy
Maxillary osteotomy is a surgical procedure aimed at correcting upper jaw misalignments. It is used when the upper jaw protrudes too much or too little. This type of surgery is also effective in treating open-bite and cross-bite conditions.

Mandibular Osteotomy
Mandibular osteotomy focuses on correcting issues with the lower jaw. It addresses cases where the lower jaw sticks out excessively or is recessed. Our surgeon will determine the precise technique needed to achieve the desired alignment.

Double Jaw Surgery
Double jaw surgery, as the name suggests, involves addressing problems that affect both the upper and lower jaws simultaneously. This comprehensive approach ensures harmonious alignment between the upper and lower jaws for optimal function and aesthetics.

Post-Surgery and Recovery

After your jaw surgery, a crucial phase of your journey begins—the recovery process. At Glaser Orthodontics, we are dedicated to ensuring that your post-surgery experience is as comfortable and successful as possible. The key components of the post-surgery process are as follows:

Immediate Post-Surgery Period
Following your surgery, you may stay in the hospital for a duration of one to four days. During this time, our healthcare providers will closely monitor your progress. You will have a plastic splint in your mouth, placed by your healthcare provider during surgery. This splint helps train your mouth muscles to adapt to your new jaw position. It should be worn except when eating or cleaning your teeth.

Managing Swelling and Discomfort
Swelling is common after jaw surgery. To alleviate this, you’ll need to sleep with your head elevated and take prescribed medications to help with swelling and discomfort. Our healthcare provider will prescribe pain relief medications and antibiotics to prevent infection.

Dietary Adjustments
You’ll transition to a liquid diet that you can consume without chewing as your jaw heals. It’s important to maintain proper nutrition during this period. Stock up on soups, milk, nutritional drinks, and foods that can be blended.

Communication Challenges
Swelling and the presence of the splint in your mouth may affect your speech. This can be frustrating, but our oral surgeon and team are here to help you find ways to communicate effectively.

Follow-Up Care
Approximately eight months after surgery, your healthcare provider will remove the plastic splint. If you had braces before surgery, you’ll continue to wear them for six to nine months afterward.

Following the removal of braces, you’ll need to wear removable retainers to maintain your new jaw position. Our orthodontic team will guide retainer usage.

Risks and Benefits

Jaw surgery, while highly beneficial, comes with its own set of considerations, including potential advantages and risks. At Glaser Orthodontics, we believe in transparency and providing you with a complete understanding of what to expect.

ADVANTAGES

  • Correcting Jaw Alignment
  • Orthodontic Treatment Support
  • Improved Quality of Life
  • Enhanced Facial Harmony

POTENTIAL RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS

  • Surgical Risks: As with any major surgery, jaw surgery carries common surgical risks, such as anesthesia complications, bleeding, or infection.
  • Healing Challenges: In some cases, bones may not heal as expected, leading to potential issues with jaw function.
  • Jaw Joint Problems: There is a possibility of experiencing jaw joint issues after surgery.
  • Limited Mouth Opening: Some patients may find that their ability to open their mouth as wide as desired is restricted.
  • Numbness: Temporary numbness in the cheeks and lower lip is possible after surgery.
  • Subsequent Procedures: In certain situations, additional surgeries may be required to address concerns not resolved by the initial procedure.
  • Recurrence of Bite Problems: Although rare, some individuals may experience a return of their original bite problem.
  • Scarring: Surgical procedures may result in visible scars, which can vary in appearance.