WHAT IS CORRECTIVE JAW SURGERY?

Sometimes, conventional orthodontics (removable aligners or metal braces) alone can’t treat complex cases, like bite misalignment, deformities of the jaw or mouth, and extreme overbites (malocclusion). Any one of these issues may create the chin to protrude or the jaw to become crooked, leading to both aesthetic flaws and functional troubles. Board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons Dr. Prabh Grewal and Dr. Arthur Kilkuts are experienced in performing corrective jaw surgery (also known as orthognathic or simply jaw surgery) to fix these problems and restore your dental well-being. In this procedure at Corona Oral Surgery and Implant Center, the bone, cartilage, and tissue around the lower face can be manipulated, reshaped, and/or augmented so your teeth and jaw are properly aligned. To learn more on jaw posture correction or other orthodontic choices, schedule an appointment with our skilled team at our office in Corona, CA.

WHY IS CORRECTIVE JAW SURGERY NECESSARY?

Typically, corrective jaw surgery is performed to address functional issues in the jaw. These could include chronic pain from a misaligned jaw, uneven teeth, and bite and breathing issues. During a thorough consultation at Corona Oral Surgery and Implant Center, our team can better evaluate the current condition of your bite and jaw to determine if corrective jaw surgery is necessary to restore the function of your jaw.

AM I A CANDIDATE FOR CORRECTIVE JAW SURGERY?

Typically, we recommend corrective jaw surgery for adults and younger patients. In many situations, these patients may also wish to combine their orthognathic surgery with other procedures — especially in the field of orthodontics — in order to help them reach their goals. During your consultation, we will perform an in-depth analysis of the position of your jaw, facial profile, and bite in order to create a custom treatment plan that will perfectly suit your needs. Corrective jaw surgery has proven to be a useful procedure for patients who have:

  • A protruded chin
  • A misaligned jaw
  • Facial deformities
  • Trouble chewing
  • Difficulty speaking or swallowing
  • Excessive damage to the teeth
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Severe TMD joint disorder
  • TMD joint disorder

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM CORRECTIVE JAW SURGERY?

You may be a candidate for jaw surgery if your chin has developed improperly or out of proportion, for a misaligned bite, a crooked jawbone, face deformities, and other issues. Before developing your treatment program, Dr. Grewal or Dr. Kilkuts will start with a thorough examination. We will take digital x-rays of your mouth to develop your treatment plan. Your procedure will be performed with general anesthesia and could take a few hours to finish as it involves the manipulation of bone and cartilage. Cuts will be made into your jawbone so the pieces can be adjusted to the correct position. Surgical screws, plates, and wires will be used to keep your jaw in its position. Bone grafts could also be required to enlarge the shape of your jaw. We recommend you take about 1 – 3 weeks to recover and rest before slowly returning to work or school. It’s important to follow all recovery instructions provided to you, including what medications to take, diet limitations, and the best way to rinse your mouth. It will take about 12 weeks for your jaw to fully heal, but we will schedule follow-up appointments to ensure you are healing properly.

CORRECTIVE JAW SURGERY FAQ

What are the benefits of corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery)?
Corrective jaw surgery can provide many benefits that help improve your quality of life. Benefits can include enhanced airflow, lip function, and oral health. You may also notice a decrease in sleep apnea, enhanced facial structure, and better speech.

Is corrective jaw surgery painful?
Many patients experience significant pain after corrective jaw surgery. However, for the first couple of weeks, we can prescribe strong pain medications. Following these few weeks, you shouldn’t require them any longer.

Does medical insurance cover corrective jaw surgery?
It will largely depend on your case. Sometimes, medical insurance will provide coverage for orthognathic surgery. We work hard to ensure you receive the best care possible so our billing team will gather information from insurance or provide details on payment options.

RESTORE PROPER JAW FUNCTION

Surgery for jaw correction doesn’t just address cosmetic problems, which may be brought about by a recessed, crooked, or protruding chin, but it also restores proper function of the teeth and can help improve breathing and speech. Board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons Dr. Arthur Kilkuts and Dr. Prabh Grewal are highly skilled at performing jaw surgery. If you’re in Corona or Eastvale, CA, we encourage you to make a consultation with us at Corona Oral Surgery and Implant Center in Corona, CA.