Have you ever experienced chronic pain in your jaw, neck, head and shoulders? Do you feel that something is "off" about the way that you look? Do you have problems chewing, talking and smiling?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then you may be unhappy with your current jaw size or have a dental or skeletal issue that can be resolved with corrective jaw surgery or orthognathic surgery.
What Is an Orthognathic Surgery
Orthognathic surgery is also referred to as corrective jaw surgery or simply jaw surgery. This type of surgery is used to correct jaw positions that are too large or too small, jaws that are cockeyed, or jaws that are in the wrong place in relation to the other facial structures.
This type of surgery is also used to address issues such as irregularly spaced or missing teeth, crooked teeth, and problems with the bite including a crossbite or overbite.
While orthognathic surgery can be used to correct almost any jaw problem, it is most often performed for cosmetic reasons.
Here are seven signs that you may need corrective jaw surgery:
Restricted Jaw Movement
If your jaw is too small, your dentist might not be able to clean it properly causing a buildup of plaque. You may also have difficulty chewing, swallowing and talking. If your jaw is too large, food may become trapped causing you to have trouble chewing.
Altered Facial Appearance
If your jaw is in the wrong place, the position of your teeth and the shape of your face can be altered. Sometimes, just the way that your teeth appear can be very off-putting and make it difficult for you to get along with your peers. If your jaw is also out of alignment, you may have a weak chin, a misaligned smile, and a crooked nose.
Ear Pain
When a jaw has shifted, it can also shift the place where it meets the ear. This can cause the ear to stick out, which is very unattractive. It can also cause discomfort, ringing in the ears, pain, and a dull headache.
Teeth Issues
If you have an underbite, you are likely to have problems with your teeth. Underbites are extremely common issues that are caused by a variety of different factors. Having an underbite can lead to dental issues like a misalignment of your teeth, tooth decay and gum disease. If you have an overbite, your teeth can be pushed forward and that can cause damage to the gums and your tongue. It can also cause problems with your jaw joint, as well as other facial issues.
Headaches
Jaw and dental issues can cause headaches. If your jaw is misaligned, when you chew you may open your mouth too wide causing your jaw muscles to pull and trigger a headache. On the other end, if you have teeth that are positioned below your lower jaw, you may also have issues with headaches caused by the muscles pulling on your jaw.
Sleep Issues
Jaw misalignment can cause issues with sleep. Having your teeth grinding and clenching throughout the night can cause your jaw to hurt and can cause a variety of other physical problems. If you have to sleep with your mouth open to alleviate your pain, you are likely to experience sleep apnea. Snoring can also be caused by misaligned jaws.
Locked Jaw
With a poorly aligned jaw, you may occasionally feel your jaw lock while you are biting down on something, leading to pain in your ears, jaw, teeth, and head. To achieve a more optimal bite, you can undergo jaw surgery.
Conclusion
If you are experiencing any of the problems above and you have been to several dental appointments, then it may be time for corrective jaw surgery. This can help you to have a more comfortable bite, a more stable facial structure, and a more aesthetically pleasing jawline and cheekbones.
Dallas Surgical Arts offers orthognathic surgery in Texas that has a proven track record in achieving the best results and helping patients to achieve their desired results. Let us determine the best course for your corrective jaw surgery options. Schedule an appointment with us today!