Realigning your jaw
Working hand-in-hand with an orthognathic surgeon, our specialised orthodontists can help to straighten and align your jaw to solve medical problems. Jaw surgery is a long process and requires expert advice. At Baldivis Orthodontics you’re always treated by trained and accredited specialist orthodontists. Orthognathic surgery is the correct name for orthodontic surgery, underbite surgery, overbite surgery or jaw alignment surgery.
When we recommend jaw surgery
Corrective jaw surgery is a long process and can only begin when the patient’s jaw is fully grown. This may change patient to patient but usually occurs around the ages of 16 – 18 years old. Orthognathic is used whenever there is a misalignment in the jaw such as improper bites, protruding jaw, or receding lower jaw and chin. Surgery can be undertaken for cosmetic or health reasons and can help with the following problems:
- Problems chewing, biting and talking
- Issues with sleep including sleep apnoea and snoring
- Inability to breath and swallow properly
- Pain in the jaw, jaw joint pain and referred headache pain
Before your surgery
Jaw surgery is not a quick fix, and the process can take years to complete. To get your jaw ready for surgery, you’ll be fitted with braces by an orthodontist first. This ensures that your teeth are placed in the ideal position. Your orthodontist and surgeon will work together to regularly assess the position of your teeth and jaw. In most cases, patients will need to wear braces for 12 – 18 months before they have surgery.
After your surgery
Recovery from orthognathic surgery can take a few weeks, and you should expect to have time off work. You will still need to wear your braces for three-six months after your surgery for the best possible results. During your initial consultation, our specialist orthodontist will explain the process and recovery with you.
Contact us to arrange an appointment.
Get in touch with our friendly team, and we’ll help you book an appointment with our specialists.