Solutions for Underbites and Overbites Through Jaw Surgery

Jaw surgery is a significant decision. It is often reserved for severe oral problems like underbites and overbites. Your dentist can determine if this is the right solution for your issue. Knowing more about this procedure can help prepare you for your appointment. Here are the things you need to know about jaw surgery solutions for underbites and overbites.

Jaw surgery for underbites

This type of jaw problem develops when the lower jawbone sticks out more than the upper jaw. The abnormal positioning tends to lead to many complications. Eating, breathing, speaking, and sleeping problems often develop from underbites. The patient can also experience oral care issues and headaches. Jaw surgery can improve this jaw condition. Normal recovery can take 12 weeks, depending on the patient’s ability to heal.

Jaw surgery for overbites

An overbite develops when the upper jaw sticks out more than the lower jaw. A severe overlap can result in many complications. The patient can suffer from dental damage, jaw pain, gum disease, and sleep apnea. Eating, speaking, and speech issues also result from this jaw condition. Jaw surgery can correct a severe case. The patient will need to recover for two to six weeks.

The process

Regular dental checkups allow the dentist to detect bite problems early. This enables the patient to get non-invasive solutions. People whose bite issues were not detected early go through severe symptoms. This level of bite problem needs jaw surgery. The entire procedure will need many steps:

Before the jaw surgery

There is a separate process that will prepare the patient before the surgery. The dentist will need to see the patient first. A full physical dental exam will show the patient’s facial and oral structures. Ordering imaging exams can determine the severity of the problems in the jawbone. The dentist will also use this visit to examine the patient’s medical history, concerns, and symptoms.

Many patients go through orthodontic treatment first. This therapy will straighten the teeth in preparation for the jaw surgery. The dentist will recommend traditional braces. Wearing these braces for many months is necessary to set the teeth before the procedure.

Creating the treatment plan will follow after a successful orthodontic treatment. The dentist and the patient will work together during this stage. This step will provide an outline of the specific goals and surgical techniques. The dentist will also discuss the possible risks and the different results of the jaw surgery.

Talking about the right type of dental sedation is part of the pre-surgical preparation. This is important in making the procedure painless and relaxing. The right dental sedation will be advantageous to patients with dental fears. This will allow the patient to focus on recovering and regaining normal jaw function.

During the jaw surgery

After proper preparations, the dentist will decide when the patient will get jaw surgery. This procedure must be detailed enough to achieve ideal results. The procedure will depend on the severity of the jaw issue. Here are the basic steps of a proper jaw surgery:

• Administering the anesthetic will come first. This will allow the patient to sleep during the procedure.
• Cutting into the gum tissue will provide complete access to the jawbone.
• Repositioning the jawbone will follow. This careful step may involve maneuvering the jawbone sideways, forward, or backward.
• Using titanium plates, wires, or screws can help fix the jawbone’s new position. Applying these materials will help achieve the procedure’s goals of stability.
• The dentist will then close the area using dissolvable sutures. This will end the need for suture removal.
• Seeing the dentist after the jaw surgery is important. Keeping an eye on the patient’s recovery from anesthesia is necessary for keeping the patient comfortable and stable.

After the jaw surgery

Proper recovery is a critical stage of jaw surgery. Each patient’s recovery period is different. Even so, every patient must remember significant pointers. Here are some of them:

• The patient may need to spend at least a day in the hospital. This will allow the medical team to keep an eye on the patient’s progress and provide proper care.
• Apply cold compresses and take pain medications. These can help relieve pain and discomfort.
• Maintain a soft diet for many weeks after the procedure.
• Continue to practice good oral hygiene. Follow the dentist’s instructions.
• Keep the follow-up appointments. Doing so can determine if the patient needs necessary adjustments.
• Refrain from performing strenuous activities, such as contact sports.

Jaw surgery can give you a normal bite and a better quality of life

Pain and other problems arise if there is a jaw problem. Severe symptoms can affect your daily activities and productivity. Seeing your dentist can help you get the proper diagnosis and jaw surgery for your overbite or underbite. Working with your dentist can help you recover better.

Request an appointment here: https://www.centralcoastoms.com or call Wilson Oral Surgery at (805) 910-1213 for an appointment in our Santa Maria office.

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