Enhancing Function and Aesthetics
Orthognathic Surgery
In some cases, orthodontic treatment alone may not fully resolve underlying teeth and bone issues. We offer a comprehensive solution that combines surgery with braces to achieve optimal results and correct your bite!
Welcome to the world of corrective jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery. Our team of professionals are dedicated to addressing both functional and aesthetic concerns, ensuring proper alignment of your jaw and teeth, and correcting any dental abnormalities that extend beyond just the alignment of your teeth.
We are here to guide you throughout this transformative journey. During your consultation, we will discuss the remarkable benefits and potential outcomes of corrective jaw surgery, addressing any questions or concerns you may have. Rest assured, your comfort and satisfaction are our utmost priorities throughout the entire process!
For patients with abnormal jaw growth, jaw surgery can foster significant transformations, boosting not only function, but also confidence. By leveraging advanced surgical techniques and a patient-centred approach, we are committed to delivering the highest quality results tailored to your unique needs.
Determining if Jaw Surgery is Needed
Our team of experts will assess your orthodontic needs thoroughly and determine if jaw surgery is necessary. While heredity does play a role in skeletal development, various factors can contribute to jaw alignment problems.
During adolescence, asymmetrical skeletal issues often become apparent, such as an uneven growth of the lower jaw, leading to an asymmetrical bite and potential tooth wear. In addition to hereditary factors, jaw misalignment can be caused by birth defects, injuries, or other conditions.
Orthodontic Preparation for Surgery
We understand the importance of thorough preparation before undergoing jaw surgery. Orthodontic treatment plays a pivotal role in this process, both before and after the surgery, to ensure the well-aligned bite that you’re after.
Prior to the surgery, our team will carefully assess your situation and make necessary adjustments to the position of your teeth in anticipation of the new jaw alignment. During this phase, you may experience temporary changes in your bite as part of the pre-surgical orthodontic treatment. Not to worry – These adjustments are completely anticipated, and integral to achieving the smile you’ve always dreamt of. Once the surgery is all wrapped up, your teeth will fit together seamlessly!
Our team of professionals are dedicated to providing expert orthodontic care and guiding you through the entire process, prioritising your comfort and confidence as you prepare for your jaw surgery.
What to Expect with Jaw Surgery in Perth
Prepare to witness a transformative change! Jaw surgery involves various procedures tailored to your specific needs. Some of which include bone addition, removal, grafting, or reshaping. To maintain the new jaw positions, surgical plates, screws, wires, and rubber bands are commonly utilised in conjunction with braces until the bones have fully healed.
Openbite
Bid farewell to that open bite! Surgical correction typically entails one or two jaw surgeries. Our goal is to address the underlying cause of your open bite and enhance the aesthetics of your smile. By bringing the jaws closer together, we enhance dental function and realise a transformed appearance.
Setting Lower Jaw Back
Is an underbite causing you concern? We’ve mastered a surgical procedure that works wonders in repositioning the jawbone. We carefully isolate the back part of the lower jaw from the front portion, giving us the ability to gently move the front section, where the teeth reside, backward. This approach ensures not only improved alignment and function but also brings us closer to achieving the smile you've always dreamed of. In some cases, additional adjustments may be made to the upper jaw to ensure a balanced outcome.
Moving Lower Jaw Forward
To address mandibular retrusion, a surgical procedure involves separating the mandible from its base. This makes way for the tooth-bearing segment of the lower jaw and chin to be repositioned forward and achieve the desired outcome. This corrective approach helps improve the overall balance and alignment of the jaw and facial structures.
Indications for Corrective Jaw Surgery
Difficulty Chewing Or Biting Food
Jaw misalignment can lead to difficulties in chewing or biting food, resulting in pain and discomfort that can affect your entire well-being. Corrective jaw surgery can provide quick, effective relief and have you enjoying meals again in no time!
Receding Or Protruding Lower Jaw
Imbalances between the upper and lower jaws can result in a receding or protruding lower jaw and chin. This not only affects aesthetics but can also lead to functional issues and potential dental problems. Corrective jaw surgery is a leading option for addressing these concerns and bringing balance to your facial features!
Sleep Disorders
If you are experiencing sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnea, corrective jaw surgery can be a valuable treatment option to consider! By repositioning the jaw, tongue, and throat, we create more space in the airway, ramping up your overnight breathing and reducing the symptoms of sleep disorders.
Injury Or Birth Defects
Jaw surgery is also beneficial for addressing and correcting various types of injuries or birth defects that affect the jaw structure. Whether trauma-related damage or congenital deformities, surgical intervention can help restore proper function and aesthetics.
The Recovery Process
What to Expect
The duration and complexity of the recovery process will depend on your individual circumstances and the extent of your jaw surgery. Rest assured, our team will provide you with detailed information and guidance during your initial consultation, as well as a tailored recovery plan!
Hospital Stay Duration
Patients tend to stay in the hospital for around 24 hours following the surgery. This allows our care team to ensure proper healing and provides you with initial recovery time from the anaesthesia.
Mouth Wiring After Surgery
In most cases, jaw wiring is no longer necessary after surgery. Instead, tight rubber bands are used to maintain the alignment of your teeth. These rubber bands are typically worn for 3-5 weeks to help train your jaw to adapt to the new bite.
Returning to Work After Jaw Surgery
The timeframe for returning to work will depend on the complexity of the procedure and the nature of your job. As a general guideline, we recommend taking 1-3 weeks off from work. If your job involves significant talking or physical activity, additional recovery time may be beneficial. However, if you have a job that allows for quiet, sedentary work such as computer-based tasks, you may be able to return to work sooner.
It is imperative to follow the specific post-operative instructions provided by your surgeon and communicate any concerns or questions you may have during the recovery process. By doing so, you ensure a smooth and successful recovery following your corrective jaw surgery.
Arrange a Complimentary Consultation!
Whether you prefer a virtual consultation or an in-person visit to our Perth clinic, we’re ready to get started. Your first appointment is on us, and it comes with personalised recommendations tailored specifically to your orthodontic needs. No referral from a general dentist needed!