Corrective jaw surgery is an advanced and often life-changing procedure. For many of our patients, treatment leads to greater self-confidence and comfort, improvement in eating and chewing, and enhanced facial aesthetics.
People who were never able to bite a sandwich or a piece of pizza may achieve normal function, and those who have been dissatisfied with their appearance are typically excited about the difference they see.
At the same time, corrective jaw surgery is a complex and lengthy process, one that requires patient commitment and a skilled and experienced doctor. General dentists and other practitioners often refer their patients to our oral & maxillofacial surgeons – Dr. Vigliante, Dr. Gocke, Dr. McAdams, and Dr. Thomas – because of their experience in the procedure and their personal and attentive approach to care.
Why Corrective Jaw Surgery And Why Our
Practice?
You may require corrective jaw surgery for a variety of reasons:
Their teeth, jaws, or chin may be misaligned, and surgery can help them achieve a more functional bite and aesthetic appearance
Surgery can reduce the force on and trauma to the jaw joint (TMJ)
Patients with a cleft lip or palate may require corrective jaw surgery to improve function and cosmetics
Patients may be experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea, which surgery can often resolve
Any of these issues can exist at birth, be acquired after birth as a result of hereditary or environmental influences, or because of trauma to the face.
Before any treatment begins, a consultation will be held to perform a complete examination with x-rays. During the pre-treatment consultation process, feel free to ask any questions that you have regarding your treatment. When you are fully informed about the aspects of your care, you and your dental team can make the decision to proceed with treatment together.
An Overview Of Corrective Jaw Surgery With
Our Practice
Your Consultation
During your initial appointment, we will spend a lot of time talking with you about your goals and what you can expect with corrective jaw surgery. This may include orthodontic work or procedures in related fields because your teeth need to be as straight and aligned as possible before corrective jaw surgery to create the best smile and bite possible.
As a result, you may need to have several procedures and treatments over a span of months to achieve your goals. Our oral and maxillofacial surgeons encourage their patients to take the time to review the process and to make their decision when they are ready. There is no pressure to commit during this initial conversation.
Once you decide to begin the corrective jaw surgery process, you will return to Virginia Advanced Surgical Arts for:
3-D CT scans
Impressions
“Before” photos
Based on this information, one of our oral surgeons will consult with your orthodontist or dentist and other specialists as required and further refine your treatment plan.
What To Expect With Corrective Jaw Surgery
In preparing for the procedure, our oral surgeons will use advanced “virtual surgery” techniques. We coordinate with a biomedical engineer to plan how your jaws will fit together. Our office will send the details of this plan to a specialized manufacturer that will create physical guides and splints specific to your procedure.
During your surgery, our surgeons will use these guides to promote greater accuracy and better results. The procedure itself will take approximately four hours. Typically, the doctors place their patients under general anesthesia for their safety and comfort during treatment.
Corrective jaw surgery patients spend the night at the hospital afterward. Patients do not usually need to have their jaws wired shut. Instead, we will use an advanced approach that employs tiny dental plates and screws. As a result, patients can eat and speak more normally during recovery.
You can expect swelling after surgery, which should subside within a week. You will also need to follow a diet of soft foods for six weeks. Our practice will provide you with a complete set of guidelines for post-operative care as well as prescriptions for any medications you may need.
Common Questions Patients Ask About
Corrective Jaw Surgery
There are cases in which an insurance company will cover this cost. Our practice can help you explore this option.
Our oral surgeons suggest that patients rest and take off work for a full week after corrective jaw surgery. They recommend limited activity for an additional 1-2 weeks.
The final outcome will not be visible immediately following the procedure because of the swelling you are likely to experience. Your post-op appointments should give you a great opportunity to compare your before and after photos and to see the aesthetic difference, and as you heal, you should notice a significant improvement in comfort and function.
Learn more about corrective jaw surgery with Dr. Vigliante, Dr. Gocke, Dr. McAdams, and Dr. Thomas. Call Virginia Advanced Surgical Arts’ McLean office at (703) 388-2805, Reston office at (571) 595-3223, or Leesburg office at (703) 723-5366.
