Are you looking for an orthodontic jaw alignment consultation near me?
This often means that you are concerned with the position of your upper jaw, lower jaw, or both.
There are many ways that an orthodontist can address these concerns. At a consultation, they will cover corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery), orthodontic treatment, and involving an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, if needed.
The goal of orthodontic treatment is to create a healthy dental facial relationship. This means that your upper and lower jaws are positioned over one another in a way that allows for an attractive facial appearance, and good jaw function.
Why Might You Need Corrective Jaw Surgery?
Corrective jaw surgery can be needed due to birth defects, but far more commonly, it is needed due to a difference in size or position of the facial bones.
When the maxilla (upper jaw) and/or mandible (lower jaw) are in an improper bite, the teeth and jaws can not function correctly.
Your chewing function, tooth alignment, and facial aesthetics may all be compromised.
Corrective jaw surgery is always optional, but many patients choose it because they are having difficulty chewing, are struggling with oral health, or want to improve their facial profile.
Examples of Bite That Require Corrective Jaw Surgery
After a complete examination, your orthodontist or oral and maxillofacial surgeon will explain what type of bite problems you have and what type of corrective jaw surgery you will benefit from.
Class III Bite (Underbite, Small Upper Jaw)
The photos below show the before (left) and after (right) of a patient who had their upper jaw moved forward to correct the bite.
Class II Bite (Overbite, Small Lower Jaw)
Bimaxillary Retrusive Bite (Upper and Lower Jaws Too Far
Back)
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
If the upper jaw, lower jaw or both are set too far back in the face, it can result in a compromised airway.
The consequences of sleep apnea are significant and a maxillofacial surgeon should be consulted to determine the best plan moving forward.
The only cure for sleep apnea is corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery). In this procedure, the upper and lower jaws are moved forward to open up space in the airway.
An oral surgeon (oral and maxillofacial surgeon), an orthodontist, as well as an ENT (ear, nose and throat) doctor are all involved in planning and treating these cases.
Orthodontics Before Orthognathic Surgery
Teeth straightening will be needed if you require surgery. It is the orthodontist’s job to align the teeth within the jaw bones.
The actual surgery comes after the teeth are aligned with braces or clear aligners.
Treatment with braces takes 12-24 months for most patients. Your orthodontic treatment plan will be discussed with you including treatment options so that you are fully informed.
The orthodontist will work closely with the surgeon doing your orthognathic surgery.
Oral Surgery – What You Can Expect
Oral surgery (orthognathic surgery) is the type of corrective jaw surgery that you will have to get a beautiful smile and fix the bite problems and obstructive sleep apnea (if you have it).
When you first meet the surgeon that is doing your jaw surgery, they will take special 3D x-rays and measurements of your face and teeth. They will then discuss the risks and benefits of having jaw surgery.
Jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) is usually done in a hospital setting. You will stay overnight for at least one night.
Your teeth are no longer wired shut (a concern of many). You will simply have guiding elastics that hold your bite in the right place while you heal.
You will be on a liquid-only diet for 2 weeks and then on to soft-chew only for another 4 weeks.
As soon as your surgeon tells you, you can begin to eat normal foods.
Most adults will take 2-5 weeks off of work to have jaw surgery done.
Why Should You Trust Impact Orthodontics For Your Treatment?
We want your teeth to meet correctly and for your jaw’s new position to be ideal for your desires.
We can use braces or clear aligners to achieve this and we work very closely with the surgeons that do the most orthognathic surgery in the city of Calgary.
It is important that your jaw surgery is completed by a surgeon that is experienced in teeth and jaws so that your teeth meet correctly after surgery.
Come and visit us for a consultation and let us show you the Impact Orthodontics difference!
No referral is needed and we offer free consultation for anyone under 20.
You can book online here: or call or text 403-256-7797 to book a new patient exam.
