Jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, is a specialized procedure designed to correct a variety of skeletal and dental irregularities involving the jaw and face عمل جراحی فک. It’s often performed to improve both function and appearance when conventional orthodontic treatments alone cannot achieve the desired results.
What Is Jaw Surgery?
Jaw surgery involves repositioning one or both jaws to correct misalignment, improve bite, and address issues caused by congenital defects, trauma, or developmental problems. This surgery can be performed on the upper jaw (maxilla), lower jaw (mandible), or both, depending on the individual’s needs.
Why Do People Need Jaw Surgery?
Common reasons for jaw surgery include:
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Malocclusion (Bad Bite): When the upper and lower teeth don’t fit together properly, it can cause difficulty chewing, speaking, and can lead to excessive wear on teeth.
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Jaw Misalignment: Problems like underbite, overbite, crossbite, or open bite affect facial balance and function.
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Sleep Apnea: Some patients undergo jaw surgery to open the airway and reduce obstructive sleep apnea symptoms.
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Facial Trauma or Injury: Accidents that fracture the jaw may require surgery to realign the bones.
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Congenital or Developmental Jaw Deformities: Conditions like cleft palate or asymmetrical jaw growth may be corrected surgically.
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TMJ Disorders: Temporomandibular joint problems that don’t respond to other treatments sometimes necessitate jaw surgery.
The Process of Jaw Surgery
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Consultation and Planning: The journey begins with consultations involving oral and maxillofacial surgeons, orthodontists, and sometimes other specialists. Detailed imaging like X-rays, CT scans, and 3D models help in precise surgical planning.
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Orthodontic Treatment: Often, braces are worn before surgery to align teeth properly in preparation for the jaw repositioning.
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Surgical Procedure: The surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia. Depending on the case, the surgeon makes cuts in the jawbone, repositions the jaw, and secures it with plates, screws, or wires. The incisions are typically made inside the mouth to minimize visible scarring.
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Recovery: Initial recovery may involve swelling, bruising, and a restricted diet. Patients usually stay in the hospital for a few days and may need to avoid strenuous activity for several weeks. Postoperative orthodontic treatment often follows to fine-tune the bite.
Benefits of Jaw Surgery
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Improved Function: Correcting bite and jaw alignment enhances chewing, speaking, and breathing.
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Aesthetic Enhancement: Many patients experience improved facial symmetry and profile.
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Better Oral Health: Proper alignment reduces wear on teeth and decreases the risk of dental problems.
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Enhanced Quality of Life: Relief from pain, TMJ discomfort, and improved confidence often result.
Risks and Considerations
Like any surgery, jaw surgery carries risks such as infection, nerve injury (which can cause numbness), bleeding, and relapse (where the jaw shifts back). Choosing an experienced surgical team and following postoperative care instructions carefully help minimize complications.