Orthognathic Surgery in Downey, CA![]() Do I Need Orthognathic Surgery?If your bite is bad, or your jaws are poorly aligned, and orthodontic treatment has not helped, you may benefit from orthognathic surgery. These issues can arise because your jaws do not match up correctly once they are finished growing. They can also occur as a result of facial trauma during growth. You may be a candidate for orthognathic surgery if you are dealing with problems while eating, swallowing, or speaking, you have difficulty speaking properly, you have difficulty breathing, you have an overbite, underbite, or open bite, your jaw is protruding, you have a small chin, you are living with TMJ or obstructive sleep apnea, or you snore. Surgical Correction of Your Jaw AlignmentBefore orthognathic surgery, we first need to evaluate your situation and make sure that surgery is the best option. We will take x-rays and other necessary images as well as thoroughly examine your mouth and assess your bite. If you have previously undergone orthodontic treatment, we may need to get the models made before your treatment began. The goal of orthognathic surgery is to realign your jaws to give you a proper bite while also improving your overall quality of life. When surgery is performed, we make incisions in your gums to access the bone. Once your jaws have been properly repositioned, small screws are used to anchor the bone. They hold the bone steady as it heals. Screws typically remain in place. Sometimes, small plates may be necessary, and these may be removed at a later date. Because the surgery is done from the inside of the mouth, you will not have to worry about visible scars on your face. In some cases, orthognathic surgery can negate the need to undergo orthodontic treatment. In other cases, you may still need braces to help improve the alignment of your teeth. What are the Benefits of Orthognathic Surgery?With orthognathic surgery, we can correct the alignment of your jaws. This helps to greatly improve your bite. You can bite and chew properly. This results in improved digestion, which can then help to improve your general health. Your speech is improved. Orthognathic surgery can help to eliminate issues such as TMJ disorder or obstructive sleep apnea. This means no more jaw pain or a much-improved quality of sleep. Surgery can help to make breathing easier. Moreover, in addition to all of the functional benefits associated with orthognathic surgery, there are also aesthetic benefits as well. By improving the alignment of your jaws, we can help improve the overall appearance of your face and your smile, which can help to give you more confidence. For more information about orthognathic surgery, and to find out if this surgery is right for you, call Downey Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at 562-459-3311 today. |
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