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Jaw Surgery

Misalignment? Corrective Jaw Surgery Can Help

When the upper and lower jaws do not align correctly or do not develop properly, patients tend to suffer from a host of oral health problems. Misaligned jaws are known to hinder a patient’s ability to eat, speak, smile, and even breathe. Fortunately, oral surgeons can separate the jaws and reposition them for improved oral function with corrective jaw surgery.

Jaw surgery is not always necessary for treating jaw dysfunction, as sometimes an orthodontist can correct the bite. However, severe cases of jaw misalignment typically require surgery before a patient's oral function and smile are fully rehabilitated. The position and development of your jaw can be determined by utilizing highly accurate and detailed i-CAT™ 3D imaging technology.

About Orthognathic (Jaw) Surgery

Orthognathic surgery, commonly called corrective jaw surgery, is a transformational procedure performed at Oral Surgery Specialists of Oklahoma. When the jaw does not develop in the correct alignment, patients can experience a series of oral health complications. While orthodontic appliances can solve some bite problems, surgical intervention is sometimes necessary to correct severe misalignment.

Dr. Robert Bryan and Dr. Jeremy Goodson are experts in the assessment and surgical correction of severe jaw misalignment. The first step in the process is to schedule an initial consultation with our team. We work closely with many skilled orthodontists in the Oklahoma City metro area to develop a personalized treatment plan that restores oral function and facial aesthetics.

You May Need Jaw Surgery if You Experience These Symptoms

Jaw misalignment is more common than many people realize. The complications caused by this problem can be debilitating and severely impact one’s health, comfort level, and ability to perform everyday oral functions. Patients with severe misalignment may experience any of the following symptoms:

  • Problems with chewing or swallowing
  • Chronic jaw pain
  • Trouble breathing (sleep apnea)
  • Difficulty opening and closing the mouth
  • Issues with biting down properly

It’s common for patients to seek treatment for a single issue, like sleep apnea, and not realize that it is a symptom of a greater problem. We recommend any patient who suffers from these problems to contact our office for an initial assessment.

Jaw Surgery Procedure

Orthognathic surgery requires precision and coordination between oral surgeons and orthodontists for optimal results. During the initial consultation, we will complete 3D scanning to provide Dr. Bryan and Dr. Goodson with the most accurate assessment of the problem. The surgeons then work in close cooperation with the orthodontist to develop a treatment plan. First, patients will receive braces to make the initial adjustments that prepare the jaw for surgery.

You will undergo general anesthesia and sleep comfortably during your surgical procedure. The oral surgeon will separate the jaw, move it to its new position, and secure it in place. Patients should expect to spend about 2 weeks recovering from the treatment and must adhere to a soft food diet while the jaws heal. Once fully recovered, the orthodontist will complete the final small corrections to perfect the bite. The entire treatment typically takes around two years to complete, with the surgery completed sometime in the middle.

Benefits of Orthognathic Surgery

The benefits of undergoing corrective jaw surgery are significant. Before treatment, patients often report acute pain or that they can’t even close their mouths all the way. When the treatment is complete, patients can expect to enjoy the following benefits:

  • Improved facial appearance
  • Increased function of the jaw to eat, breathe, and speak comfortably
  • Less wear on the teeth
  • Decreased pain and discomfort in the jaw and mouth
  • Considerable improvement in or elimination of TMJ problems or sleep apnea

Patients report to us that their life has completely changed following orthognathic surgery. From simple tasks, such as chewing, to a complete restoration of self-confidence, our team loves to see our patients live life to the fullest when the treatment is complete.

Jaw Surgery in Oklahoma City, OK

Orthognathic surgery is one of the most transformational procedures in the oral surgery specialty, and Dr. Bryan and Dr. Goodson enjoy providing this life-changing treatment to patients in need. If you believe that you may be a candidate for corrective jaw surgery, we encourage you to contact Oral Surgery Specialists of Oklahoma to schedule an initial consultation. We look forward to caring for you at our state-of-the-art facility in Oklahoma City, OK.

Hear From Jaw Surgery Patients

These patients can tell you about the firsthand experience undergoing jaw surgery at our office.

Reviews From Our Jaw Surgery Patients

Garrett Reviews His Jaw Surgery Procedure
Watch Review
Garrett got jaw surgery at Oral Surgery Specialists of Oklahoma
Garrett
Jaw Surgery
Patient

"Well, it was pretty crazy. I had a pretty big underbite. My orthodontist was like, “Hey man. You’ve got to get surgery.” That kind of made me nervous at first, you know, and once I met Dr. Bryan, it was easy peasy, like, so effortless. It definitely wasn’t as bad as I was expecting. Dr. Bryan’s such a character, you know. He’s just such an approachable, friendly, caring guy, and you don’t see a lot of practitioners that are so passionate and determined and so meticulous but also so friendly. Honestly, when I walk in a waiting room, it’s like a party. Everyone’s like, “Garrett! What’s up?” And I’m like, ‘“Yeah! What’s up, everybody?” So it’s really great. Everyone just really genuinely cares about you here, and that’s what made my experience here so, so awesome."

Steven Reviews His Jaw Surgery Procedure
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Steven had jaw surgery at Oral Surgery Specialists of Oklahoma
Steven
Jaw Surgery
Patient

"The reason why I came to Dr. Bryan was, I was doing some janitorial for him in this exact building, and he just got a look at me, and he was like, "I want to do the surgery on you." Before I realized that I needed it, there was discomfort. When it comes to biting my burgers, the bottom of my jaw wouldn't really let me take an actual bite. Other than that, I guess it affected my breathing a little bit as well. I was feeling definitely excited because I knew that I needed it. Dr. Bryan did ease my nerves a little bit. Great character — definitely makes you feel comfortable. Now that I've gone through this whole procedure, I feel great. Definitely confident boosted. Just overall, it's a great feeling to finally see that change happen."

Alison Reviews Her Jaw Surgery Procedure
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Alison got jaw surgery at Oral Surgery Specialists of Oklahoma
Alison
Jaw Surgery
Patient

"I had corrective jaw surgery. Dr. Bryan was really good about just letting me know that this was routine and that he does this all the time, and it made me feel very comfortable that he was so prepared. He always was making me laugh when I came into doctor’s appointments. I feel much better after I’ve had corrective jaw surgery. It changed my whole face for the better, in my opinion. I can eat easier. It’s helped with my sinus pressure and headaches. Dr. Bryan had excellent patient care, and he is very experienced in what he does. I would highly recommend Dr. Bryan."

Lori Reviews Her Jaw Surgery Procedure
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Lori had jaw surgery at Oral Surgery Specialists of Oklahoma
Lori
Jaw Surgery
Patient

"Well, my orthodontist had told me that, one, in order for my braces to be effective, I was in need of some jaw work. But I also had sleep apnea, and through Dr. Bryan, actually, I learned that my airway was less than a quarter of the size of what it should be. It was quite extensive what they did to my jaw and my tongue and everything, so that was anxiety causing. However, Dr. Bryan made it so, so easy. There's just something about him that makes you feel — I don't know, I felt real confident. He easily makes you feel really, really comfortable and that you're safe. Pleased to say that — I haven't gone back to a sleep specialist, but all of the symptoms that I had before of sleep apnea, they're gone. If I knew somebody who needed oral surgery, I would recommend Dr. Bryan just immediately. I have no regrets at all and can wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone."

Kayelynn Reviews Her Jaw Surgery Procedure
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Kayelynn got jaw surgery at Oral Surgery Specialists of Oklahoma
Kayelynn
Jaw Surgery
Patient

"I had had really bad jaw problems ever since I was 11, and I went to a lot of different doctors, and I had a lot of different surgeries, and none of them ever seemed to work. I had a lot of pain shooting through my ears and down my neck and different things, and it was very discouraging having to go through a lot of surgeries. Dr. Bryan calmed my nerves quite a bit. I was really nervous coming in because I had been to so many different doctors, and he was just very kind and considerate. I don't really remember a whole bunch of the surgery just because of the anesthesia, but from what I do remember, I remember waking up and telling my mom, "Mom, this feels right." Now that I've had the surgery, I can now sing again. I can play my violin without there being pain. If I had somebody who needed oral surgery, I would tell them to come and see Dr. Bryan."

Questions? We Are Here to Help

Our staff is here to answer your questions and guide you throughout your journey with our practice. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns regarding your treatment.