Jaw Surgery

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.