Life Before Corrective Jaw Surgery

Corrective jaw surgery is performed to correct growth abnormalities of the upper and/or lower jaw when they don’t align correctly. Patients with improper bites or improperly positioned jaws have difficulty chewing, talking and sleeping. Corrective jaw surgery not only helps improve daily life, but also helps enhance your facial appearance giving you greater self-confidence.

How It Is Generally Sequenced

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My Insurance Coverage For Surgery

Generally, most insurance plans cover at least a portion of corrective jaw surgery. We will work with you personally to help determine your insurance coverage and ensure you receive your maximum benefits.

Orthodontic Prep & Coordination

Prior to surgery, we will work in conjunction with a qualified oral surgeon to help collect all the necessary information to create a personalized treatment plan specifically for you. This will involve a compilation of dental and medical history, a thorough examination and a series of radiographs.

The information gathered will be used to customize your treatment plan. We will set up the details of your surgery and coordinate your admission to the hospital and follow up care. We will also set up a consultation with a nutrition specialist who will assist you with ensuring you receive proper nutrition during the recovery phase after surgery.

We will stay in close contact with all parties involved in your oral surgical care to ensure you receive the most optimum results and the highest standard of care possible.

Corrective Jaw Surgery

Corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) treats and corrects abnormalities of the facial bones, specifically the jaws and the teeth. Often, these abnormalities cause difficulty associated with chewing, talking, sleeping and other routine activities. Orthognathic surgery corrects these problems and, in conjunction with orthodontic treatment, will improve the overall appearance of the facial profile.

Using the latest in digital imaging technology, we will demonstrate the overall functional and aesthetic benefits of orthognathic surgery. Computerized treatment planning minimizes treatment times, recovery periods and the overall efficacy of your surgery. State-of-the-art materials such as titanium plates and miniature screws provide stability, strength and predictability to your treatment. These advances in technology, procedures and equipment reduce post-surgical recovery time, thus allowing patients to return to their normal routines soon after the surgery.

Orthognathic surgery may be unnecessary if orthodontic treatment can correct the problem. With the latest advances in orthodontics, this is sometimes the case. We will determine if orthognathic surgery is the correct treatment option for you.

Life In The First 10 Days

It is common for patients to feel extremely fatigue the first week following surgery. Try to rest and don’t over exert yourself. However, it is important to try walking or other light activities to help rebuild your strength. Refrain from lifting objects greater than five pounds for at least four weeks. This will only delay your healing process.

Diet

We will provide you with detailed dietary information that will inform you of what you are able to eat and foods to refrain from during recovery. Initially, you will be on a liquid diet, but when your jaw is unwired, you can progress to a soft foods diet. Some examples of foods you can and cannot eat are listed below.

Foods to Eat

Ice cream
Creamed corn
Oatmeal
Smooth peanut butter
Smoothies
Sliced/peeled soft fruits
Steamed vegetables
Bakes potatoes
Fruit juices

Foods to Avoid

Fast food
Fried fish
Chicken
Corn on the cob
Cold cereal
Tacos
Nuts
Hard, raw fruits and vegetables
Hard bread

Arnica

Arnica offers herbal products designed for treating pain naturally. This homeopathic remedy is used to reduce swelling and trauma in efforts to speed up recovery. Learn more at www.arnica.com.

Pain Medicine

We will prescribe pain medications to help alleviate any pain and discomfort following surgery. It is important to follow the instructions provided by your doctor as to how often you should take this medication.

Brushing

To help promote proper healing after surgery, carefully brush your teeth after each mild using a child’s toothbrush. Be sure to brush all the way in the back of your mouth to protect the incision areas from any food particles.

We recommend that you refrain from using a water irrigating device or water pic for at least two weeks after surgery as they can be damaging to the incisions in your mouth.

Following Surgeons Instructions

It is very important to follow the instructions provided to you by your doctor to avoid reoperation. These instructions are vital to ensure proper healing of your jaws. We will thoroughly discuss these with you and your accompanying family member/friend after your surgery.

Following Surgeons Instructions

It is very important to follow the instructions provided to you by your doctor to avoid reoperation. These instructions are vital to ensure proper healing of your jaws. We will thoroughly discuss these with you and your accompanying family member/friend after your surgery.

Life For the Next 7 Weeks

The recovery period following corrective jaw surgery varies and depends on the complexity of your surgery. Following surgery, your jaw is firmly wired shut for a set period of time that is determined by your doctor. During this period, you will be on a liquid diet. Once your jaw is unwired, you will remain on a soft food diet for several weeks.

Generally, patients are able to return to school or work one to three weeks following surgery, depending on how they are feeling. Pain medications and other home remedies may be used to help speed up recovery.

The complete recover period varies depending on the type of surgery received, but can anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months.

Range of Motion: Exercises Per Surgeon

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Elastic Bands

Once the wires are removed, small rubber bands will be used on your teeth to keep your jaws in position. These rubber bands should be worn at all times, except when eating and brushing your teeth. Be sure to change these rubber bands daily.