When most people think about fixing a misaligned bite, braces or clear aligners are usually the first solutions that come to mind. While orthodontics works wonders for moving teeth into their proper positions, there are times when the problem isn’t just the teeth, it’s the underlying jawbone itself.
When upper and lower jaws grow at different rates or out of alignment, it can lead to chronic pain, difficulty chewing, breathing issues, and changes in facial appearance. In these cases, corrective jaw surgery (medically known as orthognathic surgery) offers a life-changing solution that addresses both function and aesthetics.
At River Ridge Oral & Maxillofacial Surgical Center, Dr. Brent J. Henriksen and Dr. Trevor B. Holleman specialize in orthognathic procedures that realign the jaws, restoring balance to your bite and improving your overall quality of life.
Here is a guide to help you understand if you might be a candidate for Corrective Jaw Surgery in Sioux Falls, SD.
Signs You Might Need Corrective Jaw Surgery
Jaw misalignment isn’t just a cosmetic concern; it affects how your entire oral cavity functions every day. You may be a candidate for orthognathic surgery if you experience any of the following symptoms:
1. Severe Underbite, Overbite, or Open Bite
If your upper teeth severely overlap your lower teeth (overbite), your lower jaw sticks out past your upper teeth (underbite), or your front teeth don’t touch when you bite down (open bite), orthodontics alone may not be able to bridge the gap. Jaw surgery moves the actual bone structure so your teeth can meet properly.
2. Difficulty Chewing, Swallowing, or Speaking
When the jaws don’t align, simple tasks like biting into an apple or chewing meat can be uncomfortable or exhausting. Misaligned jaws can also affect speech clarity, causing lisps or difficulty pronouncing certain sounds.
3. Chronic TMJ Pain and Headaches
An uneven bite places immense stress on the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) and surrounding facial muscles. Over time, this strain can lead to chronic jaw clicking, facial soreness, tension headaches, and neck pain.
4. Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Breathing Issues
A recessed lower jaw can narrow your airway, restricting airflow while you sleep. This frequently contributes to loud snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. By moving the jaw forward, orthognathic surgery opens the airway, helping patients breathe easier and sleep more soundly.
5. Asymmetry or Facial Imbalance
Uneven jaw growth can cause the chin or lower face to appear off-center, recessed, or overly prominent. Surgery restores natural facial harmony and proportion.
How Orthognathic Surgery Works
Corrective jaw surgery is a collaborative journey that combines the expertise of your orthodontist and our oral surgery team.
Orthodontic Preparation: Braces are typically worn for 12 to 18 months prior to surgery to align the teeth within each individual jaw arch.
Precision Surgical Planning: Using advanced 3D Cone-Beam CT imaging and digital treatment planning, our surgeons map out the exact movements of your jawbone before ever entering the operating room.
The Surgical Procedure: The surgery is performed in a hospital setting under full monitoring. To ensure complete comfort, your post-operative recovery is supported by specialized, long-acting numbing options like EXPAREL and tailored pain management plans.
Final Orthodontic Adjustments: After a healing period, your orthodontist makes final minor adjustments to perfect your smile.
The Benefits
Patients who undergo corrective jaw surgery often describe the results as transformative. Realigning your jaw offers lifelong benefits:
- Restored Bite Function: Eat your favorite foods with ease and comfort.
- Pain Relief: Significantly reduce or eliminate chronic TMJ strain and headaches.
- Improved Sleep Quality: Open airways allow for deeper, uninterrupted rest.
- Enhanced Confidence: Enjoy a balanced facial profile and a fully functional smile.
Take the First Step Toward a Functional Bite
If you struggle with an uneven bite, chronic jaw pain, or breathing issues, you don’t have to live with the discomfort. Corrective jaw surgery can give you the functional foundation you need for a lifetime of health and confidence.
Contact River Ridge Oral & Maxillofacial Surgical Center today at 605-331-5059 to schedule a consultation with our surgical team.