Jaw SurgeryIn Oakland, CA
Jaw surgery, or orthognathic surgery, is a corrective procedure that shifts the jaws and teeth for proper alignment. While it can improve facial balance, its primary benefit is enhancing essential functions like speaking, biting, and chewing.
Why should I choose Jaw Surgery?
In some cases, orthodontic treatment alone may not be enough to properly align the jaws. When this occurs, Dr. Han may recommend jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) to correct the position of the jaws and improve your bite. This type of surgery not only enhances the appearance of your smile but also supports long-term oral health. A misaligned bite can lead to premature tooth wear, jaw joint disorders (TMD), teeth grinding, and other significant complications if left untreated.
The Benefits of Jaw Surgery
Improved Smile And Appearance
Jaw surgery is often combined with orthodontic treatment to improve the alignment of your teeth and jaws. It can also enhance facial balance—for example, correcting an underbite that causes the lower jaw to protrude or an overbite that creates a recessed chin and “sunken” appearance. In addition to improving function for speaking, eating, and chewing, jaw surgery can also boost overall appearance and self-confidence.
Better Eating, Chewing, And Speaking
Serious jaw alignment problems are more than just cosmetic. They also can make it hard for you to eat and chew properly, and may even affect your speech, since your tongue may not be able to move properly within your mouth. Jaw surgery addresses these concerns by restoring comfort and function to your bite and speech.
Prevent Future Dental And Health Problems
Severe jaw problems also affect your oral and overall health. It may contribute to conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), bruxism (teeth grinding), and dental decay. Corrective jaw surgery addresses these underlying issues, reducing associated risks and promoting long-term functional and oral health.
Comprehensive Care for Complex Needs
Whether you require sinus lifts, PRF therapy, or full facial reconstruction, our leading-edge techniques help rebuild the foundation needed for successful implant treatment.
Bone Grafting Available When Needed
For patients with bone loss or insufficient jaw support, we offer bone grafting to help rebuild the foundation needed for successful jaw surgery and long-term results.
CBCT Scanner for Surgical Precision
Our in-house cone beam CT scanner provides high-resolution 3D images, allowing for detailed diagnosis and surgical planning tailored to your unique anatomy.
Jaw Surgery: What To Expect
Preparing For Surgery
Your orthodontist will take x-rays and CT scans of your mouth, jaws, and teeth to determine if you are a good candidate for jaw surgery. They will then refer you to an oral surgeon for an evaluation. Braces are almost always required for surgery and may need to be worn before the surgery can take place. In many cases, the braces will remain on during and after the surgery to finish and detail the treatment for about 6 months.
Jaw Surgery
Jaw surgery is done in a hospital under general anesthesia. The jaw bones are then moved in a planned position and stabilized by plates and screws.
Aftercare & Recovery
You will usually spend one night in the hospital and go home the next day. However, there will be some food and activity restrictions to ensure your jaw heals properly. Dr. Han will send you home with post-op instructions, and you’ll return for follow-ups to ensure you are healing properly.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out these frequently asked questions, or call us to speak with our team.
You should plan to take 2 weeks off of work or school after surgery. Most patients can get back to their normal routine within a week, but 2 weeks allows for plenty of recovery time before you have to get back to your day-to-day life.
Not usually, but your medical insurance may actually cover jaw surgery, instead. Jaw surgery is typically a covered benefit if it’s necessary for treating certain medical problems like certain deformities that interfere significantly with things like chewing.
Determining insurance coverage for jaw surgery requires close coordination between our team and your insurance provider to verify eligibility and benefits under your specific plan. We highly recommend consulting with your insurer directly to learn more about your policy and what costs it will cover during treatment.
Yes. Braces are almost always necessary if you’re getting corrective jaw surgery. Depending on the specifics of your case, they may be needed either before or after your surgery.
