Orthognathic Surgery
Corpus Christi, TX
 Orthognathic surgery is another term for jaw surgery. This type of surgery refers to many different procedures that may be performed to fix dental and facial-skeletal issues. These procedures range from wisdom tooth extractions to reconstructive surgery. At Star Orthodontics, we can perform orthognathic surgery to correct the issues affecting your mouth and face, improving the quality of your life.
Do I Need Orthognathic Surgery?
When you are faced with jaw-related issues, such as poor alignment or facial trauma, your entire quality of life can be affected. Your risk of other oral health issues, such as cavities and gum disease, is higher. Eating and speaking can be more challenging. You might suffer significant jaw and temporomandibular joint pain. Even your sleep can be affected by issues with your jaw.
If issues with your jaw are affecting normal oral functions, your sleep, and your quality of life, you may be a candidate for orthognathic surgery. We perform a thorough oral evaluation, which helps us get to the root of your problem. We are also able to determine the best treatment to meet your specific needs. During your evaluation, we examine your teeth and gums.
You are assessed for alignment issues, gum disease, cavities, and tooth damage. Digital x-rays, or other digital images, are taken to get a look at the hidden areas of your mouth. These images help us to see issues like impacted teeth, bone damage, bone loss, abscesses, cysts, and more. After diagnosing the cause of your jaw problems, we can then formulate a customized treatment plan.
What Can Orthognathic Surgery Treat?
Orthognathic surgery can be used to treat many different types of issues. These issues include:
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Congenital defects like a cleft lip or cleft palate
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Impacted wisdom teeth
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Alignment issues such as an overbite or underbite
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Obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA
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Issues with your temporomandibular joint, called TMJ disorder
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Chronic mouth breathing
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Facial trauma
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Facial imbalances |
What Can I Expect During Orthognathic Surgery?
Once we have diagnosed the cause of your jaw-related issues, we can then formulate a treatment plan. Because your needs are unique to you, your treatment will be customized to provide you with the best possible results. In addition to improving your oral health, orthognathic surgery can also help to improve the aesthetics of your face, which can significantly boost your confidence.
Your treatment begins with incisions in your soft tissue to gain access to your jawbone. Through these incisions, we can perform a variety of procedures, including extracting wisdom teeth, adding bone, removing bone, or stabilizing fractured bones with plates and screws. The length of your surgery depends upon the types of procedures being performed but typically takes anywhere from one to three hours. Some procedures may require longer. Once complete, your surgical incisions are sutured closed. Before you are sent home, you are provided with aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing.
Benefits of Orthognathic Surgery
There are numerous benefits associated with orthognathic surgery. These benefits include:
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Improving the functions of your mouth
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Improved digestion and nutrition
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Getting rid of your jaw pain
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Improved sleep quality
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Improved quality of your smile, which also boosts your confidence |
Orthognathic surgery can improve your oral health, your appearance, and your quality of life. For more information, and to schedule your consultation, contact Star Orthodontics today at 361-371-8555.
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