Corrective jaw surgery in Winnipeg involves moving jaws and teeth into their correct positions where they are more functional, balanced, and healthier. Whether a patients’ needs have to do with improving function and bite, speech, or appearance, jaw surgery performed by a skilled orthodontist in Winnipeg can have a positive and dramatic effect. Orthodontists work together with patients to help them attain a functional, pain-free and beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime.
The treatment is complex and could easily take three or more years, although this depends on the treatment needs of every patient. However, your orthodontic specialist may recommend several appointments. During the appointments, the specialist will fully inform you about what the treatment procedure involves and what you can expect. Once you begin treatment, it is almost impossible to undo the initial preparatory work. Also, if you opt out of jaw surgery midway through the procedure, your bite might worsen.
Who needs corrective jaw surgery?
In some patients, the lower and upper jaws grow at different rates. Birth defects and injuries may also cause the misalignment of the jaw. Even though orthodontics is widely used to correct problems where patients have misaligned teeth, corrective jaw surgery in Winnipeg may be recommended as a treatment method for correcting jaw misalignment. If you experience or suffer from the conditions listed below, then your orthodontist in Winnipeg will recommend jaw surgery:
i. Chronic jaw pain or persistent jaw joint pain.
ii. Difficulty biting, chewing, or swallowing food.
iii. Excessive teeth wear.
iv. Unbalanced facial appearance affecting both the side and front.
v. Open bite (space between lower and upper teeth when your mouth is shut).
vi. Birth defects or facial injury.
vii. Protruding jaw.
viii. Receding chin.
ix. Chronic dry mouth and mouth breathing.
x. Sleep apnea.
xi. Straining or inability to keep lips together.
What does jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) involve?
When your dentist determines that you’re a suitable candidate for jaw surgery in Winnipeg, he or she will undertake a photographic analysis, which includes cephalometric X-rays, panorex X-rays, radiographs, impressions, and models. Your orthodontist in Winnipeg will work together with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and consider the impact of the corrective surgery on the aesthetic appearance of your face, as well as proper jaw function.
It is not easy to predict the exact outcome of the procedure since every patient is unique. However, your orthodontist in Winnipeg can give you an indication of the changes or results you can expect. Even so, do not expect the orthodontists to show you exact pictures of the outcome you can expect after the completion of your treatment. Additionally, jaw surgery in Winnipeg may sometimes cause slight alterations affecting the shape of your neckline and nose. Thankfully, orthodontists discuss risks and potential complications with their patients fully to help determine whether they can carry on with the treatment. It is worth noting that modern technological innovations employed in orthodontic technology and surgical procedures significantly reduce post-surgical recovery time. This essentially means that you can carry on with your regular routines even after surgery.
