Unequal Jaw Growth
UNDERSTANDING UNEQUAL JAW GROWTH
If your upper or lower jaw does not grow properly, it can cause difficulty eating, breathing, talking or swallowing. In extreme cases, oral surgery can create a jaw structure that is more balanced and functional.
CORRECTIVE JAW SURGERY (ORTHOGNATHIC SURGERY)
Corrective jaw surgery – also called orthognathic surgery – is performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) to correct a wide range of minor and major skeletal and dental irregularities, including the misalignment of jaws and teeth.
Surgery can improve breathing, chewing and speaking. While the patient’s appearance may be dramatically enhanced as a result of the surgery, orthognathic surgery is performed to correct functional problems.
CONDITIONS THAT MAY INDICATE THE NEED FOR CORRECTIVE JAW SURGERY
The following conditions are commonly associated with unequal jaw growth and may lead a dentist or orthodontist to recommend further evaluation.
- Difficulty chewing or biting food
- Difficulty swallowing
- Chronic jaw or jaw joint (TMJ) pain and headaches
- Excessive wear of the teeth
- Open bite (space between the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed)
- Unbalanced facial appearance from the front or side
- Facial injury
- Birth defects
- Receding lower jaw and chin
- Protruding jaw
- Inability to make the lips meet without straining
- Chronic mouth breathing
- Sleep apnea (breathing problems when sleeping, including snoring)
A TEAM-BASED APPROACH TO TREATMENT
Your dentist, orthodontist and OMS will work together to determine whether you are a candidate for orthognathic surgery. The oral and maxillofacial surgeon determines which corrective jaw surgical procedure is appropriate and performs the actual surgery.
It is important to understand that your treatment, which will probably include orthodontics before and after surgery, may take several years to complete. Your OMS and orthodontist understand this is a long-term commitment for you and your family, and they will try to realistically estimate the time required for your treatment.