Jaw Surgery

More commonly than we realize, our jaws do not develop in a manner that creates proper alignment and bite of the mouth. In some cases, this results in a minor overbite or underbite that can be corrected solely with orthodontics and does not require jaw surgery. However, if the case is severe, the orthodontist may need to team up with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to realign the jaw with orthognathic surgery, more commonly known as corrective jaw surgery.

Dr. Balaci, Dr. Forbes, or Dr. Murphy at Balaci Oral and Facial Surgery in Lebanon, PA, perform orthognathic surgery to correct functional and aesthetic jaw issues. If you are in need of jaw surgery, contact our office to schedule a consultation with an oral surgeon.

Benefits of Jaw Surgery

In addition to solving the functional problems, many patients achieve dramatic aesthetic transformations as a result of orthognathic surgery. There are multiple benefits associated with receiving this procedure, such as

• Enhanced facial harmony, balance, and aesthetic appearance
• Improved chewing and speaking
• Improved respiratory function
• Minimal treatment time
• Alleviate facial pain or TMJ issues

If you think you may be in need of this procedure, we invite you to schedule a consultation at our office in Lebanon, PA. Our oral surgeons and team are happy to help in any way possible to restore your oral function to achieve a positive result.

What Can Orthognathic Surgery Treat?

While many patients may be aware that they have an improper bite, many have accepted the condition as a part of their everyday life and do not seek the treatment needed to improve it. Misaligned jaws can cause a multitude of problems inside the mouth and to the facial structure that result in a decreased quality of life. Leaving jaw problems untreated may lead to the development of more complex problems down the road. Common problems associated with jaw misalignment include:

• Dental crowding
• The inability to properly chew and grind food
• Poor oral hygiene
• The inability to fully close the lips
• Shorter tooth lifespan
• Facial pain
• Digestive problems
• Impaired speech function
• Increased risk of dental caries and periodontal disease
• Snoring and sleep apnea
• Heavy breathing
• Poor facial aesthetics

It is very important to ensure that disharmonies of the jaw are diagnosed and treated early to mitigate the long-term risks of this condition and ensure positive health outcomes in the future.

Am I a Candidate for Orthognathic Surgery?

It is not uncommon for orthognathic surgery candidates to already be aware of the functional and aesthetic differences of their jaw and face. You may be a candidate for orthognathic surgery if you experience any of the following:

• Difficulty closing your lips comfortably
• Significantly protruding upper or lower jaw
• Speech problems, breathing problems, or sleep apnea
• Difficulty biting, chewing, or swallowing
• Receding chin

If you think that you may be a candidate for corrective jaw surgery, we encourage you to contact our office for a consultation. Our oral surgeons have undergone extensive surgical training and education to identify and treat abnormalities of the facial skeleton correctly. We have a working relationship with many orthodontists in the area who will assist in the planning and execution of the procedure.