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.
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. However, many candidates are not aware that there is a viable treatment option to correct their bite. You may be a candidate for orthognathic surgery if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- 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 an initial consultation. Dr. Balaci has undergone extensive surgical training and education to identify and treat abnormalities of the facial skeleton correctly. He has a working relationship with many orthodontists in the area who will assist him in the planning and execution of the procedure.
Why do I need to correct my jaw misalignment?
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. Unfortunately, misaligned jaws can cause a multitude of problems inside the mouth and to the facial structure that result in a decreased quality of life and which may develop into 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
- 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. In addition to solving the functional problems associated with an incorrect bite, 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, speech, and respiratory function
- Minimal treatment time
- Decreased likelihood of short- and long-term relapse
One of Dr. Balaci’s primary clinical interests lies within the field of facial aesthetics, and the positive transformations and results that follow orthognathic treatment make it one of the most enjoyable treatments that he can provide. 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 well-trained office staff and highly skilled surgical team are happy to help in any way possible to restore your oral function to achieve a positive result.
Where can I get orthognathic surgery, or corrective jaw surgery, near Lebanon?
Dr. Alex Balaci and the highly skilled team at Balaci Oral and Facial Surgery in Lebanon, PA, serve a wide region and provide the full scope of oral and maxillofacial procedures to correct functional and aesthetic problems, including orthognathic surgery, also known as corrective jaw surgery.
