Why Jaw Surgery in Augusta Matters for Jaw Alignment
Your jaws affect daily function in measurable ways. Proper alignment allows you to chew comfortably, speak clearly, and breathe efficiently. When the upper and lower jaws do not align correctly, it can lead to:
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Excessive wear or damage to teeth
- Jaw pain or TMJ symptoms
- Chronic headaches
- Speech difficulties
- Facial imbalance or asymmetry
- Obstructive sleep apnea in some cases
Orthognathic surgery corrects the underlying skeletal imbalance, not just the position of the teeth. This approach supports stable, long-term results and improves both oral health and overall function.
Is Jaw Surgery Right for You?
Corrective jaw surgery may help if orthodontic treatment alone cannot fully correct your bite or jaw alignment. Common conditions that may require surgical correction include:
- Severe overbite or underbite
- Open bite (front teeth do not touch when back teeth are closed)
- Crossbite
- Significant facial asymmetry
- Recessed chin or jaw
- Protruding jaw
- Airway obstruction related to jaw position
Many patients receive referrals from orthodontists who recognize that braces alone cannot achieve optimal correction. Others seek evaluation because of persistent jaw pain, bite instability, or sleep-disordered breathing.
The best candidates typically have completed jaw growth, which usually occurs in the late teens or adulthood. During your consultation, we complete a comprehensive clinical exam, digital imaging, and 3D treatment planning to determine if surgery fits your needs and goals.
The Collaborative Treatment Process
Orthognathic surgery involves coordinated care between your surgical and orthodontic teams.
Phase 1: Pre-Surgical Orthodontics
Braces align your teeth within each jaw. This phase may temporarily make your bite appear worse, but it positions your teeth correctly for surgical correction.
Phase 2: Surgical Planning
Advanced digital imaging and 3D planning software map the new jaw position before surgery. This technology improves accuracy, safety, and predictability.
Phase 3: Surgery
Jaw surgery takes place in a hospital or surgical center under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes incisions inside the mouth, which prevents visible external scars. The jawbones are repositioned and stabilized using small titanium plates and screws.
Phase 4: Post-Surgical Orthodontics
Your orthodontist fine-tunes your bite after initial healing. This final phase ensures ideal function and alignment.
The full process often spans 12 to 24 months, depending on complexity.
What Happens During Jaw Surgery?
The procedure depends on your diagnosis and may include:
- Upper jaw repositioning (Le Fort I osteotomy)
- Lower jaw repositioning (bilateral sagittal split osteotomy)
- Chin repositioning (genioplasty) when indicated
Surgery typically lasts several hours. Most patients stay overnight for monitoring and comfort. Follow-up visits occur at regular intervals to evaluate healing and coordinate orthodontic adjustments.
Recovery After Orthognathic Surgery
Recovery progresses in stages and requires close follow-up.
Swelling and Bruising
Swelling peaks within the first 48 to 72 hours and improves significantly over the next two weeks. Minor swelling may persist for several months.
Diet
You begin with liquids or very soft foods and gradually advance as healing progresses. Proper nutrition supports bone healing and tissue repair.
Activity
Most patients return to work or school within two to three weeks. Your surgeon provides specific guidelines based on the extent of surgery.
Temporary numbness in the lips or chin may occur. Sensation usually improves over time as nerves recover.
Additional Surgical Services
In addition to Jaw surgery in Augusta, our office provides other advanced oral and maxillofacial procedures:
Dental Implants
Dental implants replace missing teeth with stable, long-lasting restorations. They preserve jawbone structure and restore chewing strength.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth removal prevents crowding, infection, and damage to neighboring teeth. Early evaluation allows proper timing and reduces complications.
Bone Grafting
Bone grafting rebuilds areas of jawbone loss to support implants or restore facial structure. This procedure strengthens the foundation for future restorative treatment.
Why Choose an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon?
Corrective jaw surgery requires advanced surgical education and hospital-based residency training. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons receive extensive instruction in anesthesia, facial skeletal surgery, and comprehensive management of jaw conditions.
Our practice integrates digital treatment planning, collaborative care with dental specialists, and structured follow-up appointments. Clear communication guides each stage of care so you understand your procedure, recovery timeline, and long-term expectations.
Schedule a Consultation for Jaw Surgery
If bite problems, jaw pain, or facial imbalance affect your daily life, schedule a consultation to explore corrective options. Visit our contact page to request an appointment, review details on our About Us page, or get directions through our Google Maps location.
Early evaluation allows accurate diagnosis and coordinated care. Comprehensive planning supports predictable surgical outcomes and long-term oral health.
