Jaw Surgery for Underbite: Empowering Your Smile, Empowering You | Blog

Are you tired of the discomfort and self-consciousness caused by your underbite? Are you looking for a long-lasting solution to enhance both your oral health and appearance? Look no further—jaw surgery for underbite may hold the key to your smile transformation.

What is an Underbite?

Before we delve into the realm of jaw surgery, let’s first understand what an underbite is. An underbite is characterized by the forward extension of the lower teeth, surpassing the upper teeth when the mouth is in a closed position. In simpler terms, it’s when the lower jaw juts forward, resulting in an imbalanced bite.

Causes of Underbite

Several factors can contribute to the development of an underbite. Understanding these causes can help clarify why jaw surgery may be necessary for its correction.

1. Genetics: In many cases, an underbite is inherited from one or both parents. It can be linked to genetic factors such as jaw and tooth size discrepancies or abnormal jaw alignment.
2. Childhood Habits: Prolonged thumb-sucking, extended pacifier use, or tongue thrusting beyond infancy can affect the development of the jaw and contribute to the formation of an underbite.
3. Jaw Misalignment: Conditions like temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) or improper jaw growth during childhood and adolescence can result in an underbite.

The Impact of Underbite on Dental Health

While an underbite may be viewed as a cosmetic concern to some, it is important to recognize its potential impact on dental health. Here are some common oral health issues associated with underbite:

1. Uneven Tooth Wear
2. Difficulty Chewing and Speaking
3. TMJ Disorders
4. Self-Esteem and Psychological Effects

Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Underbite

In some cases, non-surgical approaches may be sufficient to correct or manage an underbite. Here are a few common non-surgical treatment options:

1. Orthodontic Treatment: Underbites, depending on their severity, can sometimes be improved with the help of braces or clear aligners. These interventions focus on gradually shifting the teeth into proper alignment.
2. Dental Appliances: For individuals with mild underbites, a range of removable dental appliances, such as bite correctors or retainers, may be used to guide the growth and alignment of the jaws.
3. Chin Cap: Chin caps are soft, fabric-encased devices that are worn over the chin and secured around the top of the head. They help to redirect the growth of the lower jaw in children and teenagers.

While these non-surgical alternatives can yield positive results, severe or complex underbites often necessitate jaw surgery for lasting correction.

When is Jaw Surgery Necessary for Underbite Correction?

When alternatives that do not involve surgery fall short of rectifying an underbite, orthognathic surgery, commonly referred to as jaw surgery, emerges as a feasible route. Several factors help determine if you are a candidate for jaw surgery:

1. Severe Functional Issues: If there are significant difficulties in biting, chewing, speaking, or breathing due to the underbite, it may be necessary to consider jaw surgery as a corrective measure.
2. Impaired Aesthetics: An underbite that noticeably affects facial aesthetics can impact self-confidence. If the appearance of your jaw and face profoundly impacts your quality of life, surgical intervention may be the solution.
3. Dental Issues: Underbites cause misalignment between the upper and lower teeth, leading to excessive wear, tooth decay, and gum problems. When orthodontic treatment alone cannot resolve these dental issues, jaw surgery may be recommended.

If you are unsure about the severity of your underbite or the best course of treatment, consult an orthodontist or oral surgeon at Renew Dental specializing in jaw surgery in SW Calgary for an accurate evaluation.

Preparing for Jaw Surgery: What to Expect

Once you and your healthcare professional determine that jaw surgery is the optimal choice for underbite correction, careful preparation is key. Here’s what you can expect during the preparatory phase:

1. Orthodontic Treatment: Orthodontic treatment often precedes jaw surgery to align your teeth properly, ensuring a stable bite after surgery. Braces or clear aligners may be utilized for this purpose.
2. Dental Preparations: Dental molds, X-rays, and other dental examinations will be conducted to create a precise treatment plan. They help determine the extent of the surgery and identify any additional procedures required, such as wisdom teeth removal.
3. Physical Preparations: Your healthcare team will provide specific instructions for pre-surgery tasks, which may include fasting, avoiding certain medications, or quitting smoking.
4. Emotional and Mental Preparation: Jaw surgery is a significant procedure that may require a period of adjustment during recovery. Turning to counseling services or joining support circles can assist in fortifying your mental readiness for the forthcoming physical and emotional voyage.

The Jaw Surgery Procedure: Step-by-Step Guide

Delving into the detailed aspects of the orthognathic surgery process is next on our agenda. Here’s an overview of the steps involved:

1. Anesthesia: Prior to surgery, you will be administered general anesthesia to ensure you are comfortable and sedated throughout the procedure.
2. Incisions: The surgeon will proceed to make carefully planned incisions inside the mouth to access the jawbones without any external scarring. This method, known as an intraoral approach, minimizes visible marks after healing.
3. Bone Reshaping: Depending on the correction required, the surgeon will skillfully reposition and reshape the jawbones using specialized tools and techniques.
4. Fixation: Small titanium plates, screws, or wires will be used to secure the repositioned jawbones in their new alignment, facilitating proper healing.
5. Closing Incisions: Once the necessary modifications have been made to the jawbones, the incisions will then be closed using dissolvable sutures, eliminating the need for stitch removal.

Recovery Room: Post-surgery, your condition will be attentively observed in a recuperation area as you gradually awaken from the anesthesia. Pain management protocols will be implemented to ensure your comfort.

The time frame for jaw surgery can shift based on the intricacy involved, with procedures typically spanning two to four hours.

Recovery and Aftercare: Ensuring Optimal Healing

Aftercare following jaw surgery plays a vital role in achieving optimal healing and long-term success. Here are some key factors to consider during the recovery period:

1. Hospital Stay: Subsequent to the operation, a stay of one or two nights at the hospital is standard to ensure immediate care and vigilant supervision during the initial recovery phase.
2. Pain Management: Your healthcare team will prescribe appropriate pain medications to alleviate discomfort during the initial recovery phase.
3. Restricted Diet: Your diet will be limited to soft foods and liquids to avoid exerting excess pressure on the jaw joints. Opt for nutrient-rich options to aid healing.
4. Oral Hygiene: Upholding stringent oral cleanliness is paramount to fend off infections as you recuperate. Follow your surgeon’s instructions on gentle brushing, oral rinses, and keeping the surgical area clean.
5. Swelling and Bruising: Swelling and discoloration are normal occurrences post-jaw surgery. Utilizing ice packs and resting with your head in a raised position can aid in mitigating these symptoms.
6. Follow-up Appointments: Consistent follow-up appointments with your dental surgeon or oral health practitioner are vital to ensure your healing is on track and to manage any potential issues or complications that might surface.

Please consult your healthcare professional or oral surgeon for personalized advice and answers to specific concerns related to your underbite and jaw surgery.

Conclusion: Embracing a Better Bite with Jaw Surgery

Congratulations on making it to the end of our comprehensive guide on jaw surgery for underbite correction. By now, you should have a deeper understanding of underbite causes, surgical treatment options, the recovery process, and long-term care.

Remember, jaw surgery is a transformative procedure that can dramatically improve both your oral health and quality of life. If you believe you may benefit from jaw surgery for underbite correction, consult an experienced oral surgeon or dentist in SW Calgary who can guide you through the process and address your specific needs. Reach our to Renew Dental today!