What Exactly is Jaw Surgery?
Jaw surgery is designed to correct bone structure misalignment and growth abnormalities of the Jaw. The majority of people will not need to make use of a surgery to correct bone structure issues. Orthodontics is a viable option for many young and old. Like any surgery, Facial Surgery carries risks of complications so a consultation with a trusted and knowledgeable physician is a must, to determine all your available options. Preparing for possible surgery will take a team of professionals to determine the correct approach to correct your facial jaw bone abnormalities from speech therapist, maxillofacial surgeons, orthodontist and possibly more physicians may need be consulted. Since this type of surgery is preformed with the patient totally anesthetized and unconscious and may involve sawing or chiseling bone serious consideration is necessary.
Candidates for Jaw Surgery
Let’s examine several conditions affecting the facial jaw bones to determine who would make a candidate for this type of surgery.
Temporomandibular Joints disorder or otherwise known as TMJ disorder, this conditions is named after the jaw bone that connects to the temporal bone and the mandibular. TMJ disorder may cause the sufferer to experience jaw pain or the inability to close or open the jaws to the full extent. Determining the cause of TMJ disorder is not always easy because it can be caused by a number of factors. TMJ could be genetic or from a jaw injury. The causes really are hard to determine. However, this condition can cause pain. The pain can usually be managed by self-treatment. In extreme cases, patients have received relief from TMJ through surgery.
Sleep apnea is a condition which causes the sufferer to experience pauses in breathing during sleep. The lack of a good night’s rest can lead to tiredness during the waking hours. Also, headaches can be associated with the misalignment of the teeth. Many have found relief through surgery after exhausting self-treatment therapies.
Adult Braces
More than merely straightening teeth, Braces can correct various oral misalignment such as under-bites and over-bites, malocclusion, crooked teeth, and various other dental afflictions of the teeth and jaw. So, before recommending surgery an Orthodontist can review your condition and determine if Adult Braces are a viable option instead of a surgical procedures.
Brace Options, Braces come is various materials such Metal, Invisible clear ceramic or polycarbonate. Metal braces are a more permanent fixture to your teeth. Whereas, invisible aligners offer a more attractive look because the aligners are less obvious. The benefit of Metal braces are the sturdiness and ability to correct more dental conditions then aligners. Invisible aligners are a great choice, because they are removable and make wearing braces less noticable. A consultation with an Orthodontist will help you determine which option is the best fit for you.
Surgery vs. Braces
The dental misalignment or dental problem you may be experiencing and, or course, the seriousness of the condition will determine whether Braces or Surgery is the best option for you. Of course, your Dentist and/or Orthodontist will provide sufficient medical advise and information needed for your consideration. However, the ultimate decision is up to you. The worst decision to make is to simply do nothing, because dental problems can have serious effects upon your body. Suffering with dental issues is no fun eating, smiling and speech are only a few functions that can be effected by a misalignment or more serious ailment. Most dental consultations are free so it is just a matter of taking time out of your busy schedule. Never procrastinate when it comes to resolving your health. Correcting dental problems can greatly enhance your quality of life.