Should you have jaw surgery? Here's when surgery is recommended.
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What is jaw surgery?
Orthognathic surgery is a surgical procedure designed to correct jaw imbalances when orthodontics alone is no longer sufficient. It can improve chewing, speech, facial appearance, and even breathing. In this article, we explore the main situations in which this surgery is indicated, explaining technical terms such as Angle classes and sharing factual data to help you better understand your diagnosis.
Why consider such an operation?
Functional reasons
- Chewing or speech difficulties
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain
- Obstructive sleep apnea
Aesthetic reasons
- Receding chin or overly prominent jaw
- Asymmetrical face
20% of adults followed in orthodontics present an imbalance requiring surgery - (Proffit et al., 2007).
Angle classes: understanding your diagnosis
Class I – Normal occlusion
The molars are well positioned. Dental alignment may be imperfect, but there is no major skeletal discrepancy. Surgery is rarely indicated.
Class II – Mandibular Retrognathia
The lower jaw is recessed. This creates a receding chin and can lead to functional problems. Surgery may be recommended to advance the mandible.
Class III – Mandibular Prognathism
The lower jaw is too far forward, causing a reverse occlusion. This situation is often corrected by bimaxillary surgery (mandibular retraction and/or maxillary advancement).
Approximately 5% of the European population has severe class III - (Guyot et al., 2014).
Situations where orthognathic surgery is indicated
Misaligned jaws
When the jaws are not aligned, chewing becomes difficult and the teeth can wear down prematurely.
Facial asymmetry
An imbalance in jaw growth can cause facial asymmetry. Surgery can restore symmetry.
Obstructive sleep apnea
In some patients, jaw advancement can widen the airways and reduce apnea episodes. According to the SFRMS, sleep apnea affects 4% of women and 8% of men.
Problems with chewing, speaking or swallowing
These functions can be disrupted by an unstable occlusion. Surgery can restore proper oral coordination.
Temporomandibular joint disorders
Chronic pain or joint blockages may sometimes require skeletal correction.
Congenital malformations or trauma
Cleft lip and palate or poorly healed fractures can be surgically treated to restore function and aesthetics.
What is the process before and after the operation?
- Consultation with orthodontist and surgeon
- Pre-operative orthodontics (6 to 26 months)
- Surgery under general anesthesia
- Immediate convalescence (15 critical days)
- Post-operative orthodontic follow-up (6 to 12 months)
Enjoy your recovery: The Maxillofacial Recovery
Post-operative recovery can be demanding. Maxillofacial Recovery is a turnkey kit containing:
- 15 essential products (nutrition, hygiene, comfort, well-being)
- A recipe booklet adapted for a liquid diet
- Access to the private Facebook group New Jaws, New Life
Discover Maxillofacial Recovery: https://maxillofacialrecovery.com/
Follow our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/MaxillofacialRecovery
What results can we expect?
A study published in the Journal of Craniofacial Surgery (2019) reveals that more than 90% of patients are satisfied with their surgery, with a reduction in joint pain in 75% of cases .
Conclusion
Orthognathic surgery is an effective solution for correcting skeletal abnormalities that affect function, appearance, and sometimes health. If a professional has recommended this procedure, it is essential to fully understand your diagnosis, ask questions, and surround yourself with an experienced team. Being well-informed and supported will help you make a more confident decision.
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Sources:
- Proffit WR et al., “Orthodontic treatment need and demand”, J Oral Maxillofac Surg, 2007.
- Guyot L et al., “Prevalence of skeletal Class III malocclusion”, Eur J Orthod, 2014.
- French Society for Sleep Research and Medicine – www.sfrms-sommeil.org
- Kim Y et al., “Changes in quality of life after orthognathic surgery”, Journal of Craniofacial Surgery, 2019.
