CORRECTIVE JAW SURGERY

Improved Bite & Misalignment
People who may benefit from corrective jaw surgery include those with an improper bite resulting from misaligned teeth or jaws. In some cases, the upper and lower jaws may grow at different rates. Injuries and congenital disabilities may also affect jaw alignment. While orthodontics usually suffices to correct bite or "occlusion" (when only the teeth are misaligned), corrective jaw surgery may be necessary to correct the misalignment of the jaws.

Fully Informed Treatment Options
Your dentist and Dr. Krupp will work together to determine whether you are a candidate for corrective jaw (orthognathic) surgery. As a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Krupp will determine which corrective jaw surgical procedure is appropriate and perform the actual surgery. It is important to understand that your treatment, which will probably include orthodontics before and after surgery, may take several years to complete. We understand that this is a long-term commitment for you and your family. We will try to estimate the time required for your treatment realistically.
Corrective jaw surgery may reposition all or part of the upper jaw, lower jaw, and chin. When you are fully informed about your case and treatment options, you and your dental team will determine the best treatment course for you.

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Before your surgery, orthodontic braces move the teeth into a new position. At first, you may think your bite is getting worse rather than better. However, the teeth are being repositioned in a way that will fit properly after surgery. When Dr. Krupp adjusts your jaws in surgery, your teeth should fit together correctly.
As your pre-surgical orthodontic treatment nears completion, additional or updated records, including x-rays, pictures, and models of your teeth, may be taken to help guide your surgery.
Depending on the procedure, corrective jaw surgery may be performed under general anesthesia in a hospital, an ambulatory surgical center, or in the oral and maxillofacial surgery office. Surgery may take from one to several hours to complete.
Dr. Krupp will reposition the jawbones according to your specific needs. In some cases, bone may be added, taken away, or reshaped. Surgical plates, screws, wires, and rubber bands may be used to hold your jaws in their new positions. Incisions are usually made inside the mouth to reduce visible scarring; however, some cases require small incisions outside the mouth. When this is necessary, special care is taken to minimize their appearance.
After surgery, your surgeon will provide instructions for a modified diet, which may include solids and liquids, as well as a schedule for transitioning to a normal diet. You may also be asked to refrain from using tobacco products and avoid strenuous physical activity.
Pain following corrective jaw surgery is easily controlled with medication, and patients are generally able to return to work or school from one to three weeks after surgery, depending on how they are feeling. While the initial healing phase is about six weeks, complete healing of the jaws takes between nine and 12 months.

Fully Informed Treatment Options
Corrective jaw surgery moves your teeth and jaws into more balanced, functional, and healthy positions. Although this surgery aims to improve your bite and function, some patients also experience enhancements to their appearance and speech. The results of corrective jaw surgery can have a dramatic and positive effect on many aspects of your life. So make the most of the new you!

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