When your jaws are out of alignment, it can impact your entire smile, hindering appearance and compromising self-confidence. Jaw problems can also result in chronic pain or even functional limitations, including difficulties chewing, speaking, and even airway restrictions. Dr. Bennett is highly experienced in performing corrective surgical jaw procedures, providing our patients with full functional and aesthetic restoration. Glacial Sands OMS provides corrective jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, in the Chesterton, IN community.
What Types of Problems Does Jaw Surgery Fix?
Patients may require corrective jaw surgery for various reasons. The most common reason why patients seek jaw surgery is malocclusion, which basically means their jaws are misaligned and their bite does not fit correctly. Some examples of common malocclusions include:
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Open bite
- Maxillary or mandibular asymmetry
- Narrow or restricted palate
Although less common, we also see many patients who need jaw surgery to improve their airways and address obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Our Advanced Technology
Glacial Sands OMS prioritizes patient safety with advanced technology in individualized treatment plans. Utilizing 3D imaging enhances diagnoses, while Platelet Rich Fibrin promotes faster healing. Explore our integrated, regenerative patient care.
Our Process for Corrective Jaw Surgery
The specifics of corrective jaw surgery can vary according to the patient’s needs, but generally speaking, here is what patients can expect when they join us at Glacial Sands OMS for a jaw procedure.
The First Steps
One of the most important steps in the process is meeting with Dr. Bennett for a consultation. During this appointment, she will evaluate the teeth, face, and jaw and carefully review 3-D scans and other medical images. Based on this evaluation, along with questions about medical history, Dr. Bennett will confirm each patient’s eligibility for safe, successful jaw surgery.
For most patients who receive jaw surgery, orthodontic intervention is also needed. At Glacial Sands, we are happy to collaborate with referring orthodontists throughout Chesterton, IN and surrounding areas.
The Surgery
Patient comfort is one of our top priorities at Glacial Sands OMS, which is why we always talk with our patients about anesthesia options in advance of their surgery. We will provide a way for you to have your surgery completed with safety, comfort, and as expediently as possible.
Jaw surgeries are always performed in a sterile operating room and may take a few hours to complete. Most jaw surgery patients are discharged within 24 hours and sent home with full instructions for rest and recovery.
Recovery Phase
Following jaw surgery, it is important to stick to a diet of liquids and soft foods. Most patients are cleared to resume their normal diet within four to six weeks.
Dr. Bennett generally advises patients to take two weeks off following their jaw surgery, allowing plenty of time to rest and heal. After a couple of weeks, patients may feel ready to return to work but should not participate in strenuous exercise or heavy lifting. Most patients are released to all normal activities after about six weeks.
During the recovery, patients will have two to three follow-up visits to ensure proper healing. Additionally, they will have appointments with the orthodontist to coordinate further care, bringing the teeth into natural alignment for a confident and functional smile.
While some pain is to be expected in the early days of your recovery, this is usually very easy to manage with over-the-counter medications. Prescription pain medications are also available according to the patient’s needs.
Excellence in Corrective Jaw Surgery in Chesterton, IN
Misalignment of the jaw can make life hard, but corrective surgery offers full functional and aesthetic restoration. At our practice, we have ample experience performing jaw surgery while keeping patients safe and comfortable. To learn more about corrective jaw surgery in Chesterton, IN, contact our practice to schedule a consultation.
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