Orthognathic Surgery

Orthognathic surgery is also known as jaw surgery. The procedure fixes skeletal and dental flaws. The primary focus is on misalignments of the jaws and teeth.

When an immediate fix is necessary jaw surgery is usually the best way to do it. The surgery will fix the problem immediately and after a little down time everything will be better.

Same goes for facial or mouth conditions that are too severe for orthodontics alone to fix. Leaving those conditions untreated can lead to chronic problems later in life. It’s better to deal with them than live with them.

Dr. Kuhni can refer you to some of the best maxillofacial surgeons in the state. He will work closely with them to create a plan for your surgery and make sure everything goes according to that plan.

Schedule a Free Consult

Benefits of Orthognathic Surgery

Benefits of orthognathic surgery don’t just include the way your smile looks. Below are a few other benefits:

Helps with sleep apnea
Makes it easier to bite and chew food
Can make it easier to speak
Restores symmetry to the face
Reduces the risk of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)

Improve Overall Oral Function

The main goal of orthognathic surgery is to improve overall oral function. This includes enhancing the ability to chew, speak, and breathe.

It’s particularly beneficial for guests suffering from severe:

Overbites
Underbites
Crossbites
Facial asymmetry

Improve Facial Aesthetics

While jaw surgery primarily fixes major functional issues, it can also boost facial aesthetics. Guests will walk away with a more symmetrical facial appearance.

Jaw Surgery Consultation

The Role of Orthognathic Surgery

Orthognathic surgery plays a pivotal role in fixing problems that extend beyond the scope of conventional expert orthodontic treatments.

While braces can correct many dental concerns, certain structural issues can require more intricate and comprehensive solutions, such as:

Severe bite misalignments
TMJ and other jaw problems
Speech impediments

By addressing both the form and function of the jaw and teeth, this specialized procedure enhances a guest’s overall well-being.

It often involves a group effort between an orthodontist, Dr. Kuhni, and an oral surgeon. At times, other dental and medical professionals can be involved. This collaboration ensures the best treatment possible.

Dr. Kuhni’s Involvement in Orthognathic Surgery

While Dr. Kuhni does not perform orthognathic surgeries himself, he is important to the process.

Dr. Kuhni serves as a critical link:

Identifying potential candidates for orthognathic surgery
Providing pre-surgical orthodontic treatment to prepare the mouth
Overseeing the post-surgical care to refine and maintain surgical results

A seamless partnership between the orthodontist and the surgical team is paramount to the success of orthognathic surgery.

Dr. Kuhni collaborates closely with oral and maxillofacial surgeons to ensure that patients receive comprehensive care that aligns with their specific needs.

Get the Care You Need

Primary Objectives of Orthognathic Surgery

Restoring Proper Bite Alignment
Orthognathic surgery is primarily employed to correct bite misalignments, ensuring that the upper and lower jaws fit together harmoniously. A well-aligned bite enhances chewing efficiency, reduces strain on the jaw muscles, and optimizes dental health.
Enhancing Chewing and Speaking Abilities
Misaligned jaws can impede the ability to chew food properly and articulate speech clearly. Orthognathic surgery addresses these challenges, improving patients' ability to eat comfortably and communicate effectively.
Alleviating Pain from TMJ Disorders
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can cause significant pain and discomfort. Orthognathic surgery can alleviate these symptoms by optimizing the alignment of the jaw joints and reducing stress on the TMJs.
Improving Facial Aesthetics
Beyond functional improvements, orthognathic surgery can significantly enhance facial aesthetics. By repositioning the jaws, it can create better facial balance and proportion, resulting in a more harmonious and confident appearance.

Treatment of Sleep Apnea

Orthognathic surgery extends its benefits beyond dental and facial improvements; it also offers a lifeline to individuals suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

OSA is a sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, leading to poor sleep quality and potential health risks. A key contributor to OSA is the structure of the jaw, as certain jaw configurations can obstruct the airway passage during sleep.

The connection between jaw structure and OSA lies in the positioning of the tongue and other soft tissues in the throat. In cases where the lower jaw is positioned too far back, it can compress the airway, causing breathing difficulties during sleep.

Jaw surgery solves this problem. By repositioning the lower jaw (mandible), forward, the airway passages can be widened. This repositioning helps prevent the collapse of soft tissues in the throat that leads to airway obstruction.

Consequently, patients experience improved airflow during sleep, reducing the frequency of apnea episodes and enhancing overall sleep quality.

Correcting the structural issue that aids sleep apnea through surgery can be a life-changing experience. It offers individuals a long-term solution that not only addresses sleep apnea but also ensures restful sleep.

Correcting Facial Asymmetries

Facial asymmetries can significantly impact an individual’s appearance and self-confidence. These asymmetries may result from:

Congenital conditions
Developmental irregularities
Traumatic injuries

While they can be emotionally distressing, the field of orthognathic surgery excels in addressing these concerns.

Orthognathic surgery involves meticulous planning and customization to correct facial asymmetries effectively. The procedure considers the unique characteristics of each patient’s face, striving to achieve symmetry, balance, and proportion in facial features.

By addressing both functional and aesthetic aspects of facial asymmetry, orthognathic surgery provides patients with the opportunity to regain facial harmony and boost their self-esteem.

Schedule a Free Consult

Recovery and Aftercare

Managing Swelling and Discomfort

Swellings and discomfort are common experiences during the initial recovery phase. Effective management is crucial:

Addressing Swelling and Discomfort: This is expected during the beginning of recovery. With guidance, these symptoms can be managed with cold compresses, prescribed pain medication, and ample rest.

Recognizing Potential Complications: It is essential to recognize signs of potential complications. Be aware of the importance of promptly communicating with doctors if any concerning symptoms arise.

Dietary Adjustments for Healing

Guidance on dietary adjustments is vital for a smooth recovery:

Transitioning Diet: There’s a gradual transition from a liquid diet to soft foods. Avoid consuming hard, chewy, or sticky foods, as these can disrupt the surgical site or damage the hardware used during surgery.

Nutritious Options: Eat nutritious, easy-to-consume food options. These choices support the healing process while ensuring that patients maintain adequate caloric intake and hydration, which is crucial for recovery.

Oral Hygiene Practices Post-Surgery

Oral hygiene practices require modification after jaw surgery:

Modified Oral Hygiene: Use gentle brushing techniques, the potential use of special mouth rinses, and the avoidance of certain areas until cleared by the surgeon or orthodontist.

Critical Role of Oral Hygiene: Proper oral hygiene practices are essential to prevent infection and promote optimal healing of the surgical sites. Patients should understand the significance of adhering to these guidelines.

Long-Term Healing and Follow-Up Care

Long-term healing is a process that requires time and monitoring:

Duration of Healing: While the initial recovery phase may take weeks, complete healing and the full integration of surgical changes can take several months to a year. This underscores the importance of patience during the healing process.

Regular Follow-Up Appointments: These appointments serve multiple purposes, including monitoring healing progress, adjusting orthodontic appliances as needed, and ensuring the stability and success of the surgical outcome.

Ongoing care and collaboration between the orthodontist and surgeon are essential for achieving the desired long-term results.

Schedule a Free Consultation

Encouragement for Individuals with Potential Jaw-Related Concerns

If you or someone you know is experiencing jaw-related concerns, we encourage you to take the first step towards a brighter and more confident future. Don’t hesitate to consult with Dr. Kuhni and the rest of our staff for a comprehensive evaluation.

Early detection and intervention are crucial. By seeking guidance and exploring treatment options, you can pave the way for a journey towards a better life.

Remember, orthognathic surgery is more than just a medical procedure; it’s a life-changing experience that can empower you to:

Smile brighter
Speak clearly
Enjoy confidence

That comes with newfound facial symmetry and bite alignment.

Your path to a transformed life begins with our first consultation, where you take control of your future and embrace the possibilities that orthognathic surgery has to offer.