Tips to Help You Prepare for Corrective Jaw Surgery
At Dr. Ross Taddeo Orthodontics, we aim to provide top-notch, compassionate care tailored to each patient's needs. Whether you need braces, retainers, Invisalign, or even corrective jaw surgery, Dr. Taddeo offers quality solutions. If you're a candidate for corrective jaw surgery, we can provide tips to help you prepare for the procedure.
What Is Corrective Jaw Surgery?
Corrective jaw surgery realigns the jaw to improve the function, balance, and appearance of your jaw. It is typically recommended for people who have severe misalignment that affects how they bite, talk, or breathe. Mild cases can be corrected with braces or Invisalign. However, for severe cases, corrective jaw surgery is the only solution.
Who Is Eligible for Corrective Jaw Surgery?
Corrective jaw surgery is often needed for people whose daily lives are affected by their severe jaw misalignment. This could mean difficulty speaking, chewing, or even breathing. In each case, though, surgical intervention can restore function and balance to their jaws. Some people who could benefit from jaw surgery include the following:
People With Severe Bite Issues
If you have a severe underbite, overbite, or crossbite that can't be corrected with braces, you may need corrective jaw surgery.
People Who Have Difficulty Chewing or Swallowing
A severely misaligned jaw can make it difficult to chew or swallow food. Surgical intervention can help restore function to your jaw.
People Suffering From Chronic Jaw Pain
At times, problems like pain in the jaw, clicking sounds, or the jaw getting stuck are linked to issues with its structure. Surgery to correct the jaw can help bring back balance.
People With Sleep Apnea
A recessed jaw can restrict your airway, causing sleep apnea. Surgery can realign your jaw, opening up your airways and allowing you to breathe better at night.
People With Facial Asymmetry
If your jaw doesn't align evenly when you close your mouth, you may need jaw surgery to restore balance.
People Struggling With Speech Disorders
A misaligned jaw can cause speech impediments, making it difficult to pronounce specific words properly. Corrective surgery can restore function to your jaw.
Tips to Help You Prepare for Corrective Jaw Surgery
There are certain steps you can take to ensure your surgery is more manageable. Here are some tips to help you prepare for the procedure:
Follow Any Pre-Surgery Instructions
Our East Orlando orthodontist will give specific instructions to follow before the surgery. These include medications and foods to avoid. It's important to follow these instructions closely.
Buy Soft Foods
Since you will need time for your jaw to recover, stock up on soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies, and soups.
Take Time Off
Recovery usually takes a few weeks, so take time off from work or school to allow yourself a full recovery.
How Our East Orlando Orthodontist Can Correct Your Jaw
- Pre-surgery treatment: Before surgery, our orthodontist in Orlando will use braces to move your teeth so they're better positioned once your jaw has been realigned.
- Surgery: During surgery, your jawbone will be repositioned using plates and screws.
- Post-surgery: After surgery, Dr. Taddeo may need to further fine-tune your bite.
Need corrective jaw surgery? Contact Dr. Taddeo, an orthodontist in Orlando, for a consultation.