Jaw Surgery is one of the treatment methods to correct problems in individuals with abnormalities in their bite, shape, and proportion of the jawbone, which result in abnormal facial appearance, such as a protruding or abnormally long chin, a short chin that looks chinless, a round and short face, asymmetrical left and right sides of the face, upper front teeth protruding and long causing the mouth not to close properly, or excessive gum display when smiling.
In patients with mild or less severe conditions, orthodontic treatment may still be helpful. However, if the severity is high, it cannot be corrected by orthodontics alone and requires jaw surgery as well.
Typically, treatment begins with orthodontics to align the teeth properly, achieve a level bite, avoid crowding, and ensure the teeth tilt appropriately with the jaw base. Generally, this orthodontic phase takes 1-2 years, but in complex cases, it may take longer than 2 years. After that, jaw surgery is performed, which improves the bite and significantly enhances the facial appearance.
Once the patient has recovered from jaw surgery, with pain subsided, swelling reduced, and normal mouth opening restored, the final treatment phase begins, which is orthodontics to refine all details. This phase takes about 4-8 months. The total treatment time usually ranges from 2 to 2.5 years.
Frequently Asked Questions about Jaw Surgery
Q: Can jaw surgery be avoided because of fear of surgery and pain?
A: It is possible in some cases. Some cases may appear to require surgery at first glance, but with careful consideration and trying the best orthodontic methods, the patient’s appearance may improve. The key is communication between the doctor and patient to ensure mutual understanding of the results from orthodontics alone, whether the patient is satisfied with that, and what results can be expected if surgery is combined. This can be compared with other patients who have completed surgery or by using computer graphics based on the patient’s own images to show how the face will look after surgery before deciding on the treatment method.
Q: What are the complications from jaw surgery?
A: Pain and swelling are normal after surgery and will subside over time. Appropriate pain medication helps the patient endure this unpleasant period without suffering. In cases of lower jaw surgery, numbness of the lower lip is common because the surgical line is along the path of the sensory nerve. However, the numbness of the lower lip will gradually improve on its own.
Q: After jaw surgery, will the bone at the cut site be as strong as before?
A: The bone at the cut site will repair itself and return to normal strength within a few months. After one year, the cut line will fade and become unnoticeable.
Q: How long does recovery take after surgery?
A: Recovery time varies depending on the type of treatment and the patient’s ability to heal. Generally, patients stay in the hospital for about 3-5 days and then continue recovery at home for another 7-10 days before they are ready to return to work or school.
Q: How long does swelling last?
A: Generally, after 2 weeks, swelling reduces to a minimal level that is not easily noticeable to others. However, additional time is needed for the remaining swelling to fully subside and for excess tissue to tighten.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
Dental Center, Phyathai Nawamin Hospital
