“Specialists like Dr. Osman can correct skeletal deformities”
ORTHOGNATHIC SURGERY
More information
What is orthognathic surgery?
Put simply, orthognathic surgery is corrective jaw surgery. It corrects skeletal and dental irregularities — not just to improve your appearance, but fix functional problems like breathing, chewing and speaking.
During surgery, the jaw bones are modified or repositioned, and set into place with surgical plates and screws. This can only be done by a trained and licensed oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS). Dr. Firas Osman has performed this procedure many times, with successful results.
In many cases, orthognatic surgery is combined with orthodontic treatment.
What conditions can orthognathic surgery correct?
Jaw surgery is recommended in cases where structural problems in the jaw are affecting your appearance and overall health. This can include:
- Difficulty chewing, biting or swallowing
- Chronic jaw or jaw joint (TMJ) pain and headache
- Chronic mouth breathing
- Facial injury and birth defects
- Protruding/receding jaw or chin
- Open bite (or a space between the upper and lower teeth even when you close your mouth)
- Inability to comfortably close the lips
- Sleep apnea and excessive snoring
Depending on the case, the surgery may require repositioning either just the top or lower jaws, or both.
What happens during orthognathic surgery?
Every case is different, and you will be given a clear picture of the course of treatment during your personal consultation. This includes:
- What area and bones of the face will be corrected
- The risks and results given your particular case and medical history
- The expected results
- The length of the surgery, and/or number of surgeries required
- The expected hospital stay and healing time
Will I have a lot of scars or bruising after surgery?
Since most of the incisions are made inside the mouth, the scars will appear as white lines along the gums. As expected from a major surgical procedure, there will be swelling and bruising. You will be given antibiotics and pain medication to prevent infection and discomfort.
What is the average downtime after orthognatic surgery?
This varies according to each case, but in general jaw surgery will require about 5 days of hospitalization. You will be able to move your mouth and be up and about within the first few days, and bruises and swelling subside within a week.
However, recovery time may take up to a month. You will need to adjust your routine and habits to give your body time to heal. During this time, Dr. Firas Osman and his team will be monitoring your progress. You may be asked to come in for weekly check-ups, and later on, come in for follow-up appointments every 3 months.
Why will I need orthodontics after orthognathic surgery?
Orthodontics can help finetune teeth alignment to suit the new position of your jaws. This can take anywhere between 3 to 12 months, depending on your case.