Freelove Orthodontics

Jaw Surgery in Sammamish and Kent, WA: A Comprehensive Guide

Patient at Freelove Orthodontics

Introduction to Jaw Surgery Orthodontics

What is Jaw Surgery?

Jaw surgery involves a surgical intervention aimed at remedying structural and alignment problems in the jaw and teeth that cannot be corrected through orthodontic solutions alone. Conducted by experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeons upon referral by an orthodontist, this procedure enhances the functional and aesthetic balance of the teeth, jaw, and facial features.  

Purpose of Jaw Surgery

Jaw surgery addresses functional complications while also improving aesthetic appearance for individuals dealing with jaw misalignments. It is often a pivotal step in achieving improved oral health and functionality.  

A doctor examines a woman's neck after jaw surgery orthodontics in Kent or Sammamish, WA, looking for abnormalities, while wearing surgical gloves and a mask in a clinical setting.

Improving Functionality

Addresses difficulties with chewing, swallowing, and speech. 
Lessens discomfort associated with conditions like jaw pain or TMJ disorders.
Can improve issues related to sleep apnea and other breathing problems.

Enhancing Appearance

Improves facial symmetry and proportions. 
Increases self-confidence through a more harmonious facial appearance. 

Importance of Jaw Surgery in Improving Oral Health and Facial Aesthetics

The Role of Jaw Surgery in Oral Health

Misaligned jaws can disrupt daily health and functioning. Jaw surgery resolves:

Chronic oral health problems such as gum disease or uneven tooth wear caused by bite misalignment. 
Long-term oral health concerns like gum disease or excessive tooth wear caused by poor bite alignment.
Structural issues causing sleep apnea or restrictive breathing. 

The Role of Jaw Surgery in Facial Aesthetics

Aligned jaws significantly enhance facial symmetry and profile balance. Adjusting structural issues with jaw surgery leads to:

Better facial proportions and symmetry. 

Malocclusion Correction 

with Jaw Surgery

Malocclusion, or a “bad bite,” results from misalignment of upper and lower teeth, impacting appearance and daily function. Jaw surgery is essential for severe cases.  

Types of Malocclusion

Addressing these issues enhances biting and chewing, speech quality, and facial profile while preventing complications like uneven teeth wear or gum issues.  

Overbite: The upper teeth extend too far over the lower teeth. 
Underbite: The lower teeth project excessively past the upper teeth.
Crossbite: Discrepancy as upper teeth fail to align with lower teeth.
Open bite: A visible gap between the front teeth.

Treatment Methods

Correcting difficult cases usually involves:

Orthodontics: Aligning teeth before the surgery. 
Jaw surgery: Repositioning one or both jaws as needed.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is when airway blockages disrupt breathing during sleep, impacting rest and overall health. Severe cases often benefit from corrective jaw surgery.  

How Jaw Surgery Helps OSA

By repositioning both the upper and lower jaws, the airway space is enlarged, treating the foundational cause of respiratory interruptions. Benefits include:  

Enhanced oxygen circulation during sleep. 
Reduced apnea episodes and snoring.
Greater energy levels and improved health. 

Surgical Techniques

Jaw surgery provides a long-term approach to sleep apnea management, promoting relief and daily resilience. Common methods include:  

Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA): Moves both jaws forward to widen the airway.
Genioglossus Advancement (GA): Repositions the tongue to alleviate airway restrictions. 

Enhancing Facial Aesthetics through Jaw Surgery

Jaw surgery repairs functional problems while refining facial balance and harmony. The aesthetic advantages include: 

Better symmetry: Correcting disproportions between upper and lower facial areas.
Proportional enhancements: Greater definition for the jawline. 
Confidence boost: Many patients report higher self-esteem post-surgery. 

Precision-driven techniques focus on integrating health and appearance, providing comprehensive results.  

Preparing for Jaw Surgery

Preparation is a critical step to ensure optimal results. Patients are typically involved in pre-surgical evaluations, which may include orthodontic work or imaging studies. Steps include:

Consultation with Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

Specialists will assess your structure, offer recommendations, and detail the procedure. 

Orthodontic Treatment: Aligning Teeth Before Surgery

Teeth alignment, often with braces, may be necessary before surgical intervention. 

Conclusion

Orthognathic surgery, often referred to as jaw surgery, plays a crucial role in addressing jaw and facial misalignments. This procedure not only boosts functionality but also refines aesthetics, addressing key health concerns and enhancing overall well-being along with cosmetic benefits.

A doctor wearing blue gloves examines a young man's jaw in a clinical setting post jaw surgery.

Importance of Jaw Surgery

Jaw surgery at Freelove Orthodontics resolves significant misalignments that orthodontic treatments alone cannot correct. Its crucial benefits include:
Enhanced Chewing and Speech: Aligning the jaw properly improves oral functioning, making essential activities more manageable.
Better Breathing: Conditions like sleep apnea that jaw misalignments may contribute to are often improved, increasing airflow and reducing associated health risks.
Chronic Pain Relief: Misaligned jaws often result in persistent discomfort, which jaw surgery alleviates, contributing to an improved quality of life.
Orthodontist in Kent or Sammamish, WA showing a patient something on a tablet. The patient is seated and smiling, wearing a dental bib after a jaw surgery.

Benefits of Jaw Surgery

Choosing jaw surgery at Freelove Orthodontics delivers transformative advantages:
Facial Symmetry Corrections: Proper realignment of the jaw creates a balanced facial appearance.
Improved Oral Health: Correct jaw alignment minimizes tooth damage and lowers the risk of potential dental complications.
Enhanced Quality of Life: Functional and aesthetic improvements from jaw surgery bring greater confidence and ease in everyday routines.

Conclusion

Dr. Cameron Freelove DDS and the team at Freelove Orthodontics are dedicated to transforming smiles and lives in Sammamish and Kent, WA. Ready for a change? Book your free orthodontic consultation today!

FAQ

What makes jaw surgery worth it?

Jaw surgery provides transformative benefits by enhancing essential functions such as chewing, speaking, and breathing, while also improving facial appearance and boosting self-confidence. The surgery typically results in long-term oral health benefits, reducing the likelihood of future complications and significantly elevating overall quality of life.

What is Orthognathic surgery?

Orthognathic surgery, often referred to as corrective jaw surgery, is a procedure aimed at addressing irregularities in the jaw and facial anatomy. This surgery is usually suggested for those experiencing significant misalignment between the upper and lower jaws, which can impact their ability to chew, speak, and breathe effectively. The process involves realigning the jawbones and, in some cases, the bones of the face to enhance both appearance and functionality. By establishing a more balanced and functional facial structure, orthognathic surgery can significantly enhance an individual’s quality of life and self-esteem.