June 14, 2022December 7, 2022 by Dr. Adriana Da Silveira

In most cases, problems with your bite and alignment of your teeth can be corrected with dental orthodontic treatment. However, skeletal and dental irregularities aren’t easy to fix even with the latest non-surgical technology. That’s when corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) may be recommended. Corrective jaw surgery will be recommended in order to ensure that your teeth and jaw can at some point be perfectly aligned.

There is a long recovery journey waiting for you when it comes to getting jaw surgery. With plenty of restrictions you’ll need to follow in order to make your recovery as smooth as possible, we can help you during the recovery process. Here at Bee Cave Orthodontics, we work with jaw patients in Bee Caves and around Austin, Texas in order to make sure that your jaw function and muscles are working properly after jaw surgery!

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Who Benefits From Jaw Surgery

Your jaw joints and jaw health play a very important role in your daily life. They ensure healthy oral function such as biting, chewing and handling food. Any type of misalignment can cause excessive wear on your teeth, jaw joints and even affect your ability to breathe. If you are experiencing any of these issues, it might be best to reach out to a jaw specialist. At Bee Cave Orthodontics, our orthodontist Dr. Adriana Da Silveira can diagnose the condition of your jaw and recommend you to multiple qualified jaw surgeons in Central Texas!

Jaw surgery is also known as orthognathic surgery, this surgery helps in aligning your upper jaw (maxilla) and lower jaw (mandible). One of the main problems with jaw surgery patients is that their jaws don’t line up with surgery being their main option. After a thorough examination at our Bee Caves office, we can make an assessment on whether you’re a candidate for orthognathic surgery.

Can Orthodontics Fix My Jaw Issues?

We certainly can in some cases! If we can rule out surgery and come up with a customized orthodontic treatment plan instead, we will definitely recommend that as a possibility. If orthodontic treatment can help solve the problem, that’s where we would start because jaw surgery is an intensive procedure. While braces and Invisalign can successfully align teeth and release some tension, unfortunately your jaw might still be the main issue. That is when we will recommend you see a specilized jaw surgeon.

Common Jaw Problems

Jaw problems can be present at birth or be caused later in life by injuries to the jaw. Medical conditions can also affect your jaw and cause these issues to show up later in life. Here are some common jaw alignment problems you may be experiencing:

Protruding jaw
Chronic TMJ Pain
Lower jaw is too far back
Lower jaw is forward
Teeth don’t meet (Open Bite)
Receding lower jaw or chin
Sleep Apnea
Facial injuries
Birth defects
Bite and Jaw Issues after trauma and car accidents

Issues From a Poorly Aligned Jaw

Chewing problems: Chewing may be stiff or painful when biting into different types of foods.
Breathing problems: Your airways may be narrow or blocked while breathing may be difficult.
Speech problems: Making certain sounds or speaking clearly might be a challenge.

Will You Need Orthodontic Treatment Before Surgery?

You will probably need orthodontic treatment before and after jaw surgery. Orthodontic treatment before this big surgery is to help prepare your teeth for the procedure. Here at Bee Cave Orthodontics, we will help prepare your mouth and teeth for your new jaw. To prepare, our treatment plan may consist of Invisalign or traditional metal braces. Once the surgery is done, it’ll take some time to fully recover. After some time has passed, an orthodontic treatment plan will be created to help guide your jaw to its final proper position.

Tips for a Smooth Jaw Surgery Recovery

The best thing to do after jaw surgery is to avoid any strenuous activities. Make sure that you sped the rest of the day resting at home. Your jaw bones will be wired together and will start trying to recover from the surgery. Any physical activities may cause bleeding so resting is a very important step! You may be able to gradually increase the intensity of your activities. It’s important that at the very beginning though, to limit how much you talk, eat and drink. Recovery after jaw surgery is a long process!

Take It Easy and Rest

Stick to a Strict Food Diet

Since your jaw may be banded shut, you’ll be on a strict liquid diets for a few days to even weeks. During your recovery period, fluids and blended smoothies will be your best friend. It may be very hard to not eat solid foods for a while, but try to have fun when you’re making your smoothies! There are so many smoothie recipes found online so you can change it up whenever you want. When your jaw is no longer wired, you can switch to a soft foods diet. Gradually progress to more solid foods as your jaw is healing. The healing process could take a few months.

Cold Compress for Swelling

Swelling will most likely happen after jaw surgery. To help soothe the welling, apply ice to your jaw for about 30 minutes and then rest for 15 minutes. Keep repeating this until you start feeling better. It’s best to repeat this process for the first 24-48 hours right after surgery.

Elevate Your Head

Other than ice and heat, another good way to reduce facial swelling is to keep your head above your heart. This helps increase and promote proper blood flow. Promoting blood flow will help with reducing the swelling. While recovering from jaw surgery, try to avoid laying flat. Try your best to to sit at an incline to help maintain proper bloodflow. You can use multiple pillows when going to sleep so you can keep your head elevated.

What is the Recovery Time for Jaw Surgery

Every person’s recovery journey will be different! On average, it could take up to a few weeks of recovery before returning to work or school. You can do light exercises while you are recovering such as taking short walks. Always talk to your main healthcare provider before adding any strenuous activities to your daily routine. The jaw healing process is a long one, it could take up to a year before your jaw heals completely.

How Long Will Orthodontic Treatment be After Jaw Surgery?

Orthodontic treatment before and after jaw surgery is important. In most cases, surgery is performed to accompany orthodontic treatment, not the other way around. Jaw surgery helps with your jaw bone alignment, it will not cause your teeth to shift into perfect alignment though! In order to finalize and optimize your jaw health, you will need to do to start orthodontic treatment in order to move your teeth into alignment.

Start Orthodontic Treatment with Bee Cave Orthodontics

At Bee Cave Orthodontics, we want to give you a new smile that stands out from the crowd. After all, your smile is the first thing people notice about you, and the thing they’re most likely to remember, too! That makes orthodontic treatment one of the most important investments you can make for yourself or your family. Our talented team, including Orthodontic expert Dr. Adriana Da Silveira, can be trusted to deliver a beautiful, healthy smile you’ll want to share with everyone around you!

If you’re in Austin, Bee Cave, Lakeway, Spicewood, Westlake, Dripping Springs or the surrounding Central Texas areas, and want to learn more about how orthodontics or Invisalign treatment could benefit you and your family, get in touch with us today! Our FREE consultation makes it easier than ever to take the first step towards the smile you’ve always wanted (and deserve!)