Your jaw plays an important role in your everyday life. However, few people think about their jaw unless there is a problem. If there is a problem, then surgery may be one of your treatment options. Read on as Dr. Marco Ellis, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon, discusses problems that jaw surgery can correct.
Bite Problems
If you have a bite problem that cannot be treated with braces alone, then jaw surgery may be necessary. Common bite problems that can require jaw surgery include overbite, underbite, open bite and crooked bite. Jaw surgery can help with teeth alignment and create a more attractive profile. Orthodontists frequently refer patients to Dr. Ellis when they realize that jaw surgery may be necessary to correct a bite problem.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when your airway is obstructed while you sleep. It can cause loud snoring, fatigue, and headaches. Over time it can lead to more serious health issues. Many patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea try to manage their condition with an airway assistive device. While this device can provide some relief, it does not address physical issues that may be causing the condition. Jaw surgery can help reposition the jaw to relieve airway obstruction.
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jawbone to your skull. The TMJ allows you to do many important things with your mouth, including chewing and talking. A TMJ disorder can cause pain and stiffness, and lead to a lack of mobility. Treatment for a TMJ disorder can include medication, therapy, exercises, an occlusal splint, and/or a mouth guard. A TMJ disorder that does not respond to treatment may require jaw surgery.
Facial Trauma
Sometimes jaw surgery is required for patients who have experienced some sort of facial trauma. Facial trauma is an injury to the face. Jaw surgery may be necessary if the facial trauma involves jaw or face bones that are fractured or broken.
Jaw Abnormalities
A jaw abnormality is a disorder of the jaw. Jaw abnormalities can impact both jaw function and physical appearance. Jaw surgery can help improve jaw function and may relieve issues with chewing, speaking, breathing and mouth closure. Jaw surgery can also address aesthetic concerns related to jaw abnormalities.
Consult with the Expert
Are you ready to take the first step toward getting relief for your jaw-related problems? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Ellis at his Northwestern office to learn more about what he can do for your jaw by calling (312) 695-6022.