Maintaining oral health can be achieved by flossing, teeth brushing and regular visits to the dentist. Practicing these habits will help with oral and general health overall. Although developing such habits may increase oral health, not all problems associated with jaw and oral health can be solved by habits alone. In such serious cases often the use of orthodontics and/or jaw surgery may be employed.

Jaw abnormalities can be generalized by referring to any anomaly of the jaw's bone structure. These may include: asymmetrical structure, structural deficiency or excess growth. Often patients with jaw abnormalities will experience a disruption in routine activities making day-to-day life frustrating and uncomfortable. In order to correct the problem various types of treatment are prescribed to the patient.

Typically prescribed first is orthodontics. Orthodontic use is proposed first as it is the least invasive solution and has a high success rate for jaw correction. In most cases a regime of 1-2 years of utilizing orthodontics is needed to adequately correct the problem. Orthodontics are more commonly known as braces; describing the interaction of brackets and wires that brace against jaw growth and movement in order to place it in a desired position.

Patients obtain regular adjustments to the orthodontics and will be assessed after an allotted time has elapsed. Retainers, mouth guards, headgear or removable bite plates may be given to patients as a maintenance measure. Following the elimination of the braces, these temporary mouth pieces are usually prescribed for 6 month intervals depending on the physician's recommendation and severity of the case. It is up to the doctor's discretion as to the length of time necessary to wear the pieces depending on the severity of the case or the results of the orthodontic regiment.



Due to the delicate nature of any surgical procedure, physicians are thorough and careful in their preparation. In advance of surgery, extensive planning sessions are scheduled for each patient. Expectations, preparation, recovery time and follow-up appointments are discussed at length. Bite impressions are taken and often study models are created based on the patient in order to properly map the surgical procedure and allow the physician to 'perform the surgery' on the test model before performing on the patient.

Numerous oral physicians are choosing to employ the use of digital advancements to create unique treatment plan for each patient. The durability and reliability of the treatment is further enhanced by the use of titanium plates and miniature screws. Recovery time is reduced as a result.

For the procedure a general anesthetic is utilized while the patient's jaw is fractured and repositioned to correct the issues. The actual jaw of the patient is fractured and reset in the desired position in order to correct the abnormalities. A typical surgery time is 3 to 6 hours with an expected discharge after a week.

A specific recovery plan is laid out by the oral physician after the surgery including: a prescription of antibiotics, painkillers, mouthwashes and a list of restrictions.

Having surgery for any reason is a difficult decision to make but jaw corrective surgery in conjunction with orthodontic care is a highly successful treatment for those suffering from jaw abnormalities. Surgery makes it probable to enhance a patient's quality of life in daily routines, through esthetics and by eliminating other difficulties associated with having a jaw abnormality. Every patient is different and is treated for their unique circumstances. Whether or not surgery is necessary, patients will be guided through an intensive process where they will be given the information necessary to make an intelligent decision regarding oral treatment options best for his/her case.

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