Jaw (Maxillofacial) surgery is a procedure performed on the upper or lower jaw (or both) to correct various dental and skeletal irregularities. The purpose of this reconstructive surgery is to give the chin a more balanced and functional position. The malocclusion surgery is performed by plastic surgeons, who also work with a dentist or orthodontist.
What is Malocclusion (Misaligned Jaw) ?
Malocclusion meaning can be linked to the medical term for jaws that do not fit and not aligned together properly. To define malocclusion, it can be said that the problem is caused by a congenital defect, an injury, or simply not developing the jaw correctly. Although most people do not have any surgical problems with their jaws, misalignment may rarely require surgery.
Under normal conditions, when the person closes his mouth, the upper teeth sit a little above the lower teeth and the tips of the molars fit into the depression of the opposite molar. If the jaws are misaligned, the upper teeth can protrude beyond the lower teeth, which is referred to as “overbite” or a “deep bite”.
Also, a “Deep bite” is caused by the lower teeth protruding beyond their upper teeth. Sometimes the upper teeth may even descend to one side of the lower teeth or do not touch at all. Surgery can correct this to improve your appearance and prevent excessive wear on your teeth.
Is Jaw Surgery the Only Way to Correct the Problem of Overbite?
The answer to this question depends on the severity of the overbite. Only an experienced plastic surgeon can decide whether the condition requires malocclusion surgery or not. It can also help to understand the various treatment approaches used for bite correction.
Mild ‘Overbite’ Problem Can Be Corrected Without Malocclusion Surgery
The mild overbite where the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth by 3 to 5 mm can usually be corrected non-surgically. A variety of malocclusion orthodontic appliances can be used to assist in repositioning the lower jaw. For example, other patients may require Orthodontic bonded retainers, bite plates, archwires, caps, or coil springs and sometimes braces and rubbers can be used for many mild overbites. These correction methods are done by an orthodontist.
Jaw Surgery Is The Most Effective Method For the Correction of Significant Overbite
If the upper teeth are more than a few millimeters above the lower teeth and a significant improvement is desired, jaw surgery will most likely be necessary to correct this problem because malocclusion orthodontic treatments cannot completely correct important overbite problems.
To correct moderate to severe jaw misalignment, the oral surgeon separates the bone behind the lower jaw so it can be pulled forward. After the bone is surgically replaced, it is fixed in place with special plates and screws. This type of surgery can usually be performed with incisions made inside the mouth. Most patients who have overbite surgeries leave very little visible scarring after healing.
What Causes Malocclusion?
Some of the most common causes of malocclusion include:
Genetics: Genetics can play a significant role in the development of malocclusion. If a child inherits certain traits from their parents, such as a small jaw or crowded teeth, they may be more prone to developing malocclusion.
Thumb Sucking: Prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use can cause the teeth to shift out of position, leading to malocclusion.
Early Loss of Baby Teeth: If baby teeth are lost too early, permanent teeth may shift into the empty spaces, causing malocclusion.
Injury: Trauma to the face or jaw can cause malocclusion.
What Are Typical Symptoms of Malocclusion?
Malocclusion symptoms, or an improper alignment symptoms of the teeth and jaws, can occur in a variety of ways include:
Crowded Teeth: When the teeth are not properly aligned, they may overlap or become crowded, causing difficulty with brushing and flossing.
Overbite or Underbite: An overbite occurs when the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth too much, while an underbite occurs when the lower teeth overlap the upper teeth. Both can cause problems with chewing and speaking.
Crossbite: It occurs when the teeth are misaligned in such a way that the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth when the mouth is closed. This can cause difficulty with biting and chewing. Correcting crossbite can cure some of the significant problems.
Jaw Pain or Clicking: It can cause strain on the jaw muscles and joints, leading to pain or clicking when opening and closing the mouth.
Speech Difficulties: Malocclusion can affect the way the tongue and mouth move during speech, leading to difficulties with pronunciation and enunciation.
Headaches: Malocclusion can cause headaches due to the strain on the jaw and facial muscles.
How to Fix Malocclusion?
As malocclusion treatment, corrective jaw surgery is usually performed to correct functional problems because an uneven jaw can cause chronic pain or discomfort, and uneven excessive load on the teeth. Overbite can often affect bodily functions such as biting, chewing, and in some cases normal breathing.
A protruding lower jaw usually gives the person a classic bulldog appearance, while the opposite can cause people to look like they have a “weak jaw”, or even an almost non existing chin. Orthognathic surgery can greatly improve the facial appearance by correcting these aesthetic and functional defects.
Which Overbite Correction Method Is The Most Suitable For You?
If the teeth do not fit properly, people may have problems in chewing, speaking and breathing. If these problems are not cured, overbite will cause people to look old, as the lower half of the face may eventually start to look tired and tense.
Each patient’s overbite problem is different, so no one-size-fits-all approach is used for correction and surgery. Some patients require both surgical and orthodontic treatments. In this condition, the patient should talk to the orthodontist and jaw surgeon.
During the consultation, the jaw surgeon will use x-rays, computer imaging techniques, and three-dimensional models to assess the severity of your overbite. This technology can also be used to demonstrate how jaw surgery corrects a biting problem.
How Should You Care for Your Jaw After Treatment?
Corrective jaw surgery is a highly invasive procedure, so there is a recovery period that can take up to 12 weeks. During this period, you need to be gentle with your mouth by eating only soft foods and avoiding anything sticky.
You will also need to clean your teeth and gums well and take care of them perfectly. If you neglect to do these, bacteria that infect the area may appear. Finally, if you smoke, you have to quit. Braces solve many problems, but sometimes they are not enough. Corrective jaw surgery can resolve many problems, including an overbite or protruding lower jaw.
Jaw (Maxillofacial) surgery is a procedure performed on the upper or lower jaw (or both) to correct various dental and skeletal deformities. The purpose of the orthognathic procedure is to give the chin a more balanced look and enhanced functionality . The surgery is performed by plastic surgeons, who also work along with a dentist or orthodontist.
Malocclusion FAQs
What Are the Most Common Types of Malocclusion?
The most common malocclusion types include crowded teeth, overbite teeth, underbite teeth, and crossbite teeth.
Can Malocclusion Be Fixed Without Braces?
In some cases, teeth malocclusion can be corrected without braces through the use of clear aligners or other malocclusion orthodontic appliances. However, more severe cases may require braces or other treatment options.
Is Malocclusion Hereditary?
Malocclusion can be hereditary. If a child inherits certain traits from their parents, such as a small jaw or crowded teeth, they may be more prone to developing malocclusion.
How Does Malocclusion Affect Oral Health?
It can cause a number of oral health issues, such as difficulty chewing and speaking, increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease, and jaw pain or clicking.
At What Age Should Malocclusion Be Treated?
It can be treated at any age, but it is often recommended to begin malocclusion treatment during childhood or adolescence when the teeth and jaws are still developing. However, adults can also undergo malocclusion orthodontic treatment to correct the problem.
Can I Prevent Malocclusion?
While some cases of dental malocclusion are hereditary and cannot be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing it. These include avoiding prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use, practicing good oral hygiene, and seeking early treatment for dental issues.
What Can I Expect If I Have Malocclusion?
If you have malocclusion of teeth, you may experience a range of symptoms, such as crowded teeth, overbite or underbite, crossbite, jaw pain or clicking, and speech difficulties. Your dental professional may recommend malocclusion orthodontic treatment to correct your problems, which can include braces, clear aligners, or other appliances.
Treatment times can vary depending on the severity of your issues and the chosen treatment method. It is important to follow your dental professional’s recommendations for treatment and maintain good oral hygiene habits throughout the process.
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