At Mercer Island Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, we often see patients whose jaws are improperly sized, misaligned, or otherwise in need of adjustment. These oral health concerns can lead not only to aesthetic problems but also to functional ones, impairing chewing, breathing, and more.

No matter the underlying cause of your jaw malformations, our practice can offer full rehabilitation through corrective jaw surgery. We invite you to learn more about the options for corrective jaw procedures in Mercer Island, WA.

Do I Need Corrective Jaw Surgery?

For patients with extreme unevenness of the jaw, the need for treatment may be self-evident. For more subtle problems, the symptom can be a little more challenging to identify. If your orthodontist has suggested jaw surgery as part of your orthodontic plan, we welcome you to make an appointment for an evaluation at Mercer Island Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

The Benefits of Corrective Jaw Surgery

One of the reasons why our board-certified oral surgeon, Dr. Streelman, loves providing patients with corrective jaw surgery is that he knows it can make a world of difference in their quality of life, restoring both the aesthetics and the functionality of the smile. Mercer Island Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery helps provide this life-changing care for patients from Mercer Island, Bellevue, and Issaquah in a safe and comfortable manner.

Some specific benefits of corrective jaw surgery include:

Improved Ability to Eat

By correcting misalignment of the jaws, you can make eating and chewing much more efficient and comfortable.

Protection for Your Teeth

Misalignment of the jaws can lead to the premature breakdown of your teeth. Surgical intervention may help you preserve your smile.

Corrected Speech

Sometimes, jaw problems make it uncomfortable or even impossible to speak clearly. A surgical intervention often provides a remedy.

Pain Relief

When your teeth don’t fit together properly, it can lead to chronic pain. Corrective jaw surgery may help to alleviate this pain.

Different Kinds of Jaw Surgery

There are a number of different jaw surgeries addressing a range of different pathologies. When you join us at our practice for a consultation, we will talk with you further about the type of surgery or surgeries that are right for you. Some examples of different corrective jaw procedures include:

  • Maxillary osteotomy. Performed on the upper jaw, this surgery helps to correct issues such as crossbites and open bites. It involves the upper jaw and teeth being moved into better alignment with the lower jaw.
  • Mandibular osteotomy. For those who need a protruding or receding lower jaw to be addressed, this is often the ideal choice in terms of surgery. In this procedure, the surgeon moves the lower jaw relating it properly to the upper jaw.
  • Genioplasty. This surgery helps correct a chin that is either too small or that is misaligned in relation to the lower jaw.

With questions about these specific procedures, reach out to Mercer Island Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery any time.

Does Corrective Jaw Surgery Hurt?

Often, patients want to know if their surgical procedure will cause them discomfort. The short answer is no: Mercer Island Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery focuses on patient comfort at all times. Dr. Streelman provides general anesthesia in a hospital or surgery center setting as part of your corrective jaw surgery experience. His skill helps you stay comfortable during the procedure. While some soreness may be expected during the postoperative recovery, this discomfort can be managed with either over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers.

Does Insurance Cover Corrective Jaw Surgery?

Another common question is whether insurance will cover the cost of a jaw procedure. Different policies can vary, and we would always recommend checking with your specific insurance carrier before having a procedure. Generally speaking, if the jaw surgery is intended to correct a functional problem (not just an aesthetic one), insurance may offer some assistance.

Recovery from Jaw Surgery

To make a full recovery from jaw surgery, you can expect about 6 weeks. For most patients, the worst of the pain subsides within a week and can be managed with medication.

How Long Should I Take Off Work?

To guarantee a full, expedient recovery, it is important to allow your body plenty of time to rest. Ideally, this means taking at least two weeks off from work and at least a month off from vigorous exercise and strenuous physical activity.

Get Corrective Jaw Surgery in Mercer Island, WA

Misalignment of the jaw can lead to a number of unwanted complications. Get the treatment you need from a skilled and experienced oral surgeon serving Mercer Island, Bellevue, and Issaquah. To schedule a consultation, please reach out to Mercer Island Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at your next opportunity.