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Orthognathic Surgery In Atlanta.

If your jaw causes you problems eating and speaking, or you feel pain in the area while doing basic things, your nerves are trying to communicate with you, and you need to listen. Once you’re listening, schedule an appointment with your orthodontist to discuss your pain. They’ll look at your jaw and offer advice on the best steps to take from here. If the problem is severe enough, be prepared for the possibility that they may recommend orthognathic jaw surgery. But what is orthognathic surgery?

Become a Patient

What Is Orthognathic Surgery?

Orthognathic surgery is a series of treatments rather than one event. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it’s a process that includes prep for jaw surgery, the actual surgery, recovery, and post-surgery treatments for up to a year. Essentially, this surgery will help correctly align your upper and lower jaw, improving how they work and your facial appearance.

When considering orthognathic jaw surgery, it’s important to understand what it entails fully. Your dental care provider should explain their recommendations to fix your problem, considering any goals you may have in mind. Their recommendations will also consider your overall health and any concerns your condition has raised. Remember that it’s a lengthy process; come prepared to the consultation with questions.

How Much Does It Cost?

A nationwide survey conducted by RealSelf determined that the average cost of all jaw surgery types is $16,650, with complex procedures ranging upwards of $50,000. The severity of your issues is a significant factor in orthognathic surgery cost; the bigger the problem, the bigger the cost. In some cases, your surgery will be covered by insurance if functional issues can be documented and there are no exclusions on your insurance plan. Other factors that affect your surgery’s cost include:

  • Geographic location
  • Surgeon’s fee
  • Hospital or surgical facility costs
  • Anesthesia fees
  • Prescriptions for medication
  • Medical tests

Benefits Of Orthognathic Surgery.

Generally, jaw problems are present at birth or are caused later in life by an injury or medical condition. Examples of jaw problems caused by injuries or medical conditions include facial fractures, obstructive sleep apnea, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, cysts or tumors, and growth disturbances. Jaw surgery may be the right option if you have problems that cannot be resolved through orthodontics alone. Orthognathic surgery can produce lifelong results and may help:

  • Improve chewing, swallowing, biting, and speaking
  • Correct problems with swallowing or speech
  • Minimize excessive wear and breakdown of the teeth
  • Correct bite fit or jaw closure issues
  • Cleft lip and palate
  • Pierre Robin sequence
  • Improve sleep
  • Correct facial asymmetry (such as small chins, underbites, overbites, and crossbites)
  • Improve lip closure
  • Relieve temporomandibular joint pain
  • Repair facial injury or congenital disabilities
  • Provide relief for obstructive sleep apnea
  • Improve self-esteem

Before And After Orthognathic Surgery.

The first step in your jaw surgery journey is scheduling a consultation. You’ll meet our team at your initial consultation, learn more about the process, receive a complete exam, and determine which treatment options suit you. During this time, we’ll:

  • Review your dental and medical history forms
  • Provide a complete oral exam, with X-rays, to determine whether treatment is necessary
  • Help you create a customized treatment plan
  • Discuss all financial information, insurance options, and payment plans

The orthognathic surgery before-and-after timeline will vary, but it will be lengthy, potentially taking up to three years to complete. To prepare, your orthodontist will put braces on your teeth for 12–18 months. This is to ensure your teeth are correctly aligned ahead of time. Aside from braces, a lot of work goes into preparations. Tests and steps your care provider may take include X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, teeth and jaw photographs, teeth impressions for a dental model, and additional scans. In some instances, if your teeth fit together in a way they shouldn’t, they may need to be reshaped, covered with crowns, or both; they may also be removed.

In the immediate days preceding your jaw surgery, your provider may restrict your food and liquid intake to only those you don’t need to chew. It’s important to note that orthognathic surgery requires general anesthesia, which may be affected by your diet. Consult with your doctor to ensure you’re doing everything right, leading up to your admittance to the hospital. You may be required to stay overnight for up to four days for monitoring. After the orthognathic surgery, braces will again be put on until healing and alignment are complete.

Orthognathic Surgery Recovery Process.

Orthognathic surgery recovery varies, but most people take about six weeks at home before resuming normal activities. Light exercise may be possible—check with your doctor first. Post-op instructions often include oral hygiene, avoiding tobacco and strenuous activity, taking pain meds, and guidance on returning to work.

Eating normally isn’t advised; stick to smoothies, bone broths, and juices to maintain nutrition. Expect pain, swelling, difficulty eating, and adjusting to facial changes. Full healing typically takes 12 weeks, though in severe cases, it may take up to a year.

Orthognathic Surgery In Atlanta.

For over 45 years, Atlanta Orthodontic Specialists has been the trusted name in orthognathic surgery and orthodontic care in Atlanta. Our family-friendly, state-of-the-art practice is staffed by highly trained professionals and led by doctors with unmatched clinical experience in Georgia. Atlanta Orthodontic Specialists has been at the forefront of treatment innovation, introducing Atlanta to SureSmile 20 years ago—benefiting over 2,000 patients—and also offers advanced options like Invisalign® to ensure faster, more effective results with fewer visits. We also treat patients with Down Syndrome and who are on the Autism spectrum.

If you’re considering orthognathic surgery, make Atlanta Orthodontic Specialists your first call. From diagnostics to aftercare, our team will guide you through every step with exceptional care and expertise. Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward your best smile.

Our Reputation for Excellence.