Corrective Jaw Surgery
Our Clinical Services
Understanding Corrective Jaw Surgery
Orthognathic Surgery or Corrective Jaw Surgery, aims to correct abnormalities of the jaw and facial bones by surgical realignment of the upper and lower jaws. This surgery is indicated when there is an abnormal growth of the upper and lower jaws, leading to a mismatch of the jaws and an improper, deranged bite or a malocclusion. This malocclusion cannot be corrected by orthodontic therapy or braces alone.
These deformities can present in one or a combination of the following conditions:
- Underbite or an overdeveloped long lower jaw
- Overbite or an underdeveloped short lower jaw
- Underdeveloped or overdeveloped upper jaw
- Open bite or an inability to bring the front teeth together
- Cross-bite or a lower jaw shift to one side
Such skeletal or jaw abnormalities can affect one’s ability to chew or eat properly, cause speech problems or even pain in the jaw joints, thereby affecting one’s quality of life.
As such, the surgical correction of these jaw misalignments is indicated to improve jaw function, improve the ability to chew food properly and prevent future problems with the jaw joints.
Virtual Surgical Planning in Corrective Jaw Surgery
With the advent of 3D Virtual Surgical Planning (VSP), together with improvements in surgical techniques, corrective jaw surgery is becoming safer and is performed more precise and efficiently than ever before. VSP allows surgical planning and patient outcomes to be visualised in 3D, leading to better surgical outcomes and higher patient satisfaction.
At AOMF Surgery, our specialist oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr Andrew Ow, has more than 20 years’ experience managing skeletal facial and jaw deformities. To find our more, make an appointment for a consultation with our specialist today.
Common Causes That Necessitate Corrective Jaw Surgery
A person can develop jaw-related complications due to congenital (present at birth) conditions, injuries, or medical conditions that cause a change to their facial structure. In many cases, corrective jaw surgery can significantly improve health outcomes for people adversely impacted by these physical changes.
Malocclusion
Commonly referred to as “bad bites”, malocclusion refers to cases where a person’s jaws are not properly aligned, leading to severe bite problems like overbite (where the upper jaw protrudes significantly) and underbite (where the lower jaw protrudes significantly). You may have difficulties with chewing or talking and are also at risk of various dental problems, including gum disease. Corrective jaw surgery will be necessary to treat these severe instances when it cannot usually be treated with orthodontics (braces) alone.
Facial Damage/Asymmetry
Injuries to the face can cause severe changes to the facial structure, such as dislocated or broken jaws that can impair one's ability to eat, speak, or even breathe. Asymmetry is also possible when a congenital disorder or other complications cause a misalignment of the facial structure, making it appear crooked or uneven.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders
The TMJ refers to the joints that connect your lower jaw to the skull and work in tandem with your jaw muscles and nerves to allow you to talk, breathe, eat, swallow, and yawn. When the TMJ is not functioning correctly, it can cause a multitude of complications, including pain or discomfort in your jaw, clicking whenever you move the jaw, and the jaw suddenly locking up on its own.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea can occur due to jaw-related complications, making it difficult to breathe while sleeping. Your body will reflexively act when it detects a drop in blood oxygen levels, waking you up just enough to start breathing properly again. While a vital part of your functioning, this reflex action does reduce your overall sleep quality, leading to daytime drowsiness, mood swings, and disruptions to your brain functions, including memory loss.
Underbite or a long lower jaw
Overbite or a short lower jaw
Open bite or unable to bring your front teeth together
Cross-bite or a lower jaw shift
to one side
Maxillary/Mandibular Osteotomy
The maxilla refers to the upper jaw, so this surgical method focuses on correcting issues involving the upper jaw, including overbites and crossbites (misalignment of the teeth). On the other hand, mandibular osteotomy involves correcting problems affecting the lower jaw, including underbites and crossbites. These are typically the more common surgical methods for addressing jaw-related complications.
Genioplasty
Also known as chin surgery, this procedure aims to correct issues pertaining to chin misalignment or asymmetry.
Distraction Osteogenesis
This unique, minimally invasive procedure involves the slow movement apart (or distraction) of two bone segments to foster the growth of new bone between both segments, primarily to treat issues with the lower or upper jaws.
- LK Cheung, HDP Chua, F Hariri, J Lo, A Ow, LW Zheng, Distraction Osteogenesis. In Anderson, Pogrel and Kahnberg, editors: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Blackwell Publishing Ltd , 2010
- Ow TCA, Cheung LK Meta-analysis of mandibular distraction osteogenesis: Clinical applications and functional outcomes, Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 121(3):54-69, 2008
- Ow AT, Cheung LK Bilateral Sagittal Split Osteotomies versus Mandibular distraction osteogenesis: which is better? Annals of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons, 19:55-57, 2008
- Ow TCA, Cheung LK Skeletal stability and complications of Bilateral Sagittal Split Osteotomies (BSSO) and Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis (MDO): An evidence-based review, Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 67(11):2344-53, 2009
- Ow A, Cheung LK Bilateral Sagittal Split Osteotomies (BSSO) versus Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis (MDO): A randomized controlled clinical trial comparing their stability, Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology Oral Radiology Endodontology, 109(1):17-23, 2010
- Cheung LK, Ow TCA, Chua HD Simultaneous modified oblique Lefort III and segmentalized Lefort I osteotomies, Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 68(4):915-23, 2010
- Ow TCA, Cheung LK Bilateral Sagittal Split Osteotomies versus Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis: A prospective clinical trial comparing inferior alveolar nerve function and complications, International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 39(8):756-60, 2010
- Gandedkar NH, Chng CK, Por YC, Yeow VKL, Ow ATC, Seah TE Influence of Bimaxillary Surgery on Pharyngeal Airway in Class III Deformities and Effect on Sleep Apnea: A STOP-BANG Questionnaire and Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Study, Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 75(11): 2411-2421, 2017
Essential Considerations for Corrective Jaw Surgery
Corrective jaw surgery can be a very demanding process. You will not only need to undergo surgery to correct your jaw-related complications but also a pre-surgery orthodontic treatment to align your teeth and ensure they are in the proper position for better surgical outcomes. That alone can take up to a year before your surgery to ensure that the surgery proceeds as smoothly as possible.
During the consultation with our dentists, you should outline your expectations with them so that they understand your needs and allow the surgical team to make recommendations on how to solve your specific issues and what to expect from the entire procedure. Even after the surgery is complete and you make a full recovery, you will still need to continue with orthodontics treatments for several more months.
The Consultation Process
1. Initial Assessment
During the consultation, we will determine the type of jaw surgery you need and discuss other essential aspects of your treatment, including what to expect from the procedure, the general recovery period, and various dos and don’ts to follow before and after the procedure. If you happen to have any questions or doubts, we will also be here to answer them as best as we can.
2. Imaging Tests
The medical team will first perform imaging tests to examine your facial and jaw structures in detail. Doing this will help them develop a comprehensive surgery plan to address your current complications.
3. Pre-Surgery Prep
Orthodontics treatment will first be needed to prepare your teeth for the surgical procedure at a later date. You will also need to start with a liquid diet that does not involve any chewing, so you should prepare accordingly to keep yourself nourished. Some final adjustments may also be needed a few days or weeks before the surgery begins.
4. Surgery
On the allotted date of your surgery, you will first be sedated so you are unconscious throughout the surgery. The surgeon will then make careful incisions inside your mouth in order to reach the jawbones; they will carefully reposition these bones to where they need to go and secure them into place with tiny bone plates, screws, wires and rubber bands.
5. Post-Operative Recovery
You will remain warded for a few days so doctors can check on your condition and prepare you for the road to recovery once you are discharged. You may have a splint placed in your mouth to help your mouth muscles become accustomed to your new jaw position; it will be challenging to work with, but thankfully, you will no longer need it after about eight months of use.
6. Follow-up Sessions
After you are discharged, you will need to return for regular follow-up checks so that the medical team can monitor your progress, adjust your recovery plan, or address any concerns you might have during this time.
Recovery Do's And Dont's
Follow these general dos and don’ts per our advice to ensure a prolonged, stable recovery.
- Get plenty of rest and minimise movement for the first few days after surgery. You should be mobile occasionally so that your muscles do not become weak over time, but do not overdo it and tire yourself out.
- Enjoy a liquid diet for the first ten days after surgery; you can blend fruits and make a refreshing juice to keep your body revitalised.
- You should only start a soft diet at your doctor’s recommendation; start with soft bread, cut-up food pieces, and congee.
- In the first few days after surgery, always sleep with your head raised so your head has proper support and sufficient blood flow to reduce swelling.
- Apply ice packs on your face for the first 24 hours; alternate putting on and taking off the ice packs at intervals of 20 minutes and 10 minutes, respectively.
- Keep your mouth clean at all times per your doctor’s instructions. They will tell you when to start rinsing your mouth and brushing or flossing your teeth.
- Be sure to finish all your prescriptions as instructed by your doctor.
- Avoid doing any strenuous physical activities that could potentially injure your healing jaw.
- Avoid drinking from a straw, as the force from the suction can potentially cause bleeding in your wound.
- Avoid hard, sticky or crunchy foods while you are recovering; speak to your doctor about foods and drinks you can consume once you have healed enough to start eating again.
- Avoid moving your jaw too much to allow it to heal naturally. Try to limit how much you talk, eat and drink; avoid spitting if you can.
- If you have been prescribed medications that make you drowsy, avoid driving, moving around, or operating any machinery while you are on those medications.
- Refrain from taking out your braces and retainers (if any) until the doctor says so. If you are encountering discomfort or pain from wearing them, notify your doctor immediately.
- Avoid drinking alcohol and quit smoking for better recovery outcomes. Smoking can increase your risk of various complications, such as slower wound recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about Corrective Jaw Surgery? Find the answers you are looking for right here.
If indicated, corrective jaw surgery is only performed when the upper and lower jaws have stopped growing. In females, this is between the ages 14 -16 years old while in males, this is between the ages 17-21 years old. However, in the majority cases, it is generally recommended that surgery be performed for patients18 years old and above.
The problems include the following:
- Unable to bite and chew certain foods properly
- Speech problems or unable to pronounce certain words properly
- Mouth breathing
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders or pain
- Obstructive Sleep Aponea (OSA)
- Psychosocial issues
These benefits include:
- Improved and corrected bite
- Ability to chew food normally
- Improvements in speech
- Improvement in TMJ symptoms
- Correction of snoring or OSA
Corrective jaw surgery aims to restore the upper and lower jaws into a normal functioning position. Using specialized surgical techniques, the upper and / or lower jaws are moved into a pre-planned position, thereby establishing a normal biting relationship between the upper and lower teeth.
Corrective jaw surgery is performed as an inpatient procedure under a general anaesthesia and will require hospital admission.
Depending on the complexity of the procedure, the surgery will normally take between 3 to 5 hrs to complete.
Hopsitalisation stay will be between 1 to 3 days.
Upon discharge, a 4 to 6 week recovery period is needed to allow healing of the jaw bones.
Traditionally, the entire process can take between 2 – 3 years. This duration includes 1 – 2 years of pre-surgical braces, followed by surgery and then another 6 – 12 months of post-surgical braces.
In certain cases, instead of waiting 1 – 2 years for pre-surgical braces to be completed, surgery can be done first or earlier. This approach is known as the Surgery-First Approach or SFA . In these cases, instead of taking 2 – 3 years, treatment time is shortened to 1 – 1.5 years.
Yes. You will be prescribed a liquid diet for the first 2 weeks, followed by a soft diet for another 2 – 4 weeks. Most patients will be able to resume their normal diet after 3 months.
No. For most cases, all the surgical incisions are done inside the mouth. However, in a select few cases, small external incisions are needed. These external incisions are very small and typically heal without scarring.
Yes. As corrective jaw surgery is a Medisave Claimable procedure, part of the cost of Corrective Jaw Surgery may be claimed from your Medisave. This is also dependent on the Medisave withdrawal limit for the type of procedure performed.
Most insurance companies will allow claims for corrective jaw surgery. However, this will also depend on the type of policy you have. If your insurance company requires more information about your clinical condition, we will be glad to assist and provide more details.
Contact Us
- Location
101 Irrawaddy Road #11-05
Royal Square Medical Centre
Singapore 329565
- Contact Details
Number: +65 6276 7276
Email: enquiries@aomfsurgery.com
- Working Hours
Monday to Friday: 9.00 AM – 5.30 PM
Saturday: 9.00 AM – 12.30 PM
Sunday & Public Holidays: Closed
