Corrective Jaw Surgery in Pueblo, CO

What is Corrective Jaw Surgery?

Although orthodontic care such as conventional braces and Invisalign® can correct a poor bite, crooked teeth, and overall oral function; but, in some cases, corrective jaw surgery may be necessary. This procedure is also known as orthognathic surgery, which is a specialized approach that is performed to improve the misalignment of the jaw and teeth in addition to other structural issues. With this advanced treatment, our skilled oral and maxillofacial specialists can repair a one's bite (under or overbite) and jaw function, which can also enhance the overall cosmetic of the face.

When is Jaw Surgery Recommended?

The alignment of your jaw can have a great impact on your day-to-day comfort and quality of life. Typically, orthodontics and oral surgery go hand-in-hand to optimize a patient's jaw function and other dentofacial abnormalities. Corrective jaw surgery can also improve the symmetrical appearance of one's face. Depending on your condition, you may need to correct the alignment of your teeth with orthodontics prior to undergoing corrective jaw surgery.

Ideal candidates for jaw surgery are often between the ages of 14 – 21. This age range is typically when the jaw has stopped growing and reaching its full, mature form. Common indicators that suggest when jaw surgery may be necessary often include: a protruding jaw, severe over-bite, severe under-bite, severe cross-bite, discomfort when chewing, TMJ dysfunction, difficulty when swallowing, and other issues pertaining to the function and/or appearance of the jaw. If these problems go untreated, they may lead to more serious problems in the future and can compromise the health of your teeth and gums.

What Can I Expect During Orthognathic Surgery?

Our premier practice in Pueblo, CO utilizes advanced diagnostic tools and technology such as 3-D Cone Beam Imaging to capture detailed images of your jaw to better understand your condition. This process also helps us determine the proper surgical approach for the utmost safety and effectiveness. Our goal is to also provide you with the most natural and pleasing outcome possible. During your consultation, we will discuss our recommendation and from there move forward with the preferred treatment plan.

Orthognathic surgery is considered an outpatient procedure and is performed under general anesthesia. Our highly trained and experienced team of oral surgeons have helped improve the lives of many men and women in the Southern Colorado area who are in need of corrective jaw surgery. As seasoned experts, we hold our patients' safety and comfort as our top priority and will closely monitor your vitals throughout your surgery. This procedure usually takes 2 – 4 hours to perform depending on your unique condition.

Recovery Following Jaw Surgery Procedures

In most cases, our patients are fitted with an oral appliance or rubber bands to guide and hold your jaw in its new position. These fixtures will assist in the healing process by allowing the jaw bone to integrate from the minimal movement. The patient will normally be on a liquid diet for 3-6 weeks. It's normal to experience swelling and some discomfort, but these symptoms will dissipate in the weeks that follow. When you are cleared to go home, you will be given detailed Orthognathic Post-Operative Instructions and safety protocols to follow to help aid in your recovery. It's important to abide by all the rules and instructions provided by our office as it helps ensure the best outcome possible. Please do not hesitate to call our office if you have any questions or concerns regarding your recovery. Follow-up visits will be scheduled accordingly so we can monitor your progress, but optimal healing may take up to 9 – 12 months.

Is Corrective Jaw Surgery Covered by Insurance?

Corrective jaw surgery is considered medically necessary by some insurances since it is not a procedure that solely focuses on the cosmetic of the face. Our Insurance Specialist Team will contact your provider to confirm your coverage and review your out-of-pocket costs. We understand that jaw surgery is a complex procedure that can be life-changing for many patients, which is why we offer flexible payment plans to help make your treatment more affordable. We also accept third-party financing through CareCredit® and CredCompare. CredCompare involves a simple application process that performs a soft credit pull with no affect to your credit score. Once submitted for prequalification, CredCompare allows several different financing companies to review your patient profile and to compete for assistance in your healthcare investment.

Improve Your Quality of Life

We are a compassionate team of oral and maxillofacial experts who are here to help you regain your oral health and confidence with corrective jaw surgery. This procedure can improve your quality of life by correcting breathing issues, bite problems, difficulty when eating, and the overall symmetry of your facial structure. To see if corrective jaw surgery is right for you, we invite you to call Oral Surgery Specialists of Pueblo to schedule a private consultation at our office in Pueblo, CO.