The Impact of Orthognathic Surgery on Bite Function and Overall Health

For individuals struggling with misaligned jaws and teeth, everyday activities like eating, speaking, and even breathing can become a challenge. Orthognathic surgery, also known as corrective jaw surgery, offers a life-changing solution for those seeking to improve their bite function and overall health. Our skilled Houston dentist can work in conjunction with an oral surgeon to provide comprehensive care and transformative results. 

By exploring the impact of orthognathic surgery on bite function and overall health, individuals can better understand the benefits and possibilities of this corrective procedure, and how a trusted dentist can guide them through the process.

What is The Impact on Bite Function?

Orthognathic surgery can significantly improve bite function by correcting misalignment and malocclusion of the jaws. When the jaws are properly aligned, the teeth fit together correctly, allowing for proper chewing, biting, and speaking. This can lead to several benefits, including:

• Improved chewing and digestion: When the teeth fit together correctly, food is chewed more efficiently, and digestion is improved.
• Reduced wear and tear on teeth: Properly aligned teeth reduce the risk of wear and tear, which can lead to chipping, cracking, or breaking of teeth.
• Improved speech: Correctly aligned jaws and teeth can improve articulation and clarity of speech.

What is The Impact on Overall Health?

Orthognathic surgery can also have a significant impact on overall health. Some of the benefits include:

• Improved respiratory function: Correcting misalignment and malocclusion of the jaws can improve respiratory function, reducing the risk of sleep apnea and other breathing disorders.
• Reduced risk of TMJ disorders: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can be caused by misalignment and malocclusion of the jaws. Correcting these issues can reduce the risk of TMJ disorders.
• Improved mental health: Correcting misalignment and malocclusion of the jaws can improve self-esteem and confidence, reducing the risk of anxiety and depression.

What Are The Benefits of Orthognathic Surgery?

Some of the benefits of orthognathic surgery include:

• Improved quality of life: Correcting misalignment and malocclusion of the jaws can improve overall quality of life, allowing individuals to eat, speak, and breathe more easily.
• Increased self-esteem and confidence: Correcting misalignment and malocclusion of the jaws can improve self-esteem and confidence, reducing the risk of anxiety and depression.
• Improved oral health: Correcting misalignment and malocclusion of the jaws can improve oral health, reducing the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues.

What Are The Risks and Complications of Orthognathic Surgery?

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks and complications associated with orthognathic surgery. Some of the possible risks and complications include:

• Bleeding and swelling: As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of bleeding and swelling after orthognathic surgery.
• Infection: There is a risk of infection after orthognathic surgery, which can be treated with antibiotics.
• Nerve damage: There is a risk of nerve damage after orthognathic surgery, which can result in numbness or tingling in the face or lips.
• Unsatisfactory results: There is a risk of unsatisfactory results after orthognathic surgery, which can require additional surgery to correct.

Final Thought 

Orthognathic surgery can have a significant impact on bite function and overall health. By correcting misalignment and malocclusion of the jaws, individuals can experience improved chewing, biting, and speaking, as well as improved respiratory function, reduced risk of TMJ disorders, and improved mental health. While there are risks and complications associated with orthognathic surgery, the benefits can be life-changing for individuals who undergo this type of surgery.