Bite alignment issues—known professionally as malocclusions—affect millions of Americans, creating complications that extend far beyond mere cosmetic concerns. These misalignments occur when upper and lower teeth don’t fit together properly during biting or chewing, potentially leading to difficulty eating, speaking clearly, and maintaining proper oral hygiene. More significantly, untreated malocclusions often contribute to chronic jaw pain, accelerated tooth wear, and temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ/TMD) that can dramatically impact quality of life. While orthodontics serves as the first-line treatment for many bite issues, more complex cases frequently require specialized oral surgical intervention.
At Elizabeth Oral Surgery Group, our team of highly skilled oral surgeons specializes in corrective jaw procedures designed to address severe bite alignment problems. With extensive training in orthognathic surgery and other advanced techniques, we work closely with orthodontists throughout the Elizabeth, NJ area to provide comprehensive care for patients whose malocclusions require both surgical and orthodontic approaches. Our practice combines state-of-the-art technology with personalized treatment plans to help restore proper function, improve facial aesthetics, and enhance overall oral health.
Common Bite Alignment Problems That May Require Surgery
Bite alignment issues vary significantly in severity and type, with certain conditions more likely to necessitate surgical correction. Understanding the different classifications helps patients recognize when oral surgery might be recommended.
Class II malocclusions (overbites) occur when the upper jaw and teeth significantly overlap the lower teeth. While mild cases respond well to orthodontics alone, severe skeletal overbites—where the actual jawbone position is affected—often require surgical intervention to reposition the mandible (lower jaw) forward or the maxilla (upper jaw) backward to create proper alignment.
Conversely, Class III malocclusions (underbites) present when the lower teeth protrude beyond the upper teeth, creating a “bulldog” appearance in pronounced cases. This condition typically stems from mandibular overgrowth or maxillary undergrowth and often requires surgical correction when identified in adulthood, as the jaw has completed its growth phase and won’t respond to orthodontic treatment alone.
Orthognathic Surgery: The Primary Surgical Approach
Orthognathic surgery (corrective jaw surgery) represents the most comprehensive solution for significant bite alignment issues with underlying skeletal components. This specialized procedure involves precisely cutting and repositioning portions of the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both to achieve proper alignment.
Modern orthognathic surgery utilizes 3D imaging and computer-aided surgical planning to create highly accurate surgical guides, ensuring optimal precision. During the procedure, oral surgeons carefully separate the affected jawbone, reposition it according to the pre-surgical plan, and secure it with specialized plates and screws that remain permanently in place. This approach allows for simultaneous correction of multiple issues, including jaw position, facial asymmetry, and airway problems that often accompany severe malocclusions.
The Combined Orthodontic-Surgical Approach
Most patients requiring orthognathic surgery undergo a comprehensive treatment plan that combines both orthodontics and surgery. This typically follows a predictable sequence:
- Pre-surgical orthodontic treatment (usually 12-18 months) to align teeth properly within each arch
- Orthognathic surgery to correct the underlying skeletal discrepancy
- Post-surgical orthodontic refinement (3-6 months) to perfect the final occlusion
This coordinated approach ensures that both the teeth and jaws are properly aligned, creating optimal functional and aesthetic outcomes that wouldn’t be possible with either treatment alone. Throughout this process, close collaboration between your orthodontist and oral surgeon is essential for treatment success.
Recovery and Results From Corrective Jaw Surgery
Recovery from orthognathic surgery follows a relatively predictable timeline, though individual experiences vary based on the specific procedures performed and personal healing factors. Most patients experience significant swelling that peaks around day three and gradually subsides over several weeks. Initial discomfort is managed with prescribed pain medications, transitioning to over-the-counter options as healing progresses.
Dietary restrictions represent a necessary part of recovery, with patients typically following a liquid diet for the first week, progressing to soft foods for several additional weeks. Normal chewing function gradually returns as healing progresses, with most patients able to resume normal dietary habits within 6-8 weeks following surgery.
Long-Term Benefits and Success Rates
The benefits of corrective jaw surgery extend far beyond improved appearance, though many patients do experience significant enhancement in facial harmony and balance. Functional improvements often prove most significant, including:
- Improved ability to bite, chew, and digest food
- Resolution of speech impediments related to malocclusion
- Reduced strain on jaw joints and muscles, alleviating TMJ symptoms
- Easier maintenance of oral hygiene, reducing decay and gum disease risk
- Enhanced breathing and potential improvement in sleep apnea symptoms
With proper patient selection and experienced surgical teams, orthognathic surgery boasts success rates exceeding 90% for both functional and aesthetic outcomes, making it a highly reliable solution for severe bite alignment issues.
Schedule Your Consultation With Elizabeth Oral Surgery Group
If you’re struggling with significant bite alignment issues that haven’t responded to orthodontic treatment alone, orthognathic surgery may provide the solution you’ve been seeking. The first step involves a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether your condition has skeletal components that would benefit from surgical correction.
Elizabeth Oral Surgery Group brings years of specialized experience in orthognathic surgery to patients throughout Elizabeth, NJ and surrounding communities. Our board-certified oral surgeons work closely with local orthodontists to deliver exceptional results through collaborative treatment planning and state-of-the-art surgical techniques. To explore how oral surgery might help correct your bite alignment issues, contact us at (908) 663-5309 or schedule your consultation through our contact form.
