Chin Implant Vs Orthognathic Surgery for Receded Chin?

Question

I have noticed my chin is receded in pictures so I started looking into a slight chin implant. The more look into it, it has dawned on me that this could be a result of having TMJ and I may need corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery). My bite seems fine, however, if I slide my jaw forward, my profile looks so much better. If an implant was placed in my chin, a similar result would follow and it seems less complicated than jaw surgery. How will I know which is the best way to go?

Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello - It sounds as though you're an excellent candidate for a chin implant. If your bite is fine and you like your profile while extending your chin a little then an implant is most likely the best way to go. The procedure is quick with minimal downtime and pain. Also, the costs are much less than orthognathic surgery. You can get a silicone or methylmethacrylate implant, but I usually prefer silicone as they're easier to place and do well in the long term.

Siamak Agha, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

Chin implant placement is a much simpler procedure than corrective jaw surgery. The latter is best reserved for those who do not have a normal bite. The procedure involves cutting into your mandile and advancing it forward when there is a significant mandibular recession. I would think that the chin implant will achieve the same results for your case.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

If you'd like to have a stronger chin and jawline, this may be attained through Chin Implant Surgery with minimal inconvenience. If you decide that you don't want an implant and would rather have a genioplasty, make sure you proceed with a physician experienced in the art of genioplasty surgery.
I hope you find this helpful.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Jaw or chin surgery is the technique used to avoid implants and achieve a long term correction. It is more invasive and tends to have greater risks and expense in the short term. Implants are less invasive but do have a greater potential for migration, erosion, extrusion or infection.

Steven J. Pearlman, MD, FACS · Answer

A pure answer is that most patients with receding chins might benefit most from orhthognathic surgery. That may mean cutting and sliding chin bone only or moving the upper and/or lower jaws, sometimes separating the bone holding the teeth as well. This is aggressive surgery and I feel should be reserved for patients with significant facial and bite deformities. TMJ in and of itself will not cause a receding chin. There are some rare conditions in which the joint degenerates and that is why the chin recedes. A TMJ specialist would be able to determine if you have that condition.
So, for most patients a chin implant is simpler, faster and easier recovery for achieving an aesthetic facial profile. There are a number of shapes available to get the best contour that fits your face.

Steven Gollehon, DDS, MD, FACS · Answer

You would need a thorough workup based on your bite and the position of your teeth.  If you are truly deficient in the lower jaw, then a mandibular advancement surgery may be the ideal treatment.  If not and it is only your chin that is deficient, then a genioplasty is a great option especially since it does not involve foreign materials and, once healed has virtually no chance of displacement or infection.I would recommend an evaluation by a board certified maxillofacial surgeon who is very experienced at performing orthognathic surgery.  He or she will be able to direct you as far as which procedures are indicated in your case.Best of Luck!

Sigmund L. Sattenspiel, MD · Answer

For purely cosmetic reasons, a well performed chin implant procedure is far superior to a more aggressive and traumatic jawbone altering surgery (sliding genioplasty or orthognathic surgery). There are far fewer problems and complications and the healing time is considerably faster. 
In addition, the cosmetic results are usually superior. On the other hand, if you have a functional problem with a bite alteration or dental malocclusion contributing to both the deformity as well as the TMJ, a procedure to properly align your dental occlusion should be considered by an appropriate dental specialist. 
However, a correction of TMJ usually does not require corrective jaw surgery. When the occlusion is relatively well and a person suffers from TMJ, the most common cause is bruxism or clenching and grinding the teeth related to tension (or even frequent chewing gum). Nevertheless, for cosmetic purposes, a well- placed chin implant is the best way to go.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Orthognathic surgery is performed on both the upper jaw and lower jaw to correct an underbite or overbite.  It is usually performed on teeth in combination with orthodontics and is done when the bite is way off and the chin is receded.  Whether or not orthognathic surgery would be appropriate for you depends on your bite.  Have an evaluation with your dentist.  
A chin implant is done for cosmetic purposes for a receding chin and can be done under local anesthesia through a 0.5 inch incision underneath the portion of the submentum.  This is not related to TMJ.  The chin implant is much less complicated than jaw surgery and the chin implant operation itself is completely reversible by simply removing the implant even years down the road is the patient wishes to do so.

Sam P. Most, MD · Answer

You should really be evaluated by an experienced surgeon who understands orthognathics. If you have a misaligned bite, this may be contributing to your TMJ. If you require this type of surgery, it may change your profile, so you should have it done prior to consideration of chin implantation.

Samir Shureih, MD · Answer

TMJ is Tempero-Mandibular Joint. If you have pain or click in the TMJ then you need this to be evaluated. If the Bite is normal and the mandible growth is normal then you may have two options
1: Chin Implant
2: Sliding geneoplasty, This will advance the chin bone forward and stabilized with scews and plates. This is more involved surgery, but no foreign material except the plate and scews. and long lasting, no further surgery needed. This can be done provided you have enough bone to slide. X-ray will tell.

Chin Implant Vs Orthognathic Surgery for Receded Chin?

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