Do I need jaw surgery?! (photos)

Question

I am very confused because I have been to multiple orthodontic consultations and every one says something different as far as my treatment. Some say I need jaw surgery and some say I don't. I am unhappy with how my jaw grew in vertical and my face is asymmetrical. I also have to strain to keep my mouth closed and I can't breathe out of my nose comfortably. Also, can Invisalign be combined with jaw surgery rather than brackets ?

Ricardo Mohammed-Ali, DDS, MBBS · Answer

This depends on what are your concerns. If you want your teeth alignment and position corrected, then an orthodontist can correct this, however if you want both your teeth and your upper and lower jaw relationship to be corrected then you will need combine treatment by an orthodontist and a Maxillofacial surgery. You will need dental and facial analysis and then treatment planning. Orthognathic surgery is certainly an option.

Brad Jennings, DDS, MDS · Answer

Just reading what your chief complaints are, most of your concerns are corrected with orthognathic surgery.  You may be getting different orthodontist opinions because some may be looking at correcting your bite only which can be corrected without surgery i.e. teeth sticking out.  To correct your recessed lower jaw and asymmetry, you would need surgery.  I would consult with an orthodontist and make sure you tell them exactly what you dislike the most.  The orthodontist will likely then send you for a consult with an oral surgeon to discuss surgery options.  And by oral surgeon I mean a dentist oral surgeon, NOT a plastic surgeon.  An oral surgeon has been trained to know exactly how the teeth should fit together whereas a lot of plastic surgeons do not.  Not a knock on plastic surgeons at all.  This is just a small area where it makes a big difference.

Do I need jaw surgery?! (photos)

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Everything you need to know about Jaw Surgery

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Do I need jaw surgery?! (photos)

Answers (2)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Jaw Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.