Schedule Corrective Jaw Surgery in Birmingham, AL

Misaligned jaws are often behind some of our most frustrating and persistent oral ailments: difficulty chewing or swallowing, breathing problems, chronic jaw pain, and even issues with speech. While orthodontics can solve some bite pattern issues, often these problems go deeper than crooked teeth alone. When this is the case, corrective jaw surgery may be the answer.

It’s important for our teeth—and our jaws—to meet correctly. Repositioning the jaw can not only solve functional problems but also improve confidence-impairing issues like open bites, protruding jaws, and underdeveloped chins. Whether your symptoms were present at birth, the result of an injury, or influenced by your environment, jaw surgery—also called orthognathic surgery—can help you achieve harmony between your dental health, appearance, and total wellness.

At Gonzalez, Carr & Maniscalco, we are happy to be a part of your dental team, providing the surgical component of your transformation. Using our state-of-the-art CAT scan technology, we can create a comprehensive, 3D image of your head to diagnose the issue, plan the best surgical approach, and provide a preview of what you’ll look like once surgery is complete.

What to Expect from Your Jaw Surgery Consultation

Before deciding on the best course of action, your doctor will perform a comprehensive pre-treatment consultation. During this time, we'll take digital scans and an in-office CT scan of your head and create a high-resolution model of your head by combining a 3D model of your teeth and gums with the CT scan. With a low dose of radiation comparable to a single traditional dental x-ray, this model will help us plan your surgery with the least invasive, most effective approach possible.

We can also use these materials to help discuss with you how your facial appearance my change after surgery is complete. We understand that one of the reasons jaw surgery can feel intimidating is that it can change your familiar appearance. That's why we're here to help you get to know your new reflection before we begin.

Helpful Oral Surgery Links

Bone Grafting

Jaw misalignment can lead to bone deterioration and loss over time. However, with our advanced bone grafting techniques, we can restore your jaw to its natural shape.

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TMJ Disorders

If other TMJ treatments haven't alleviated your pain and discomfort, we may consider jaw surgery. But there are other many other options available to try first.

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Surgical Instructions

If you have recently had or are scheduled for corrective jaw surgery, you can reference our at-home aftercare instructions anytime online.

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Corrective Jaw Surgery FAQs

Is jaw surgery worth it?

Most patients are happy with the results of jaw surgery. Most importantly, the procedure removes painful, frustrating, and damaging symptoms from their everyday lives. Many patients also enjoy the changes to their appearance after jaw surgery is complete, finding their reflection more harmonious and attractive than before.

Whether or not jaw surgery is ultimately the right treatment for you is a discussion you'll have with Dr. Gonzalez or Dr. Maniscalco. We provide thorough evaluations of your bite pattern, jaw position, and symptoms so we can make the best recommendation. Of course, we will always present and discuss your full range of treatment options with you.

How long does jaw surgery take to heal?

Jaw surgery typically requires an initial recovery phase of about 6 weeks, with full recovery often expected within 12 weeks. You should expect to take some time off of work or school—most patients stay home for up to 2 weeks, depending on whether they are having single or double jaw surgery. Your doctor will provide detailed instructions so you can plan ahead and optimize your recovery.

Is corrective jaw surgery painful?

As with any surgery, you can expect some discomfort in the days following the procedure. However, most patients find that the typical bruising and swelling looks much more painful than it actually feels. Many patients think that the jaw has to be broken to be repositioned, which would of course be very painful. But that is certainly not true!

At Gonzalez, Carr & Maniscalco, we use advanced techniques to make the smallest possible incisions in the face and bone. We then gently and precisely correct the jaw's position and secure it with small plates and screws. We understand that even this process may be intimidating, so we're here to answer any questions you may have and do everything in our power to make you comfortable with the process.

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