Jaw surgery can restore important functions such as chewing, speaking and breathing. In many cases, it can also enhance your facial features by making them more aesthetically pleasing and symmetrical. Dr. Landon McLain is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a cosmetic surgeon, and he specializes in jaw surgery in Huntsville. Patients from Birmingham, AL, Georgia and Tennessee come to him for his unique combination of training in two surgical disciplines.
Dr. Landon McLain can correct both cosmetic and physiological jaw problems. For more information, request your consultation today or call our office at (256) 429-3411.
What Can Jaw Surgery Do For You?
Correction of a jaw abnormality through orthodontics and surgery can benefit you in several ways, including:
- Solving problems such as congenital abnormalities, growth disturbances or previous trauma that orthodontic treatment alone cannot correct
- Improving jaw function by correcting the bite
- Enhancing a long-term orthodontic result when an underlying jaw abnormality is causing a bite problem
- Reducing overall treatment time in cases where repositioning the jawbone reduces the need for orthodontic treatment
- Creating a more pleasing facial appearance
- Improving breathing by alleviating problems associated with sleep apnea
- Correcting speech abnormalities when combined with speech therapy
- Easing pain in jaw joints or muscles
Although patients with jaw pain may experience some improvement after repositioning, jaw surgery cannot absolutely guarantee elimination or reduction of pain.
How Does Jaw Surgery Work?
Orthognathic (jaw) surgery encompasses a variety of procedures that place the teeth, jawbones and other associated structures into their best anatomical positions. Congenital abnormalities, growth disturbances or trauma may call for jaw surgery.
Some people have jaw and bite abnormalities that orthodontics alone cannot correct. These patients often require surgery. In such a case, an orthodontist moves the upper and lower teeth into their best positions in relation to their respective jaws. The orthodontist also arranges the bite to create the best relationship between upper and lower teeth. Dr. McLain can then perform surgery to correct the position of one or both jaws, often prolonging the orthodontic results and decreasing treatment time.
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD)
TMD, often referred to as TMJ, is a common ailment in the joints or muscles of the jaws. Symptoms include pain, tightness, restricted jaw movement, clicking or popping, swelling, misalignment and difficulty chewing.
Dr. McLain generally does not address TMD with jaw surgery unless the patient is experiencing life-altering pain that a more ideal occlusion may improve. His conservative approach to TMD typically includes lifestyle changes, splint therapy, behavior techniques and/or pain management methods. However, some patients will require surgery.
