ORTHOGNATHIC (JAW) SURGERY LOS ANGELES

Orthognathic Surgery: Our jaw and dental anatomy has a profound effect on our quality of life. Skeletal and dental irregularities, such as misalignment and structural anomalies, can cause severe discomfort and create functional problems. Breathing problems, headaches, and jaw and muscle pain are just a few of the issues caused by a misaligned jaw. Orthognathic surgery, or corrective jaw surgery, is a procedure that can address a wide range of jaw-related problems.
ORTHOGNATHIC SURGERY LOS ANGELES

Cost of Jaw Surgery in LA

It is hardly possible to calculate the exact total cost of orthognathic surgery for a particular patient in advance since the whole process involves a number of important and sometimes long-term stages. As during some of those stages various medical challenges can occur, it is difficult to predict the final cost of the treatment. For example, you can face an increase in orthognathic surgery cost, if some complications are manifested after the surgery and you need longer postsurgical care. Wearing braces before and after the surgery is also calculated individually, and the price for a post-surgery period can be established only based on the results of the surgery.

However, you need to be prepared for paying something from $20,000 to over $40,000 depending on the complexity of your jaw misalignment. The good news is that some insurance plans can cover at least part of your expenses since orthognathic surgery is considered to be a medical treatment rather than cosmetic.

Pre and Post Surgery Treatment

Not all orthodontic problems can be easily treated with braces or aligners alone. For patients with skeletal discrepancy and imbalances in the jaw, Dr. Atoosa Nikaeen recommends orthodontic treatment in conjunction with orthognathic surgery. While the process is an involved one, the results are transformative.

Before orthognathic surgery, orthodontic care is generally required. As an initial step, Dr. Nikaeen will typically design a customized orthodontic treatment (Braces or Invisalign) to move the teeth into an ideal position for surgery. Pre-surgical orthodontic treatment can last from 9-18 months.

During orthognathic surgery, the jaw bone is cut and repositioned. Once the jaw has been properly aligned, the bone is secured in the new position with screws or plates. To adjust and reshape the jaw, some patients may need bone removed; others may require bone to be added. Bone is typically taken from the hip, leg, or rib and grafted into place.

After orthognathic surgery, it usually takes 3 to 6 weeks for the jaw to fully heal. When the jaw is healed, further orthodontic treatment is done to perfect the bite.

The amount of time needed to complete the entire process after the surgery will vary from patient to patient, but it usually falls within 12-14 months.

ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT AND ORTHOGNATHIC SURGERY

IMPACT OF ORTHOGNATHIC SURGERY ON QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS:

  • Realign the jaw bones to correct an open bite, protruding lower jaw, or a small lower jaw
  • Help prevent excessive wear of the teeth
  • Alleviate jaw discomfort and headaches related to TMJ
  • Improve chewing, swallowing and speech impediments
  • Address breathing issues such as sleep apnea (snoring)
  • Correct problems resulting from facial injury or trauma
  • Create a well-balanced, harmonious profile and facial structure

Recovery Time

Orthognathic surgery recovery time can vary from a couple of days to a week in a hospital under medical supervision, and then you will need more time at home until post-surgery swelling is completely removed and your bones take their final position – only then you will be able to see the results. Usually, the recovery time for orthognathic surgery makes up from 1 to 1,5 months, but after the healing is completed you will need further orthodontic treatment with braces to fix the result. However, the duration of recovery period depends on your own effort to strictly follow all recommendations of your doctor.

ORTHOGNATHIC SURGERY CONSULTATION IN LOS ANGELES, SANTA MONICA, BEVERLY HILLS

Orthognathic surgery and orthodontic care can have a dramatic effect on your life, improving both your comfort and your appearance. For years, Dr. Nikaeen and her staff have been helping residents of Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and Southern California achieve their perfect smile.

If you are interested in corrective jaw treatments, schedule a free initial consultation with our orthodontist, Dr. Nikaeen by calling her office at (310) 444-1113 or sending an email.