Orthognathic Surgery in Caldwell and Florham Park, NJ

Alleviate Pain and Find Better Sleep at NJCOS

A perfectly aligned bite, a symmetrical face, and the ability to breathe easily through the night aren’t just dreams—they’re achievable realities through orthognathic surgery. At the NJ Center for Oral Surgery in Caldwell and Florham Park, NJ, we’re changing lives with advanced surgical techniques that correct facial and bite irregularities while addressing sleep apnea. NJ oral surgeon Dr. Charles Levin specializes in orthognathic surgery for facial and bite symmetry, as well as maxillomandibular advancement for sleep apnea treatment.

By precisely adjusting the position of the upper and lower jaws, we can create harmony in both function and aesthetics. Whether you’re dealing with an overbite that makes eating difficult, a facial imbalance that affects your self-esteem, or sleep apnea that leaves you exhausted, orthognathic surgery could be the life-changing answer you’ve been seeking.

Are you ready to explore orthognathic surgery solutions? Call our Caldwell dental office at 973-226-8444 or our Florham Park dental office at 973-261-8444 to schedule your consultation!

What Is Orthognathic Surgery?

Orthognathic surgery, also known as corrective jaw surgery, involves repositioning the jaws to improve function and appearance. This type of surgery can address a wide range of issues, including:

Misaligned bites (overbites, underbites, or crossbites)
Facial asymmetry
Difficulty chewing or speaking
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
Sleep apnea
Facial injuries or birth defects

By precisely adjusting the position of the upper jaw (maxilla), lower jaw (mandible), or both, orthognathic surgery can create a more balanced facial appearance and improve oral function.

The Benefits of Orthognathic Surgery

Orthognathic surgery offers numerous benefits that extend far beyond aesthetics:

Improved Bite Function: Correcting jaw alignment can make it easier to chew, speak, and maintain oral hygiene.
Enhanced Facial Symmetry: The procedure can create a more balanced and harmonious facial appearance.
Relief From TMJ Disorders: Proper jaw alignment can alleviate pain and discomfort associated with TMJ issues.
Better Breathing: For some patients, orthognathic surgery can open up the airway, improving breathing both day and night.
Increased Self-confidence: A more symmetrical face and improved smile can boost self-esteem and social comfort.
Long-term Oral Health: Correcting bite issues can prevent excessive wear on teeth and reduce the risk of future dental problems.

The Orthognathic Surgery Process at NJCOS

Initial Consultation

During your first visit, we’ll conduct a thorough examination of your facial structure, bite, and oral health. We’ll discuss your concerns and goals and determine if orthognathic surgery is the right option for you.

Treatment Planning

If surgery is recommended, we’ll create a detailed treatment plan. This may involve:

X-rays, CT scans, and 3D imaging to assess your facial structure
Digital planning to simulate surgical outcomes
Coordination with your orthodontist for pre- and post-surgical orthodontic treatment

Pre-Surgical Orthodontics

Many patients require orthodontic treatment before surgery to align their teeth properly. This phase typically lasts 12 to 18 months.

Surgery

Orthognathic surgery is performed under general anesthesia and usually takes several hours. The specific techniques used will depend on your individual needs, but may include:

Repositioning the upper jaw (Le Fort I osteotomy)
Adjusting the lower jaw (bilateral sagittal split osteotomy)
Chin surgery (genioplasty) for additional facial balance

Recovery and Healing

After surgery, you’ll need time to recover. This typically involves:

A short hospital stay (a couple of days)
Soft diet for several weeks
Gradually returning to normal activities over four to six weeks
Regular follow-up appointments to monitor healing

Post-Surgical Orthodontics

Once your jaws have healed, you may need additional orthodontic treatment to fine-tune your bite. This phase usually lasts six to 12 months.

Maxillomandibular Advancement for Sleep Apnea

For patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea, maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) can be a life-changing solution. This specialized orthognathic surgery involves moving the upper and lower jaws forward to open the airway.

How MMA works:

Airway Expansion: By moving the jaws forward, MMA creates more space in the throat, reducing airway obstruction.
Tongue Repositioning: The procedure also moves the base of the tongue forward, further opening the airway.
Soft Palate Tension: MMA can increase tension in the soft palate, reducing its tendency to collapse during sleep.

Benefits of MMA for Sleep Apnea

Significant improvement in sleep quality
Reduced snoring
Decreased daytime fatigue
Lowered risk of health issues associated with sleep apnea (e.g., high blood pressure, heart disease)
Potential elimination of the need for CPAP machines

MMA has shown remarkable success rates in treating sleep apnea, with many patients experiencing complete resolution of their symptoms.

Combining Aesthetic and Functional Improvements

One of the unique advantages of orthognathic surgery is its ability to address both aesthetic and functional concerns simultaneously. For example:

A patient undergoing MMA for sleep apnea may achieve a more defined jawline and balanced facial profile.
Someone seeking correction for an underbite might experience relief from TMJ pain as well as improved facial symmetry.

This dual benefit makes orthognathic surgery a powerful tool for comprehensive facial and oral health improvement.

Orthognathic Surgery Recovery and Long-Term Results

Recovering from orthognathic surgery requires patience and dedication, but the results are well worth the effort. Here’s what you can expect:

Immediate Post-Surgery Period:
- Swelling and bruising (peaks around day 3, then gradually subsides)
- Difficulty speaking and eating (improves over the first few weeks)
- Regular check-ups to monitor healing
First Month:
- Gradual return to normal diet
- Continued improvement in swelling and comfort
- Resumption of light activities
Two to Three Months:
- Return to most normal activities
- Significant reduction in swelling
- Noticeable improvements in bite function and facial appearance
Six Months and Beyond:
- The final results become apparent
- Full jaw function restored
- Long-lasting improvements in facial symmetry, bite function, and (for MMA patients) sleep quality

Frequently Asked Questions

Is orthognathic surgery painful?

While there’s some discomfort after surgery, it’s typically well-managed with prescribed pain medications. Many patients describe the recovery as more uncomfortable than painful.

Will my insurance cover orthognathic surgery?

Many insurance plans cover orthognathic surgery when it’s deemed medically necessary. Coverage for procedures like MMA for sleep apnea is often more readily approved than purely cosmetic surgeries.

How long will I need to take off work or school?

Most patients take two to three weeks off from work or school. However, if your job involves physical labor, you might need more time before returning to full duty.

Can I still get orthognathic surgery if I have dental implants or crowns?

In most cases, yes. However, you’ll need to discuss your specific situation with your surgeon, as existing dental work may influence the surgical plan.

Your Path to a Better Smile and a Healthier Life

Orthognathic surgery offers a powerful solution for those struggling with facial asymmetry, bite issues, or sleep apnea. At the NJ Center for Oral Surgery in Caldwell and Florham Park, NJ, we’re committed to helping you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted and the restful sleep you need.

Your journey to a beautiful smile and a better quality of life starts here—contact us at our Caldwell office at 973-226-8444 or our Florham Park office at 973-261-8444 to learn more about how orthognathic surgery can transform your life.