Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery) Essentials in Singapore

Jaw replacement surgery involves replacing damaged or missing jawbone with a prosthetic implant: an artificial device used to replace a missing or damaged body part, restoring its function and appearance. This surgery is essential for patients with severe jaw damage.

Conditions Treated:

• Jaw Deformities from Trauma/Post-Traumatic Facial Injury
• Cleft Lip/Palate and Birth Defects
• Chronic Jaw Pain/TMJ Disorders
• Treating Cysts and Tumours
• Growth Disturbances
• Severe Crossbite
• Repairing Facial Injuries or Birth Defects

If your upper jaw's growth affects your bite, a maxillary osteotomy can help. This surgery involves repositioning your upper jaw for better alignment with your lower jaw, improving bite and facial aesthetics.

Conditions Treated:

• Overbites
• Crossbites
• Excessive Show of Gums (Gummy Smile)
• Flat Upper Jaw
• Facial Asymmetry
• Overall Elongation of the Face
• Problems with Swallowing or Speech

A mandibular osteotomy realigns your lower jaw to enhance facial symmetry and improve biting and chewing. This surgery is typically performed after the jaw bones are fully grown.

Conditions Treated:

• Protruding or Long Lower Jaw
• Short Lower Jaw (Receding Jaw/Weak Chin)
• Facial Asymmetry
• Chronic Jaw Pain/TMJ Disorders
• Improving Lip Closure
• Minimising Excessive Wear of Teeth
• Problems with Swallowing or Speech

For irregularities in both your upper and lower jaws, a bimaxillary osteotomy can correct misalignment, enhancing your bite and jaw function.This procedure improves chewing, speaking, and reduces chronic jaw pain, while also enhancing facial symmetry. Recovery involves a multidisciplinary approach for optimal results.

Conditions Treated:

• Severe Crossbite
• Open Bite/Correcting Bite Fit Issues
• Chronic Jaw Pain/TMJ Disorders
• Facial Asymmetry
• Overall Elongation of the Face
• Improving Lip Closure
• Problems with Swallowing or Speech

• Disc Repositioning (Meniscopexy): This procedure involves repositioning the disc within the jaw joint to alleviate pain and improve function.
• Arthrocentesis: This is a minimally invasive procedure where small needles are used to inject fluid into the TMJ. The fluid helps lubricate the joint and flush out any debris or byproducts of inflammation.
• Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive surgery where a thin tube called a cannula is inserted into the joint, allowing the surgeon to use a thin scope (arthroscope) and small tools to perform the surgery. This technique usually involves less recovery time compared to open surgery.
• Open Joint Surgery (Arthrotomy): A more invasive procedure where an incision is made in front of the ear, allowing the surgeon to directly access, replace, or remove affected TMJ components. This is typically used for more severe cases or when other methods are not suitable.

Conditions Treated:

• Chronic Jaw Pain/TMJ Disorders
• Chronic Mouth Breathing with Dry Mouth and Inflamed Gums

If your child has a cleft palate (a birth defect affecting the roof of the mouth), seek a qualified maxillofacial surgeon. Early repair, typically within the first 12 months, prevents speech and swallowing problems. The procedure restructures the palate to create a seal between the mouth and nose, supporting normal speech development. The goal is to enhance your child's quality of life and minimise future interventions.

Conditions Treated:

• Cleft Lip/Palate and Birth Defects
• Problems with Swallowing or Speech
• Improving Lip Closure

For more complex upper jaw misalignments, a Le Fort I Osteotomy might be necessary. This procedure repositions the upper jaw to enhance both function and appearance, ensuring that your upper and lower teeth meet correctly for a stable and attractive jawline.

Conditions Treated:

• Open Bite/Correcting Bite Fit Issues
• Facial Asymmetry
• Severe Crossbite
• Flat Upper Jaw
• Excessive Show of Gums (Gummy Smile)
• Problems with Swallowing or Speech

Bilateral Sagittal Split Osteotomy (BSSO) is used to correct significant lower jaw misalignments. The technique involves dividing the mandible on both sides to move it into a better position, improving occlusion (blockage or closing of a blood vessel or hollow organ) and overall facial aesthetics.

Conditions Treated:

• Protruding or Long Lower Jaw
• Short Lower Jaw (Receding Jaw/Weak Chin)
• Facial Asymmetry
• Chronic Jaw Pain/TMJ Disorders
• Open Bite/Correcting Bite Fit Issues
• Minimising Excessive Wear of Teeth

Distraction osteogenesis is a technique that encourages new bone growth by gradually separating the bone, allowing new bone to fill the gap. It involves four steps: cutting the bone, a waiting period for initial healing, mechanical separation of the bone segments, and a resting phase to strengthen the new bone. This avoids the need for bone grafts, making it a less invasive option. It's a well-considered approach within orthodontics to address jaw deformities and ensure proper jaw function and appearance.

Conditions Treated:

• Short Lower Jaw (Receding Jaw/Weak Chin)
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
• Jaw Deformities from Trauma/Post-Traumatic Facial Injury
• Cleft Lip/Palate and Birth Defects
• Growth Disturbances
• Chronic Mouth Breathing with Dry Mouth and Inflamed Gums

Jaw replacement surgery involves replacing damaged or missing jawbone with a prosthetic implant: an artificial device used to replace a missing or damaged body part, restoring its function and appearance. This surgery is essential for patients with severe jaw damage.

Conditions Treated:

• Jaw Deformities from Trauma/Post-Traumatic Facial Injury
• Cleft Lip/Palate and Birth Defects
• Chronic Jaw Pain/TMJ Disorders
• Treating Cysts and Tumours
• Growth Disturbances
• Severe Crossbite
• Repairing Facial Injuries or Birth Defects

• Consultation with a maxillofacial surgeon: Discuss your symptoms and concerns.
• Physical Examination: The surgeon checks your jaw for abnormalities and how your teeth fit together.
• X-Rays: Essential for assessing jaw bone structure and tooth position.
• CT Scans: Provide a detailed three-dimensional view for surgical planning.
• Analysis of your bite: Identifies misalignment issues to understand upper and lower teeth alignment.

Orthodontics

Braces (dental devices with wires and brackets used to straighten and align teeth over time) or clear aligners (transparent, removable dental devices used to straighten teeth and correct alignment issues) gradually move teeth into better alignment, offering noticeable improvements without surgery.

Retainers

Retainers are custom-made metal or plastic devices that maintain teeth alignment after braces are installed. Some specialised retainers can make minor corrections, possibly avoiding surgery.

Face Lift Dentistry

Face lift dentistry is a dental method that improves bite and jaw alignment without surgery. It optimises the jaw's position to enhance facial aesthetics and functionality, potentially reducing wrinkles and improving overall facial balance.

Appliances

Dental appliances, like palatal expanders (devices that widen the upper jaw to correct bite issues), correct bite problems by applying gentle pressure over time.

Arthritis Treatments

If jaw concerns are due to arthritis (inflammation of joints causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility), medications or therapies might help. Consult a specialist for targeted treatment.