- What Is Corrective Jaw Surgery?
- How Does Jaw Correction Surgery Work?
- What Can I Expect After Corrective Jaw Surgery?
- What Are the Benefits of Corrective Jaw Surgery?
- The Oral Surgery Center Reviews
- Am I A Candidate For Corrective Jaw Surgery?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Correct Bite Problems
- Get In Touch
- Related Posts
What Is Corrective Jaw Surgery?
The way your upper and lower jaws fit together can have a huge impact on the health and confidence of your smile, affecting everything from how you chew, speak, and breathe to the overall profile of your face. Jaw misalignment (or malocclusion) can lead to a variety of problems, including long-term discomfort, difficulty with daily functions, and problems with self-confidence. Corrective jaw surgery, also called orthognathic surgery, repositions one or both jaws so they function and fit more naturally when traditional orthodontic treatments aren't enough. At The Oral Surgery Center in Greensboro, NC, we plan corrective jaw surgery using advanced 3D imaging to ensure every phase of treatment is precise and fits into your overall oral health goals. Restore comfort, function, and stability to your smile by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Justin L. Drab and our team today.
How Does Jaw Correction Surgery Work?
Corrective jaw surgery is performed at our Greensboro, NC office using general anesthesia or IV sedation for your comfort and safety. After planning your procedure and ensuring you're comfortable, Dr. Drab will make small incisions in the gums to access the jawbone. Once he has access, he'll carefully cut and reposition the bone, using small titanium plates and screws to hold it in place. Depending on your needs, he may adjust the upper jaw (maxilla), lower jaw (mandible), or both. After finishing, he'll close the incisions with dissolvable sutures, and we'll monitor your recovery until you're ready to be taken home. Before you go, we'll share aftercare instructions to ensure a smoother recovery and talk about what you can expect as your jaw heals over time.
What Can I Expect After Corrective Jaw Surgery?
After corrective jaw surgery, you will need to arrange for a responsible adult to take you home and assist you during the initial recovery period. Our team typically recommends taking about 1 – 3 weeks to rest and heal before returning to work or school, depending on your oral surgery recovery timeline. Before your procedure, detailed aftercare instructions will be provided, including guidance on pain management, diet restrictions, and how to properly rinse your mouth to support healing after jaw surgery.
You should also plan your follow-up appointments in advance so we can monitor your progress and ensure proper healing. If you experience any unusual symptoms or signs of infection after oral surgery, contact the office right away. Your jaw may take about three months to fully heal, after which orthodontic treatment following jaw surgery can begin to improve alignment and long-term results.
What Are the Benefits of Corrective Jaw Surgery?
A misaligned jaw affects more than just your bite. It can also interfere with how you eat, speak, sleep, and feel about yourself. Corrective jaw surgery offers a way to bring the structure of your face back into balance, improving function and relieving discomfort at the source. The benefits of orthognathic surgery at our Greensboro, NC practice include:
- Restores proper bite alignment for more comfortable chewing and speaking
- Relieves chronic jaw pain or temporomandibular joint strain caused by imbalance
- Improves facial balance and symmetry in cases of overbite, underbite, or asymmetry
- Enhances breathing by opening airway space in certain cases
- Helps prevent long-term dental wear and damage from misalignment
- Supports better orthodontic results when braces alone are not enough
- Increases overall oral function, comfort, and stability
The Oral Surgery Center Reviews
They did an excellent job, took care of my son , assured him it was going to be alright, explained and answered all/any types of questions.
Office personnel are great. Very friendly and they make sure you’re comfortable. Thanks for a good experience.
Staff and Dr Drab effective and efficient. Answered my questions and good outcome from surgery, timely appts.
Excellent care. Lovely people.
Dr. Drab and his staff were so kind to me when I had my tooth extracted. They made sure my husband was equipped with all the knowledge and resources needed to care for me at home. I would definitely return to this office for my oral surgery needs. I would highly recommend Dr. Drab to anyone.
325
Total Reviews
5
Average Rating
Am I A Candidate For Corrective Jaw Surgery?
Candidates for corrective jaw surgery are those who experience jaw misalignment that cannot be resolved with orthodontic treatments alone. This includes patients with overbites, underbites, open bites, or facial asymmetry that affects their ability to chew, speak, or breathe properly. Other candidates include individuals with jaw injuries, congenital deformities, or those with obstructive sleep apnea caused by improper jaw positioning. Corrective jaw surgery is also ideal for patients seeking improved facial harmony. During a consultation at The Oral Surgery Center in Greensboro, NC, Dr. Drab will evaluate your specific needs, discuss your goals, and determine whether this procedure is the right solution for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is corrective jaw surgery painful?
The surgery itself is performed under general anesthesia or IV sedation, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. Some discomfort and swelling are normal during recovery, but can be managed with prescribed medications and aftercare instructions. The team at The Oral Surgery Center will prioritize your comfort throughout the process.
Are there risks associated with jaw surgery?
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks, including infection, bleeding, or temporary numbness in the jaw or face. However, Dr. Drab uses advanced techniques and 3D imaging to minimize risks and ensure precision during surgery. Any potential risks will be discussed thoroughly during your consultation.
Will I be able to eat normally after jaw surgery?
Immediately after surgery, you’ll need to follow a soft or liquid diet to allow your jaw to heal properly. Over time, you’ll gradually reintroduce more solid foods into your diet. Our team at Greensboro, NC, can provide detailed and clear dietary instructions throughout your recovery.
Correct Bite Problems
At The Oral Surgery Center, Dr. Drab and our team work closely with patients and referring dental professionals to plan every treatment with care. If you have been told you may need surgery or are exploring options for long-term jaw correction, we are here to guide you through it with clarity and support. Schedule a consultation at our oral surgery office in Greensboro, NC to learn what a more balanced bite can do for your quality of life.