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Immediately after corrective jaw surgery our patients have a liquid or puree diet for the first week. Our patients have been very creative in the past and have blended complete meals in order to get the nourishment they need to recover from surgery. We recommend addition of Ensure or Boost to meals during the first week after surgery. Then for the next 7 weeks patients eat a soft, no-chew diet. Soft diet consists of such foods as mashed potatoes, refried beans, oatmeal, over-cooked pasta, soft fish and any other foods that do not require chewing. Eating a soft diet reduces the risk of any problems with the jaw healing properly after surgery. Once the jaw is fully healed after about 8 weeks our patients are able to go back to a regular diet of their choice. Full return of normal jaw function occurs gradually over several weeks to months. During this time patients can continue to increase the types of foods they eat based on their own personal comfort level. Most patients will lose an average of 10 to 15 pounds after corrective jaw surgery and attention should be given to take in extra calories post surgery to minimize weight loss.

With the advent of titanium plate and screw technology it is very unlikely for your jaw to be wired after surgery. You will be able to speak and open your mouth immediately after surgery. A liquid diet is encouraged for the first week after surgery. After that we recommend a very soft diet for 5 to 7 weeks until your jaw is fully healed.

Corrective jaw surgery is often known as orthognathic surgery and sometimes simply as jaw surgery. Corrective jaw surgery is performed to correct a significant discrepancy between the upper and lower jaw. A certain percentage of the population has a jaw discrepancy significant enough to require surgical treatment for proper correction. Minor occlusal discrepancies can often be corrected with orthodontic treatment alone. In fact, orthodontic treatment is a necessary component of the jaw surgery process. The entire process typically takes no longer than the average time required for orthodontic treatment which is usually about 2 years. Dr. Ferdowsmakan works closely with your orthodontist to plan your surgical treatment.

A certain percentage of the population will benefit from corrective jaw surgery. If you have an underbite (lower jaw too far forward), overbite (lower jaw too far back), open bite (front teeth do not come together when biting down), gummy smile or facial asymmetry then you are likely a candidate for corrective jaw surgery. Sometimes orthodontic treatment is not able to correct the way your teeth fit together due to underlying jaw bone discrepancies. In these cases jaw surgery is indicated in order to correct the jaw discrepancies so that the orthodontist can then align your teeth properly. Dr. Ferdowsmakan works closely with your orthodontist to plan your jaw surgery. He uses the latest medical imaging software to precisely plan your surgery. If you are unsure whether you would benefit from corrective jaw surgery speak with your orthodontist or contact Dr. Ferdowsmakan for an evaluation. Corrective jaw surgery is often life-changing surgery as it not only improves your jaw function but it also enhances your natural facial appearance and ultimately your self confidence.

Corrective jaw surgery is necessary surgery which is typically covered under your health insurance. While many patients come to us with initial esthetic concerns they soon realize that jaw surgery can help them achieve significantly improved jaw function and decreased jaw pain. Corrective jaw surgery has the dual benefit of correcting your jaw discrepancies while also enhancing your overall natural facial appearance.

Your surgery and any hospitalization should be covered benefits under your health insurance plan. Our office would be happy to assist you with the necessary insurance authorization process. Please contact us with any questions related to your insurance coverage.