Corrective Oral Surgery In Chicago Loop, Part 3: Retrognathism Or 'over Bite'

By Author: Mikes Johnson
Total Articles: 24
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In our previous article posts on corrective oral surgery in Chicago Loop, we examined apertognathia (‘open bite’) and prognathism (‘under bite’) as the two malocclusions patients can present with. In this, the third article installment of a five-part series, we shall be looking at retrognathism, or ‘over bite’, as well as the options patients face for corrective oral jaw surgery in Chicago Loop.

Oral Surgery in Chicago Loop: What is Retrognathism?

Dictionary definition: "Retrognathism is a type of malocclusion which refers to an abnormal posterior positioning of the maxilla or mandible, particularly the mandible, relative to the facial skeleton and soft tissues."

In other words, retrognathism is characterized by an abnormal positioning of the lower jaw (mandible) relative to the upper jaw (maxilla) that appears as an under bite. The resultant facial disharmony translates to a visually weak chin and upper protruding teeth. This type of malocclusion can cause premature and aggressive wear-and-tear of the teeth, speech impediments, sleep apnea, snoring, difficulty eating and swallowing ...
... as well as chronic jaw pain and migraines emanating from the stressed temporomandibular joint. Thankfully, jaw surgery and oral surgery in Chicago Loop can be used to correct the alignment of the mandible relative to the maxilla and the rest of the facial skeleton, thus restoring a natural bite.

Retrognathism and Treatment with Oral Surgery in Chicago Loop

The corrective jaw surgery and oral surgery in Chicago Loop prescribed for retrognathism is always performed under the effects of general anesthesia and only in patients whose jaw bones have fully matured. This dual-degreed oral surgeon makes cuts in the bone from inside the mouth, so as to conceal all evidence of the surgery. By gently separating the anterior portion of the mandible (lower jaw) from the rest of the facial skeleton, it can be moved independently to a more natural position that enables a better bite. The separated portion of the mandible is then reattached using exceptionally strong titanium screws and plates. Another component of this corrective jaw surgery in Chicago Loop often involves the separation and more anterior (frontal) positioning of a portion of the chin bone, which is then screwed in place. This corrects the appearance of the weak chin.

The Benefits of Retrognathic Corrective Oral Surgery in Chicago Loop

Malocclusions such as retrognathia can cause all sorts of challenges and impediments for patients. By correcting the alignment of the mandible relative to the maxilla and facial skeleton, this dual-degreed Chicago oral surgeon can:

• Eliminate functional problems associated with a maloccluded bite, including compromised chewing, biting and swallowing,

• Improve speech
• Eliminate the stress upon the temporomandibular joint, which can cause chronic jaw pain and headaches.

• Stop the excessive wearing of the teeth (as a result of bad dental alignment)

• Improve breathing

• Oral surgery in Chicago Loop can also be used to effectively address the cause behind sleep apnea

And of course, let's not forget one of the primary reasons patients presenting with malocclusions investigate corrective oral surgery in Chicago Loop; to improve facial symmetry, balance and overall aesthetics!

Oral Surgery in Chicago Loop: Stay Tuned!

Stay tuned for the next installment of this five-part article series on oral surgery in Chicago Loop. In part 4, this dual-degreed oral surgeon shall be explaining what a genioplasty is and how this procedure can be used to correct the appearance of a weak chin.