Introduction
Upper and lower jaw surgery and protruded mouth correction are crucial procedures that can significantly improve a person's quality of life. In New York City, several top - notch hospitals offer these services. These surgeries are not only about aesthetics but also about correcting functional problems such as chewing, speaking, and breathing difficulties. In this article, we will explore the top five hospitals for upper and lower jaw surgery and protruded mouth correction in New York City.
Understanding Upper and Lower Jaw Surgery and Protruded Mouth Correction
What is Upper and Lower Jaw Surgery?
Orthognathic surgery, commonly known as upper and lower jaw surgery, is performed to correct developmental growth abnormalities of the jaws and facial bones. Jaw growth is a gradual process, and in some cases, the upper and lower jaws may grow at different rates, leading to misalignments. According to various sources, these misalignments can cause a variety of issues, including problems with chewing, speech, and facial appearance. Some common conditions treated through jaw surgery include mandibular hyperplasia (prognathism), mandibular hypoplasia, maxillary hypoplasia, vertical maxillary deficiency (short face syndrome), and vertical maxillary excess (long face syndrome).
Protruded Mouth Correction
Protruded mouth correction is often part of jaw surgery. A protruded mouth can be caused by factors such as abnormal jaw growth or improper positioning of the teeth. Correcting a protruded mouth not only enhances the facial profile but also improves the overall function of the jaw, allowing for better chewing and speaking.
The Top Five Hospitals in New York City
1. Mount Sinai - New York
Mount Sinai's plastic and reconstructive surgeons are highly experienced in treating all forms of jaw deformities. Working as a team of specialists, they coordinate the patient's care with dentists, orthodontists, and other plastic surgeons as needed. They can restore both function and appearance and work towards providing the best possible outcome.
Conditions Treated
- Mandibular hyperplasia (prognathism): This condition appears as an excess of the lower third of the face, making it very prominent and may involve an underdeveloped upper jaw.
- Mandibular hypoplasia: Characterized by a small lower jaw, an overbite (skeletal malocclusion), and may include a tall upper jaw and long - face syndrome, where the lower jaw seems small and rotates backward.
- Maxillary hypoplasia: Presents as a small upper jaw with a shallow, concave midface and an underbite (skeletal malocclusion). It may involve an undersized, oversized, or normal lower jaw and can be associated with a cleft of the lip and palate or other craniofacial syndromes.
- Vertical maxillary deficiency (short face syndrome): May cause an older appearance due to insufficient dental show from a vertical deficiency of the upper jaw.
- Vertical maxillary excess (long face syndrome): Causes the appearance of a long face, possibly with an open bite where the teeth do not come together. It is due to excess vertical height of the upper jaw, with more vertical growth at the back of the maxilla compared to the front and an associated shortness of the lower jaw.
Benefits of Choosing Mount Sinai
- Multidisciplinary approach: The collaboration between different specialists ensures comprehensive care.
- High - level expertise: The team is experienced in treating complex cases.
2. Weill Cornell Medicine and New York - Presbyterian
Weill Cornell Medicine's team of oral and maxillofacial surgeons are specialists in orthognathic/corrective jaw surgery for overbites, underbites, and cross - bites. Their goal is to correct these conditions, which can be the root causes of improper chewing, facial dysfunction, speech issues, joint pain, and sleep disorders.
Why Choose Weill Cornell Medicine?
- Convenient, individualized care: Patients receive personalized, comprehensive, and compassionate care in a supportive environment.
- Multidisciplinary care from leading experts: Orthognathic surgeries require collaborative care from orthodontics and surgery. This unique approach coordinates complex care before, during, and after the surgery.
What to Expect
Before surgery, patients' data is collected through radiographs, face and tooth measurements, clinical photographs, and health history. The team answers all questions, analyzes the data, creates bite models, and develops a comprehensive plan. Patients then work with an orthodontist to move their teeth into the correct position, typically with braces for six to twelve months. When the teeth are close to alignment, the surgery is scheduled at New York - Presbyterian Hospital, Cornell campus. After surgery, patients stay in the hospital for one to two nights and return to the orthodontist about six weeks later to finish aligning the teeth. For the first six to eight weeks, they are on a liquid and soft - food diet, and their activity is limited.
3. New York Center for Orthognathic & Maxillofacial Surgery (NYCOMS)
NYCOMS focuses on orthognathic surgery, which involves moving various components of the facial skeleton to achieve balance, good jaw function, and a comfortable jaw position. In some cases, it can also improve speaking, chewing, and airway function.
Procedure Details
There are three basic orthognathic procedures: moving the upper jaw (Le Fort 1 osteotomy), moving the lower jaw (bilateral sagittal splitting of the mandible), and moving the chin (genial osteotomy or anterior mandibular osteotomy). These procedures are uniquely combined for each patient based on a meticulous clinical examination, accurate records, and dental study models.
Treatment Stages
- Consultation and diagnosis: Data collection through radiographs, photography, models, facial measurements, and health history. A second visit is for data compilation and analysis to determine if surgery is appropriate.
- Pre - surgical orthodontics: Braces are placed on the upper and lower teeth for six to twelve months to align and level them. Dental elastics guide the jaw into the new position.
- Final records and treatment plan development: New records are taken, and a scale model of the jaws is created to plan the surgery precisely.
- Surgery: Performed in an affiliated hospital, with an average stay of one night.
- Post - op convalescence: The bones heal for eight weeks. Patients are on a liquid to soft - food diet, and physical activity is limited.
- Post - surgical orthodontics: The orthodontist resumes aligning the teeth for an ideal fit, and retainers are used to maintain stability.
4. New York Oral Surgery (with Dr. Stein and Dr. Koslovsky)
Dr. Stein and Dr. Koslovsky use advanced treatment options to correct a wide range of major and minor skeletal and dental deformities in the jaw. They can help patients suffering from chronic jaw pain, biting and chewing difficulties, or other jaw - related problems.
What is Orthognathic Surgery?
While traditional orthodontics (braces) can correct misaligned teeth, orthognathic surgery repositions a misaligned jaw to ensure proper tooth meeting and effective jaw function. In some cases, it can also improve facial appearance by correcting facial imbalances.
Symptoms of Misaligned Jaws
- Chewing, biting, and swallowing difficulties
- Breathing problems
- Speech problems
- Excessive wear on teeth
- Chronic jaw pain (TMJ pain)
- Inability to fully close the mouth
- Chronic headaches
- Chronic dry mouth
- Open space in the bite
- Protruding jaw
- Facial imbalance
- Sleep apnea (snoring and cessation of breathing during sleep)
- Receding chin
3D Orthognathic Surgery
Dr. Stein and Dr. Koslovsky use a sophisticated 3D computer modeling system to show patients how the surgery will proceed and what their face will look like after the surgery. This technology helps in precise surgical planning and patient education.
5. Central Park Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (with Dr. Lloyd Klausner)
Orthognathic surgery at Central Park Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery is performed to correct cases where the jaws don't meet correctly and/or teeth don't fit within the jaws. This surgery improves facial appearance and ensures proper tooth function.
Who Needs Orthognathic Surgery?
People with an improper bite, jaws positioned incorrectly, or those affected by jaw growth discrepancies, injury, or birth defects may benefit from this surgery. Symptoms such as difficulty in chewing, biting, swallowing, speech problems, chronic jaw or TMJ pain, open bite, protruding jaw, and breathing problems should be evaluated.
Technology - Assisted Surgery
Dr. Klausner uses modern computer techniques and three - dimensional models to show patients how the surgery will be approached. Using facial x - rays and computer video imaging, patients can see how their bite will be improved and how they'll look after surgery, helping them understand the treatment benefits.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital
Expertise of the Surgeons
The experience and expertise of the surgeons are of utmost importance. Surgeons with a long - standing practice in jaw surgery and a high success rate are more likely to provide better outcomes. Look for surgeons who have been involved in complex cases and have a reputation for excellence.
Multidisciplinary Approach
Hospitals that offer a multidisciplinary approach, involving orthodontists, dentists, plastic surgeons, and other specialists, are better equipped to handle all aspects of jaw surgery. This collaboration ensures comprehensive care from pre - surgery to post - surgery.
Technology and Equipment
Advanced technology such as 3D computer modeling, which can show patients the expected outcome of the surgery, is a valuable asset. Modern surgical equipment also enhances the precision and safety of the procedure.
Patient Testimonials and Reviews
Reading patient testimonials and reviews can give you an idea of the hospital's quality of care, patient satisfaction, and the overall experience of undergoing surgery at the facility.
Cost and Insurance
Consider the cost of the surgery and whether the hospital accepts your insurance. Some hospitals may offer payment plans or financial assistance options, so it's important to discuss these aspects with the hospital's billing department.
Conclusion
Upper and lower jaw surgery and protruded mouth correction are complex but rewarding procedures. In New York City, Mount Sinai, Weill Cornell Medicine and New York - Presbyterian, NYCOMS, New York Oral Surgery, and Central Park Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery are among the top hospitals offering these services. Each hospital has its own unique strengths, including experienced surgeons, a multidisciplinary approach, advanced technology, and positive patient reviews. When considering undergoing such a surgery, it's crucial to carefully evaluate these factors and choose the hospital that best meets your needs.
If you're considering upper and lower jaw surgery or protruded mouth correction, we encourage you to do further research on these hospitals, schedule consultations, and ask all your questions to make an informed decision. Share this article with others who may be interested in this topic, and explore related resources to learn more about these life - changing procedures.
