Asymmetry or jaw problems can greatly affect the quality of life. Upper jaw surgery for people who are facing these problems is an effective way to correct the jaw structure and improve its function. Its difference with mandibular surgery is its effect on the overall structure of the face and the adjustment of the position of the upper and lower teeth. What is upper jaw surgery? Upper jaw surgery is a type of corrective surgery that is performed to improve the structural and functional problems of the upper jaw. This surgery is performed for various reasons, such as correcting chewing problems, improving breathing, correcting speech disorders and facial cosmetic changes. In many cases, congenital anomalies or asymmetric growth of the jaw can cause functional or appearance problems. In this process, the maxillary teeth are moved together with the upper part of the roof of the mouth as a unit and fixed in their new place using metal screws or titanium plates. Reasons for the importance of upper jaw surgery In addition to improving the function of chewing, breathing and speech, upper jaw surgery has a great effect on the beauty of the face. Many people need this surgery due to bite problems, facial asymmetry and breathing disorders. Changing the position of the upper jaw can help correct skeletal abnormalities and improve facial muscle function. In addition, people who have a gummy smile or severe jaw deformities experience noticeable changes in their appearance after this surgery. This procedure can have a positive effect on the patients' self-confidence and quality of life. ### **Medical reasons for performing upper jaw surgery** Maximum surgery is mostly done to solve functional problems and improve the general health of the patient. Some of the most important medical reasons for this surgery are:

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- **Bite problems:** Bite disorders such as overbite, underbite, open bite and crossbite cause chewing disorders, abnormal wear of teeth and even chronic jaw and head pain. - **Deviation of the jaw:** In some patients, the disproportionate growth of the jaws causes facial asymmetry, which can affect the function of the jaw. - **Respiratory problems:** Some people have sleep apnea or other breathing problems due to a small upper jaw or jaw abnormalities. Upper jaw surgery can open the air flow path and prevent its blockage. ### beauty reasons In addition to medical reasons, upper jaw surgery is also performed to improve facial features. In this section, we mention some of the most important reasons for beauty: - **Increasing the coordination of facial components:** People with receding or excessively forward upper jaw experience better balance in their facial components after surgery. - **Reducing excessive gum display in a smile:** Upper jaw surgery for people who have a gummy smile is an effective way to show the teeth more proportionately when smiling. - **Improving the shape of the nose:** a change in the position of the upper jaw can also affect the appearance of the nose and cause a better fit between the parts of the face. The process of performing upper jaw surgery Upper jaw surgery includes different stages that start from the initial examinations and continue until the end of the recovery period. In the following, we examine the details of the steps of this process: 1. **Initial consultation and pre-surgery examinations:** The first step is a consultation with a maxillofacial surgeon, during which the general condition of the jaw and teeth is checked. Problems such as the front or back of the jaw, asymmetry or breathing problems are diagnosed at this stage. 2. **Procedure of upper jaw surgery:** This surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia and depending on the complexity, it may take several hours. The surgeon accesses the upper jaw bone through the incisions he makes inside the mouth. 3. **Recovery period after surgery:** The patient is usually hospitalized for 1 to 2 days to be under the doctor's supervision. During this time, the doctor checks the condition of swelling, pain and the possibility of infection. Common complications after maxillary surgery Maxillary surgery is an effective method for correcting jaw deformities, but like any other surgery, it may have complications. Some of these side effects include swelling and bruising, restricted eating, numbness or burning in facial areas, and mild bleeding. These problems usually occur in the first weeks after the operation and are gradually resolved by following the doctor's recommendations. Using cold compresses, taking prescribed medications and following a soft diet will help you recover faster. ### swelling and bruising This condition is usually more intense in the first week and then gradually decreases. It is recommended to use a cold compress in the first 48 hours to reduce swelling. Also, when resting, it is better for the patient's head to be slightly above the body level to prevent fluid accumulation in the surgical area. ### restriction in eating In the first days, the patient is unable to chew hard foods and must follow a liquid and soft diet. It is recommended to consume soup, juice and mashed foods such as potatoes in the first weeks. Over time, the patient can gradually include semi-solid foods in their diet. ### Numbness or burning in the face This condition is usually caused by the effect of surgery on the nerves of the jaw and in most cases it is gradually resolved. To speed up the healing process, it is recommended to take vitamin B12 and gently massage the face under the supervision of a doctor. ### bleeding Slight bleeding from the nose and mouth is also one of the normal side effects after surgery, which usually decreases within one to two weeks. The patient should avoid finning and place his head slightly higher than the body when sleeping. If the bleeding is severe or prolonged, the patient should see a doctor immediately. Care before and after surgery Before surgery, the patient must undergo medical tests, necessary imaging and consultation with a maxillofacial surgeon. Also, in some cases, orthodontics is necessary before surgery to adjust the position of the teeth. After surgery, it is very important to follow medical instructions. It is recommended to maintain oral and dental hygiene by gently washing the mouth and refraining from heavy activities. ### Preparations before surgery Before the surgery, the patient must take some measures to prepare the body for the operation. Observing these things will make the surgery to be performed with the least risk and the healing process will go faster. Here are some examples of pre-surgery preparations: - **Doing medical tests:** The doctor may prescribe a blood test, radiology and CT scan to check the general condition of the body. Stop taking certain medications: The use of blood thinners such as aspirin and ibuprofen should be stopped a few days before surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding. - **Determining the right diet:** Some foods may affect the healing process, so the doctor may give special recommendations for the diet. ### Important tips to reduce complications after surgery After upper jaw surgery, there is a possibility of some complications. Observing the following tips can help reduce these complications: - **Use of prescribed drugs:** The doctor prescribes drugs, including antibiotics and pain relievers, to control pain and prevent infection, which must be taken as directed. - **Observation of oral hygiene:** Rinsing the mouth with disinfectant solutions can prevent infection. Also, careful brushing is recommended to avoid irritating the stitches. ### proper diet during recovery After maxillary surgery, the patient must follow a special diet to avoid pressure on the jaw and to speed up the healing process. This diet in different stages is as follows: - **The first two days after surgery:** It is recommended to consume liquids and soft foods such as natural juices, thin soups and smoothies. Chewing food should not be done at this stage. - **First to third week:** The patient can eat soft and semi-solid foods such as mashed potatoes, hard-boiled eggs and yogurt. Take small bites and avoid hard foods. How much does upper jaw surgery cost? The most important factors affecting the cost of upper jaw surgery are the hospital cost, type of anesthesia, pre-operative tests and imaging. In addition, many patients need orthodontic treatment before or after surgery, which also has a separate cost. The type of hospital is also effective in the final price, because the cost of surgery in private hospitals is usually higher than in public centers. Post-operative care, prescription drugs and visits are also added to the final cost. Summary Maxillary surgery is performed to correct jaw abnormalities, improve oral function, and increase the coordination of facial components. This surgery can solve problems such as chewing disorders, breathing problems and misaligned teeth. The cost of this surgery depends on various factors such as the complexity of the treatment, the surgeon's expertise and the patient's needs. If you have any questions about the surgical procedure, costs or post-operative care, you can contact the Eastern Star Dental Clinic.