Here is some info:
Orthognathic surgery is performed by Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons to correct a wide range of minor and major skeletal and dental irregularities, including the misalignment of jaws and teeth, which, in turn, can improve chewing, speaking and breathing. While the patient's appearance may change slightly as a result of their surgery, orthognathic surgery is performed to correct functional problems.Some of the conditions that may indicate the need for corrective jaw surgery:difficulty chewing, or biting food difficulty swallowing chronic jaw or jaw joint (TMJ) pain and headache excessive wear of the teeth open bite (space between the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed) unbalanced facial appearance from the front, or side facial injury or birth defects receding chin protruding jaw inability to make the lips meet without straining chronic mouth breathing and dry mouth sleep apnea
© 2006-2008 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS). All rights reserved.
My surgery is being done to correct an open bite. The surgery will be performed under general anesthesia in a hospital. Surgery will last right around 4 hours. My Surgeon will section my upper Jaw in to three pieces, reshape, and reposition the jawbones, then surgical plates, screws, wires and rubber bands will be used to hold your jaws in their new positions. All incisions will be made inside the mouth to reduce visible scarring.
After surgery, I will be on a liquid diet for 10 days while I am "wired shut" after that I will start with soft foods and slowly transition to a normal diet. I will be taking three weeks off work(which I am actually really excited about!). The initial healing phase is about six weeks, complete healing of the jaws takes between nine and 12 months.
Here is a little diagram that shows my situation
This first picture shows how my teeth are open in the front
And this second image shows the cuts and the plates the are placed to close my bite.
My Mom will becoming out on Monday to help take care of me, which I am SO grateful for. I am nervous, but ready to get this all over with! I will post some pictures of the recovery process, I am sure it will not be pretty! Wish me luck! I am sure it is going to be the BEST 4th of July weekend ever!