Jaw Surgery for Correcting Speech Issues One may experience speech issues because of several reasons, such as muscle weakness, brain injuries, hearing loss, or developmental disorders. One of the reasons that one may face speech issues is tooth and jaw problems. Jaw Structure May Affect SpeechSome people have crooked or twisted teeth, which changes the placement of the tongue, causing speech issues. In such cases, our expert dentists at Dallas Oral Surgery Associates recommend getting braces or Invisalign. For others with speech issues, the problem may lay in their jaw. If their jaws are too small, the teeth do not have ample room to move around. The difference in sizes of upper and lower jaws may also lead to poor bite pattern development. Moreover, oral habits in childhood such as thumb sucking and using a pacifier until older may also cause your teeth to misalign and have jaw issues, causing a lisp or other speech issues. Some people face jaw injuries which may also cause lasting jaw issues, resulting in speech issues. In such cases, corrective jaw surgery (also known as orthognathic surgery) may be necessary. Types of Jaw Surgical ProceduresDepending on the issue the individual faces, the doctor may carry out a jaw surgery to:
Sometimes, our doctors only recommend orthodontic treatment and occasionally use orthodontic treatment coupled with small jaw surgery. Risks of Jaw SurgeriesJaw surgeries are generally safe when done by an experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon. However, the risks may be:
These are some of the risks that might be included with getting jaw surgery. However, most patients recover well and do not experience side effects or risks when they have the surgery done by experienced surgeons. Recovery PhaseYou may experience some symptoms after jaw surgery. These include pain and swelling, eating problems, and discomfort due to getting used to a slightly changed facial appearance. The initial healing takes around 5-7 weeks, and complete recovery may take 10-12 weeks. Benefits of Jaw SurgeriesThe biggest benefit of jaw surgery for people struggling with speech issues because of their jaw would be improved speech. Jaw surgeries are usually less severe and less invasive. Patients recover to find themselves communicating quickly and confidently. Other benefits of getting jaw surgery are:
Schedule an Appointment with UsJaw surgery may be highly effective in correcting speech issues. If you don't know what is causing speech issues in your child or someone you know, advise them to meet Dr. Sherry and Dr. Lee at Dallas Oral Surgery Associates. If you are looking for expert advice, you can schedule appointments with our specialized doctors. Call us today at 972-733-0414 to schedule your appointment with our orthodontists to see if your speech problem is related to your jaw. |
