Orthognathic -- or corrective jaw -- surgery is performed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons to help correct a large number of skeletal and dental irregularities. Following orthognathic surgery, your appearance, speaking, chewing and breathing can be greatly enhanced. Due to incisions made on the inside of your mouth, assuming a regular diet following surgery may be difficult. You may be required to participate in a liquid diet for a few days. Your surgeon will provide you with specific instructions following your surgery.
Reasons for Orthognathic Surgery
Orthognathic surgery can be performed to correct jaw and dental problems that range from mild to severe. Jaw deformities -- including misalignment -- can be corrected with orthognathic surgery. You may opt to have orthognathic surgery if you have difficulty swallowing, chewing or biting food. Other reasons for surgery include chronic joint pain, facial injury, birth defects, open bite, excessive wear on your teeth, chronic dry mouth or sleep apnea.
Corrective Jaw Surgery
Prior to undergoing orthognathic surgery, braces will help to reposition your teeth. X-rays and models of your teeth will be taken prior to surgery to help your surgeon accurately correct your jaw problem. Corrective jaw surgery is performed under general anesthesia and may take one to several hours to be performed. Incisions are made on the inside of your both to help reposition your jawbone. Depending on the severity of your condition, screws, metal plates, wires and rubber bands may be used to hold your jaw in its new position.
Liquid Diet
Following orthognathic surgery, your surgeon may recommend a liquid diet for several days to allow your jaw to rest. A liquid diet is a comprised of foods and beverages that are liquid while at room temperature. A liquid diet may also include thicker liquids -- such as yogurt or pudding. Thicker liquids provide a transition from liquids to solid foods. Liquid diets provide you with hydration, calories, salts, minerals and proteins at a time when you are unable to consume solid foods. The National Institutes of Health indicates that a patient on a liquid diet typically receives 45 g of protein along with 1,350 to 1,500 calories on a daily basis.
Liquid Diet Foods
Prior to discharge from the hospital or ambulatory surgery center, you will be provided with specific instructions on what you can and cannot eat. A liquid diet typically includes water, fruit juice, sports drinks, soda, broth, strained meat, warm cereal, yogurt, ice cream, pudding, custard, syrup, gelatin, smoothies, milkshakes, syrups, sugar, creams, milk, coffee, tea and instant breakfast powders and meal supplements. Following a liquid diet, your doctor may suggest transitioning to a soft food diet after a few days -- soft foods can include mashed potatoes, applesauce, blended soups,pasta, soft bananas and rice.
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