Introduction

Jaw - related issues such as upper and lower jaw misalignments, overbites, and other skeletal deformities can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life. These conditions can affect chewing, speech, and overall facial aesthetics. In New York City, a hub of medical excellence, there are numerous well - reputed hospitals and clinics that offer top - notch treatments for upper and lower jaw surgery and overbite correction. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the leading institutions in this field, exploring their services, expertise, and patient experiences.

Understanding Jaw Surgery and Overbite Correction

Types of Jaw Conditions

There are several types of jaw conditions that may require surgical intervention. At Mount Sinai, experts treat a variety of jaw deformities. Mandibular hyperplasia (prognathism) appears as an excess of the lower third of the face, making it very prominent and may be accompanied by an underdeveloped upper jaw. Mandibular hypoplasia is characterized by a small lower jaw, an overbite (skeletal malocclusion), and sometimes a tall upper jaw and long - face syndrome. Maxillary hypoplasia presents as a small upper jaw with a shallow, concave midface and an underbite (skeletal malocclusion), and it can be associated with other craniofacial syndromes. Vertical maxillary deficiency (short - face syndrome) can cause an older appearance due to the lack of sufficient dental show, while vertical maxillary excess (long - face syndrome) results in a long face and a possible open bite.

Importance of Treatment

Correcting these jaw conditions is crucial as they can be the root causes for improper chewing, facial dysfunction, speech issues, joint pain, and sleep disorders. Surgical treatment, often in combination with orthodontics, can restore both function and aesthetics to the patient's face.

Top - Rated Hospitals and Specialists in New York City

Mount Sinai

Mount Sinai is a well - known institution in New York City for jaw surgery. Their plastic and reconstructive surgeons work as a team of specialists, coordinating care with dentists, orthodontists, and other plastic surgeons as needed. The team is highly experienced in treating all forms of jaw deformities, including complex cases. They perform orthognathic/corrective jaw surgery for overbites, underbites, and cross - bites. The treatment sequence typically begins with an evaluation by the orthodontist and the oral and maxillofacial surgeon, which includes x - rays, models of the dentition, photographs, facial measurements, and a complete analysis of the data. The team uses the most advanced 3D x - rays and computer - assisted technology for treatment planning. Once the diagnosis and surgical plan are finalized, they communicate with the orthodontist, explain the plan to the patient, and obtain insurance approval. During the virtual surgical planning (VSP) process, which starts after pre - operative orthodontic therapy, cone - beam 3D CT scan and 3D photo morphometry are used. VSP allows the surgeon to "rehearse" the surgery in a virtual environment before performing the actual procedure in the operating room. The orthognathic procedure is performed under general anesthesia, and patients usually stay in the hospital for 1 to 2 days. After the surgery, patients return to the orthodontist 6 to 8 weeks later to start the post - operative orthodontic phase to perfect the final occlusion.

Dr. Larry Wolford

Dr. Larry Wolford is a top - rated maxillofacial and oral surgeon in New York City. With over 40 years of surgical experience, he has mastered various surgical techniques, including corrective jaw surgery, orthognathic surgery, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) surgery. Dr. Wolford takes a compassionate approach to patient care, listening to his patients' concerns and developing personalized treatment plans. He is dedicated to staying at the forefront of advancements in oral and maxillofacial surgery, which allows him to provide the highest level of care. Some of the common procedures he performs include corrective jaw surgery to correct abnormalities in the jaw structure and improve facial harmony, TMJ surgery to alleviate pain and restore proper jaw function, and facial trauma reconstruction to restore the form and function of the face after an accident. Patient testimonials speak highly of his expertise and the positive impact his surgeries have had on their lives. For example, John had been suffering from a severe jaw misalignment for years, and Dr. Wolford not only corrected his jaw but also made the surgical process smooth and comfortable. Sarah, who had been struggling with TMJ pain, was pain - free after Dr. Wolford's treatment.

Weill Cornell Medicine

At Weill Cornell Medicine, the 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 cause improper chewing, facial dysfunction, speech issues, joint pain, and sleep disorders. Patients at Weill Cornell Medicine receive convenient, individualized care in a supportive and comfortable environment. The multidisciplinary approach involves collaboration between orthodontics and surgery, providing comprehensive and focused support before, during, and after the surgery. Before surgery, the team collects data such as radiographs, face and tooth measurements, clinical photographs, and health history. They analyze the data, create models of the bite, and develop a detailed plan. Patients usually need to undergo six to twelve months of braces to move their teeth into the correct position within the jawbone. Once the teeth are close to alignment, the surgery is scheduled at New York - Presbyterian Hospital, Cornell campus, one of the top - ranked hospitals in the country. After surgery, patients stay in the hospital for one to two nights. Approximately six weeks later, they return to the orthodontist to finish aligning their teeth to the new jaw position. For the first six to eight weeks, patients are on a liquid and soft - food diet, and their activity is limited.

Hospital Rankings for Orthopedics (Relevant to Jaw Surgery)

U.S. News provides rankings for hospitals in New York City that see many challenging orthopedics patients, which is relevant to jaw surgery as it involves the skeletal structure of the face. Some of the top - ranked hospitals for orthopedics in New York City are:

Procedure Details

Pre - operative Preparation

Pre - operative preparation for jaw surgery is a crucial step. It typically includes a detailed evaluation by an orthodontist and an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. The evaluation may involve taking x - rays, making models of the teeth, taking facial measurements, and conducting a thorough analysis of the patient's health history. In some cases, patients may need to undergo pre - operative orthodontic treatment, which can take six to eighteen months, to align the teeth in preparation for surgery. For example, at Mount Sinai, the virtual surgical planning process starts after pre - operative orthodontic therapy, using advanced techniques like cone - beam 3D CT scan and 3D photo morphometry to plan the surgery accurately.

Surgical Process

The actual surgical procedure for jaw surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia. During the surgery, the upper jaw (maxilla) and/or lower jaw (mandible) are repositioned to their anatomically correct positions. Internal fixation devices, such as small titanium screws and plates, are used to connect the repositioned segments to the jaws. The duration of the surgery can vary, usually ranging from 3 to 6 hours depending on the complexity of the case. For instance, in orthognathic surgery for overbites, underbites, or cross - bites, the surgeon carefully moves the jaws to achieve a proper occlusion, airway opening, and facial symmetry.

Post - operative Care

After the surgery, patients need to stay in the hospital for one to two days for monitoring. Following discharge, they are usually restricted to a liquid or soft - food diet for several weeks to allow for undisturbed healing of the osteotomies. Activity is also limited during the initial recovery period. Patients typically return to the orthodontist 6 to 8 weeks after the surgery to start the post - operative orthodontic phase, which can last from 3 to 6 months to fine - tune the final occlusion and ensure the long - term stability of the dentition and repositioned bone. The oral and maxillofacial surgeon will continue to monitor the patient's progress over time to identify and manage any potential relapse of the treatment.

Cost and Insurance Considerations

The cost of upper and lower jaw surgery and overbite correction can vary significantly depending on factors such as the complexity of the case, the hospital or clinic, and the surgeon's experience. On average, the cost of orthognathic surgery can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. In the international market, the price can vary from as low as $439 in some clinics in Turkey to as high as $27454 in a clinic in Spain. In New York City, specific pricing information can be obtained through consultations with the hospitals and specialists. As for insurance, many hospitals, like Weill Cornell Medicine, participate in medical insurances for oral surgery care, but they may not participate with commercial dental insurance. Patients are advised to contact the hospitals' insurance departments to understand their coverage options before undergoing treatment.

Patient Experiences and Testimonials

Patient testimonials play an important role in understanding the quality of care provided by hospitals and specialists. For example, Dr. Larry Wolford's patients have consistently praised his expertise, compassion, and the excellent surgical outcomes. John, who had a severe jaw misalignment, was very satisfied with the correction of his jaw and the smooth surgical process. Sarah, who suffered from TMJ pain, was able to lead a pain - free life after Dr. Wolford's treatment. At other institutions, patients also share positive experiences. For instance, at Weill Cornell Medicine, patients appreciate the personalized and multidisciplinary care they receive throughout the treatment process.

Conclusion

In conclusion, New York City offers a wide range of excellent options for upper and lower jaw surgery and overbite correction. Institutions like Mount Sinai, Weill Cornell Medicine, and top - rated specialists such as Dr. Larry Wolford provide high - quality care, utilizing advanced technology and a multidisciplinary approach. The surgical procedures, from pre - operative preparation to post - operative care, are carefully planned and executed to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients. Cost and insurance considerations should be taken into account, and patient testimonials can offer valuable insights into the quality of care. If you are considering jaw surgery or overbite correction, it is recommended to research and consult with these leading hospitals and specialists to find the best fit for your needs.

Take the next step in your journey to better oral and facial health. Reach out to the hospitals and specialists mentioned in this article for a consultation. Share this comprehensive review with others who may benefit from this information, and continue to explore related topics on jaw surgery and orthodontics to make an informed decision.