Is Jaw Surgery Considered Plastic Surgery?
Is Jaw Surgery Considered Plastic Surgery? When people think about changing their looks plastic surgery often comes to mind. Yet there is a world of difference between simple beauty fixes and medical needs. For many jaw surgery is not just about looking good but also feeling right.Jaw surgery may seem like it fits under the big umbrella of plastic surgery. But this might not be true all the time. It has its own place in the medical field and serves a key role for those who need it.
Let’s talk about what makes jaw surgery special and why it stands apart from other types of cosmetic work. Understanding where it fits can help clear up any doubts you might have on this topic.
What is Jaw Surgery?
Jaw surgery, or orthognathic surgery, is not just any medical procedure. It’s a special kind of care for people with misaligned jaws. This type of surgery goes beyond what most think of as cosmetic changes. Its main goal is to fix the way teeth fit together and how the jaw lines up.
When someone’s upper and lower teeth don’t meet correctly it can lead to problems. Eating, speaking, and even breathing could be harder than they should be. That’s where jaw surgery steps in – it makes these basic things easier by realigning the jawbones.
Orthodontists work on braces and aligners; oral and maxillofacial surgeons take on jaw surgery. They look at dental X-rays and pictures of your face before making a plan that suits you best. The focus here isn’t just facial aesthetics but also long-term health benefits.
After this kind of surgery many find their confidence boosted when they see their new smile in the mirror. But more importantly they enjoy better health because their jaws now work like they’re supposed to do. Jaw surgery has its own important spot in patient care – set apart from plastic or cosmetic surgeries we often hear about.
Plastic Surgery vs. Jaw Surgery
Plastic surgery and jaw surgery might seem similar at first glance. Both can change how a person looks but they have different goals. Plastic surgery tends to be about looks for the most part. It reshapes parts of the body to make them look better or more youthful.
Jaw surgery is not just about good looks though it often improves them too. Its main job is to fix jaws that don’t line up right and teeth that don’t fit well together. These are real health problems not just concerns about beauty.
People choose plastic surgery mostly when they want an aesthetic boost. They may wish their nose was smaller or their face less lined with age. That’s when plastic surgeons step in with their tools and skills.
Meanwhile those who go for jaw surgery usually do so after talking to doctors about pain or trouble eating or speaking due to dental issues. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are the experts here – they know all about the structure of faces and mouths.
In short, while both types of surgeries can make you look better on the outside, jaw surgery also makes life easier by improving how your mouth works on the inside; plastic surgeries focus more on altering shapes and fixing wrinkles.
So next time you hear someone talk about getting ‘work done’ think about what kind they mean: Is it for function or just form? The answer tells you if we’re talking plastic surgery or something else – like jaw surgery that helps people chew and smile without trouble.
Cosmetic Surgery vs. Jaw Surgery
Cosmetic surgery is a part of plastic surgery that aims to make people look better. It’s what you think about when someone gets a nose job or face lift. These surgeries are all about making changes so that the person likes what they see in the mirror more.
Jaw surgery shares some ground with cosmetic procedures because it can change your face too. Yet its true purpose goes deeper than just enhancing how you look to others. When surgeons work on your jaw they’re looking at how well it functions and not just its shape.
If your teeth don’t line up right jaw surgery might be suggested by doctors as a way forward. This type of procedure might improve looks along the way but fixing function is why it’s really done. People who get this kind of help often find everyday tasks like eating much easier which makes life better on many levels.
In essence, while both cosmetic and jaw surgeries can lead to a nicer appearance, their core reasons are quite different from each other – one for beauty and one for healthful living!
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Oral and maxillofacial surgery is a special field in medicine. It deals with problems in the mouth, jaws, face, and even parts of the skull. This branch is not just about teeth; it goes beyond that to tackle complex issues.
Jaw surgery is part of what oral and maxillofacial surgeons do. They know all about facial structures and how they should work together. These surgeons spend years learning their craft to help people with serious dental conditions.
They don’t just pull out teeth or fix smiles; their work can change lives. Think of someone who has trouble speaking or eating because their jaw doesn’t line up right. That’s where these experts come in – they have the know-how to correct those problems.
Their tools are not found at your regular dentist’s office. They use advanced tech to look inside the mouth in ways most can’t imagine. With this gear they plan surgeries that will make big differences for patients.
If you ever need jaw surgery it’s these specialists you’ll see. They’re trained for exactly this kind of procedure – making sure everything fits well so you can get back to normal life fast after surgery!
Consult Your Insurance Company
Before you think about getting jaw surgery it’s key to talk with your insurance company. They hold the details on what is covered and what is not in your plan. Every insurance plan is different; yours has its own rules.
You may wonder if this type of surgery falls under plastic or cosmetic procedures when it comes to coverage. The answer isn’t always clear-cut. That’s why a direct chat with your insurer can shed light on the facts.
Reach out to them and ask for specifics about jaw surgery in your policy. Be sure to know how much they will pay and what costs you might face yourself. This info helps you see if now is the right time for surgery.
When talking to them have all necessary medical reports ready at hand. These papers can give proof that your need for jaw surgery goes beyond just looks. It shows that there’s a real health reason behind it which might
affect coverage decisions.
In short don’t skip this step – make sure you know where you stand with insurance before moving forward with any procedure! Getting these answers early keeps surprises away later when bills start coming in after the treatment is done.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the main difference between jaw surgery and plastic surgery?
A: Jaw surgery, or orthognathic surgery, mainly fixes functional issues with your teeth and jaw alignment. Plastic surgery usually aims to change looks for aesthetic reasons.
Q: Can cosmetic changes result from jaw surgery?
A: Yes, while the primary goal of jaw surgery is to correct function, it can also improve facial aesthetics.
Q: How do I know if my insurance will cover jaw surgery?
A: The best way to find out is by contacting your insurance company directly. They can give you specifics on coverage based on your individual plan. The answers provided here are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice.
