Realigning Your Jaw and Rebuilding Your Smile at Our Dentist’s Office
At the office of E. Carrie Ramirez, DDS, our primary passion is to not only restore health and function for our patients’ mouths, but to also restore aesthetics. If you are experiencing difficulty chewing, chronic jaw joint pain, or feel that your upper and lower teeth do not fit together comfortably, you may be dealing with a structural jaw misalignment. Many patients who suffer from these daily challenges are unaware that a specialized procedure can permanently resolve their discomfort. Known clinically as orthognathic surgery, corrective jaw surgery in San Luis Obispo is a transformative treatment designed to align your jaws, correct severe bite issues, and dramatically improve both your facial symmetry and quality of life.
Our practice is led by Dr. Carrie Ramirez, who has been practicing dentistry for over 20 years. After graduating in 2000 from the University of the Pacific Dental School in San Francisco, she completed extensive advanced postgraduate training in dental implants, periodontal surgery, and comprehensive arch restorations. She works alongside Dr. Mark Devincenzi, a Napa native and proud graduate of the Oregon Health and Science University. Together, our dentists provide state-of-the-art care in a comfortable, professional, and caring environment. If you are searching for an experienced dentist’s office in San Luis Obispo to evaluate your bite, our dental team is ready to welcome you. To schedule your initial diagnostic consultation, please call us today at (805) 549-8483.
What is Corrective Jaw Surgery?
Corrective jaw surgery, or orthognathic surgery, is a specialized branch of oral surgery that focuses on correcting significant abnormalities of the jawbones. When the upper and lower jaws do not grow at the same rate, it can create a major discrepancy that braces alone cannot fully resolve. This surgery is performed to reposition the jawbones into a more balanced and functional alignment. Because a misaligned jaw can affect your entire facial structure, this treatment is often a key component of a complete full mouth restoration or cosmetic dentistry plan, providing both life-changing functional relief and a boost to your personal confidence.
Our team works in close collaboration with local orthodontists to plan and execute your treatment. While orthodontic braces are typically used to align your teeth within each individual jaw, the surgery itself is what actually realigns the jawbones themselves. This combined approach ensures that once your jaws are properly positioned, your teeth will meet perfectly. By treating each person individually and designing treatment for their specific needs, our dentists ensure that you receive the most predictable and aesthetically pleasing results possible.
If you suspect your bite issues go deeper than just crooked teeth, contact our friendly staff today at (805) 549-8483.
Signs You May Need Jaw Realignment Surgery
Many patients who would benefit from corrective jaw surgery are not familiar with the technical terminology, but they live with the daily symptoms of a misaligned jaw. If you struggle with chronic discomfort or find it hard to perform normal daily activities, it is important to know that you do not have to live with these limitations.
Some of the most common signs that you may require surgical jaw correction include:
- An inability to make your front teeth or back teeth meet when biting down.
- A severe overbite, underbite, or crossbite that orthodontic treatment alone cannot fix.
- Chronic jaw pain, popping, or clicking associated with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or biting into foods like apples or sandwiches.
- A receding chin, protruding jaw, or noticeable asymmetry in your facial features.
- Obstructive sleep apnea, chronic mouth breathing, or heavy snoring caused by airway restrictions.
- Excessive or uneven wear on your tooth enamel due to a poorly balanced bite.
By addressing these structural concerns, our practice helps you protect your teeth from premature damage and restores full, comfortable function to your mouth. If you are searching for reliable dentists near you to explore your options, please call our San Luis Obispo office at (805) 549-8483.
The Step-by-Step Corrective Jaw Surgery Process
Achieving a beautifully balanced smile is a journey, and our team is committed to making each patient visit a pleasant experience. It is easier than you think if you are willing to take it one step at a time. Our process begins with a highly thorough diagnostic evaluation. An exam, digital X-rays, and pictures of your mouth can tell our doctors everything we need to know. This helps us come up with a step-by-step plan so you can see exactly how we can get your teeth and jaws into the best shape and health possible.
To prepare your mouth for surgical realignment, we may need to address any underlying dental issues first. This can involve specialized preventative & therapeutic gum care to ensure your gums are healthy, or performing gentle tooth extractions if crowded teeth need to be cleared. In some cases where the jawbone lacks the volume needed to support a stable reconstruction, Dr. Ramirez can perform bone grafting to build a solid foundation.
Once your dental health is optimized, you will typically wear braces to align your teeth in preparation for the surgery. The surgical procedure itself is performed under general anesthesia, during which the jawbones are carefully repositioned and secured with tiny, biocompatible plates and screws. After a recovery period, your orthodontist will make final adjustments to your braces to perfect your bite.
Throughout the planning phase, patient safety is our highest priority. Dental X-rays expose you to less radiation than simply going about your daily life does, but our office takes extra steps to protect you. We provide specially made aprons and goggles to wear during imaging, and we reduce your exposure time by taking the X-rays right the first time. To begin planning your smile transformation, contact our clinic at (805) 549-8483.
Frequently Asked Questions
The initial healing phase typically takes about six to twelve weeks, during which your jawbones will gradually fuse into their new positions. Most patients can return to work or school within one to three weeks after the procedure. Our team will provide detailed guidelines on managing your diet, controlling discomfort, and maintaining excellent oral hygiene throughout your recovery.
Yes. In almost all cases, orthodontic braces are a necessary part of the corrective process. Braces are typically worn before the surgery to align your teeth within each jawbone, and then for a short period after the surgery to refine your bite and ensure optimal long-term stability and aesthetics.
When you come to your first appointment at our office, please bring any necessary forms of payment, your insurance cards, proof of identification, and relevant medical records including a list of medications. Bringing all requested documentation ensures a speedy registration so we can begin your comprehensive evaluation without delay.
Yes. At the office of E. Carrie Ramirez, DDS, we take every step to see patients experiencing dental emergencies as soon as possible. If you experience sudden jaw pain, a damaged restoration, or an injury, our San Luis Obispo dentists can provide immediate relief and guide you on how to prevent further damage until you arrive.
Schedule Your Consultation in San Luis Obispo Today
At our San Luis Obispo dental office, we are ready and eager to serve patients and their families from across southern California. Whether you live right here in San Luis Obispo, are studying at Cal Poly, or are visiting us for quality care from surrounding areas such as Santa Margarita, Arroyo Grande, and Pismo Beach, CA, our dedicated staff is here to help you achieve your goals.
With Dr. Ramirez’s over 20 years of clinical experience and advanced training in restorative and surgical techniques, combined with Dr. Devincenzi’s focus on giving patients the tools and information necessary to attain their best oral health, our practice is uniquely equipped to handle complex jaw and bite reconstructions. We want to help you achieve a beautiful smile and a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.
Do not let a misaligned jaw affect your comfort, speech, or confidence any longer. Let us help you take the first step toward a more balanced, comfortable, and beautiful smile. Contact our San Luis Obispo dental office today at (805) 549-8483 to request your comprehensive jaw surgery evaluation!
