Vertical maxillary excess (VME) is a dental and skeletal condition where the upper jaw or maxilla is abnormally long. This means that there is too much bone between the upper teeth and the nose, resulting in a gummy smile or an overbite.
VME is a common dental condition. However, it is not only a cosmetic issue, and can also affect the patient's airway and overall oral function. This condition can result in speech impediments, breathing difficulties, and bite problems, all of which can affect the patient's airway. Therefore, correcting VME with custom double-jaw surgery is crucial to not only achieve facial harmony but also to improve the patient's airway and oral function.
During the surgery, the upper and lower jawbones are repositioned to correct the VME, and since the vertical position of the maxilla is considered, a smile can go from gummy to appropriate. In this technique, the surgeon will make precise cuts in the maxilla to partially separate it from the rest of the skull. Then, with the help of 3D printed titanium guides, the maxilla is gently pushed or impacted in the desired direction to achieve the desired correction. Once the maxilla is in the correct position, it is secured with plates, screws, or wires to hold it in place while it heals.
Impacting the maxilla can be a complex surgical technique that requires careful planning, precise execution, and specialized expertise. It may be used in conjunction with other surgical techniques to achieve the best possible outcome for the patient.
The procedure may also involve the use of orthodontic appliances to further refine the bite and achieve optimal dental alignment after surgery.
Alfi Oral Surgery, located in Houston, is an amazing practice that specializes in custom double-jaw surgery to correct VME and improve the patient's airway. Their highly trained and experienced team of oral surgeons utilizes advanced imaging technology to create a three-dimensional model of the patient's facial structure. This allows for a highly accurate surgical plan to be developed, ensuring the best possible outcome for each patient. AOS has helped many patients achieve a more balanced and functional facial profile by correcting VME, asymmetry, or other jaw problems. Custom double-jaw surgery involves precise planning and execution to achieve the desired results.