Weight Loss Jaw Wiring: Benefits, Selfcare, Risks & Cost
Every Smile Dentistry provides professional surgical treatments to make your smile look its best. We want you to be happy with your smile, so we are dedicated to making sure that your dental results are natural-looking, life-changing and long-lasting.
Patient-Centered Care
Tailored, comfortable dental services for every individual smile.
All Medical Aids Welcome
Quality dental care made accessible by accepting all medical aids.
Transparent Pricing
Exceptional care at honest prices, ensuring value for every patient.
Providing Quality Dentistry with Experienced Doctors
Get a dental health checkup with a dentist that has your best interest in mind and offers fair rates.
1. Book An Appointment
Visit our website and book an appointment with one of our experienced dentists.
2. Come In For A Consultation
Our team will sit down with you and discuss your dental needs and goals.
3. Get The Perfect Smile
We’ll work with you to develop a treatment plan that will get you the perfect smile.
What Is Weightloss Jaw Wiring?
Weightloss jaw wiring is a surgical procedure that involves wiring the patient’s jaw closed in order to restrict their food intake and help them lose weight.
This procedure is generally only used in cases of severe obesity, where other weight loss methods, such as diet and exercise, have been unsuccessful.
During the procedure, the patient’s upper and lower jaw are wired together using wires or elastic bands.
This prevents the patient from opening their mouth wide enough to eat solid food, and they must consume liquids or pureed foods through a straw.
The wiring is usually left in place for several weeks or months, during which time the patient will lose weight as they are unable to consume as many calories.
Weightloss jaw wiring is a controversial procedure that is not widely used.
It is generally considered to be a last resort option for individuals who are severely obese and at high risk for obesity-related health complications, such as diabetes and heart disease.
There are several potential risks associated with jaw wiring, including choking, malnutrition, and difficulty speaking or swallowing.
It is important for patients considering this procedure to discuss the potential risks and benefits with a healthcare provider and to carefully consider all of their weight loss options before making a decision.
Reasons For Weightloss Jaw Wiring
If you have been struggling to lose weight, you may feel like you have tried everything.
You might have even resorted to extreme measures to achieve the results you want.
If that’s the case, then weight loss jaw wiring may be right for you.
Weight loss jaw wiring is a procedure that involves using a device called a maxillomandibular advancement device (MAD) to move your lower jaw forward.
This will make your face look slimmer and more streamlined, which can help improve your confidence as well as your overall appearance.
Weight loss jaw wiring has been shown to be an effective way of reducing weight in patients who are overweight or obese and want to improve their overall health.
It works by reducing the amount of food that people can eat at one time because their jaws are stretched out farther than normal—and when people eat less, they end up losing weight faster than usual!
By using this treatment method on yourself, it’s possible for an individual who is feeling depressed about their body shape or size to see positive results in just a few weeks’ time!
Other Reasons For Jaw Wiring
You may need to have your jaw wired shut for a number of reasons, including:
- you’ve been in a traumatic accident and have injured, fractured, or broken your jaw
- you have a jaw deformity
- you have temporomendular jaw dysfunction
- your jaw doesn’t align properly
- you have other jaw-related dental issues that cannot be corrected with orthodontics
Your doctor will likely wire your jaw shut following surgery to correct one of these conditions. The wires will help your jaw heal properly the way a cast or other protective device would stabilize a broken bone elsewhere.
How To Prepare For A Jaw Wiring Appointment
We’ve got all the information you need to prepare for your weight loss jaw wiring appointments.
First, make sure you have an appointment scheduled with our office.
You can schedule online or by calling us on the contacts given right below.
We’ll be able to tell you what time slots are available once we know whether or not you have insurance, and we’ll try to get you into the earliest possible appointment slot that fits your needs.
After making your appointment, make sure that you eat a healthy breakfast and drink plenty of water before coming in for your initial visit.
This will help ensure that your mouth is empty and ready for the procedure. If it takes more than one visit, we’ll send over instructions for what to eat before each visit so that you can avoid eating anything that could potentially cause bleeding during the procedure.
During your initial appointment, we’ll talk about how much weight you want to lose with jaw wiring and how long we think it will take (based on your goals).
We’ll discuss payment options and make sure that it’s something within your budget before setting up any additional appointments with us.
Jaw Wiring Procedure
Jaw wiring is a surgical procedure that involves wiring the patient’s upper and lower jaw together in order to restrict their food intake and help them lose weight.
This procedure is generally only used in cases of severe obesity, where other weight loss methods, such as diet and exercise, have been unsuccessful.
The jaw wiring procedure is usually performed in a hospital or outpatient surgical centre under general anaesthesia.
Here is a general overview of the steps involved:
The patient is given general anaesthesia to put them to sleep and make them comfortable during the procedure.
The surgeon makes small incisions inside the patient’s mouth to access the jawbone.
The surgeon uses wires or elastic bands to secure the upper and lower jaws together. The wiring is typically left in place for several weeks or months.
The incisions are closed with stitches, and the patient is taken to a recovery room to wake up from the anaesthesia.
After the procedure, the patient will be unable to open their mouth wide enough to eat solid food.
They will need to consume liquids or pureed foods through a straw and may need to use a feeding tube for a period of time.
The patient will also need to see their surgeon regularly to have the wiring adjusted or removed as needed.
It’s important for patients considering jaw wiring to discuss the potential risks and benefits with a healthcare provider and to carefully consider all of their weight loss options before making a decision.
Selfcare While Your Jaw Is Wired
While your jaw is wired, you must maintain good oral hygiene. This comprises:
- Using a mouth rinse or salt water (1 teaspoon of salt to 1 cup of water) to clean your mouth occasionally during the day, such as after meals, in addition to brushing your teeth twice a day
While your jaw is wired, you might also want to consider the following activities:
adding petroleum jelly or lip balm to keep your lips moisturized covering any wires that may be protruding out of your mouth with dental wax to prevent cuts and sores
regular examination of your mouth for any alterations
If any of these conditions apply to you:
- If you cannot feel pain and your lips or tongue are bleeding, if the wires come free, you may feel discomfort but be unable to feel your tongue or lips, which could cause you to vomit, get help right away if you’re having respiratory problems.
How To Eat With Wired Jaws
One of the most difficult aspects of jaw wiring is meeting your nutritional requirements.
You won’t be able to chew foods during this period, you’ll need to make sure you’re getting enough calories, vitamins, and minerals. Proper nutrition will aid bone healing, allowing you to recover faster.
You’ll probably drink the majority of your calories and nutrients during this time.
This will require more meal planning and preparation than you are accustomed to.
Diet Meal Ideas For Wired Jaws
If you have had your jaw wired shut as part of a weight loss procedure, it’s important to follow a diet that is high in nutrients and low in calories to help you lose weight while also maintaining good nutrition. Here are some ideas for meals that may be suitable for a wired jaw diet:
Protein shakes or smoothies made with milk, protein powder, and a blend of fruits and vegetables.
Soups made with pureed vegetables, beans, and lentils, or broth-based soups like chicken noodles or beef and barley.
Puddings and custards made with milk, protein powder, and fruit.
Pureed fruits and vegetables, such as mashed bananas, applesauce, or pureed sweet potatoes.
Gelatin desserts made with sugar-free gelatin and a small amount of fruit.
Pureed meats, such as chicken or turkey, mixed with pureed vegetables or mashed potatoes.
Nut butters, such as peanut butter or almond butter, mixed with milk and a small amount of fruit.
It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian to help plan a healthy diet while your jaw is wired shut. They can provide guidance on the types and amounts of food that are appropriate for your individual needs and goals.
Risks Of Weightloss Jaw Wiring
There can be some risks of jaw wiring. These include:
- Choking while your jaw is wired. This can occur for many reasons, including if you vomit or cannot breathe. You must carry wire cutters with you at all times to clip the wires in your mouth if choking occurs.
- Bleeding from surgical incisions.
- Tingling or numbness in your mouth from a nerve injured during jaw surgery. You may experience this for a short time or up to a few months.
- Damaged teeth from the materials used to wire the jaw shut.
- Infection following surgery, which can be treated with antibiotics and drainage.
Weightloss Jaw Wiring Cost In South Africa
The procedure of maxillomandibular fixation is known as jaw wiring.
This procedure joins the lower and upper jaw bones. Prices of jaw wiring differ from one practice to the next, but at Every Smile Dentistry jaw wiring for weight loss ranges between R 800 – R1 000.
Every Smile Dentistry Treatments
Every Smile Dentistry is a professional dental practice that includes General, Cosmetic, Aesthetic, and Emergency for you and your family with a team of experienced dentists and friendly prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can always submit a contact request if you have more questions or email info@everysmile.co.za
What is jaw wiring?
aw wiring is a surgical procedure that involves wiring the patient’s upper and lower jaw together in order to restrict their food intake and help them lose weight. It is generally only used in cases of severe obesity, where other weight loss methods, such as diet and exercise, have been unsuccessful.
How long does the wiring stay in place?
The wiring is typically left in place for several weeks or months. The length of time will depend on the patient’s individual circumstances and weight loss goals.
Can I eat anything while my jaw is wired shut?
While your jaw is wired shut, you will not be able to eat solid food. You will need to consume liquids or pureed foods through a straw and may need to use a feeding tube for a period of time.
Will I lose weight with jaw wiring?
Jaw wiring can help some people with severe obesity lose weight. However, it is not a guarantee and the amount of weight loss will depend on individual circumstances. It is important to work with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian to develop a healthy diet plan while your jaw is wired shut.
Are there any risks associated with jaw wiring?
There are several potential risks associated with jaw wiring, including choking, malnutrition, and difficulty speaking or swallowing. It is important for patients to carefully consider the potential risks and benefits before deciding to undergo this procedure.
Is jaw wiring reversible?
Jaw wiring is generally considered to be a reversible procedure. The wiring can be removed once the patient has reached their weight loss goals or if they experience any complications.
Is jaw wiring covered by insurance?
Coverage for jaw wiring may vary depending on the patient’s individual insurance plan. It is important to check with your insurance provider to determine if this procedure is covered.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT US
Don't just take our word for it.
Locations We Serve
Every Smile Dentistry offers a team of experienced dentists in South Africa in a variety of areas with friendly prices.
