An immobilization technique to hold broken jaw bones in place and allow them to heal in the proper position. A fractured jaw is wired because its structure prevents it from being held in place with a plaster cast. Jaw fractures generally require 4 to 6 weeks, or longer, to heal. During the healing period, the wires may be removed in stages as the healing progresses. An antibiotic may be prescribed when the jaws are wired to prevent infection. Jaws are sometimes wired in the course of reconstructive surgical procedures or in cases of surgery for weight control. A person with a wired jaw must consume a liquid or semiliquid diet.