Surgical Orthodontics
Surgical orthodontics, also known as ORTHOGNATHIC SURGERY, is used to correct severe cases that include bad bites, jaw bone abnormalities, and malocclusion.
When might surgical orthodontics be needed?
- The need for surgical orthodontics occurs when the jaws do not line up correctly, and a proper bite cannot be achieved with orthodontic treatment alone.
- Orthognathic surgery will help properly align the jaw, and orthodontic braces will then be used to move the teeth into their proper position.
- Typically, jaw growth stops by AGE 16 IN FEMALES AND 18 IN MALES. In order to receive orthognathic surgery, the jaw must be done growing.
HOW DOES ORTHOGNATHIC SURGERY WORK?
- An oral and maxillofacial surgeon will perform your orthognathic surgery, and the surgery will take place in a hospital. Once the surgery is complete, you will have about a two-week rest period.
- Since orthognathic surgery is a major treatment, we recommend that you schedule some time away from work and school during the healing process.
- After your jaw has healed, your orthodontist will once again “fine-tune” your bite. After surgery, you will have to wear braces, and most braces are removed within six to 12 months following surgery.
- As with any major medical surgery, there may be certain risks of having orthognathic surgery. However, the process of orthognathic surgery is not new, and it has been performed for many years in practices and hospitals.
- We are happy to answer any questions that you may have, and provide you with any additional information. Your comfort is important to us.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HAVING ORTHOGNATHIC SURGERY?
- PAIN RELIEF: One reason that many people decide to have jaw surgery is to relieve jaw pain. Often with misaligned jaws, one experiences strain on the muscles that surround the jaw area. This discomfort can often be decreased with surgery.
- CHEWING: Jaw surgery realigns the jaw, allowing for the teeth to have optimal bite function. This makes chewing easier and may allow you to enjoy foods that you were not able to eat previously.
- TOOTH WEAR: Once the jaw is correctly aligned, the teeth themselves will also benefit. Teeth that are correctly aligned will have overall better wear and tear because the pressure of the bite will be spread evenly around the jaw.
- SPEECH: The correction of jaw alignment can have a positive effect on speech. The alignment of the jaw doesn’t only affect eating; it can also affect our speech. Correcting the jawline has been shown to improve speech capabilities.
- APPEARANCE: The correction of the jaw often will result in an improved facial appearance allowing many to find newfound confidence after their jaw surgery.
The overall improvement to your jaw will allow for an increased enjoyment in life. If you need surgical orthodontics, WE will work with our Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon to ensure that you receive the best care possible.
