Surgical orthodontics or orthognathic surgery is a type of orthodontic treatment that is used to correct severe cases that include bad bites, jaw bone abnormalities, and malocclusion. Oral and maxillofacial surgery is one of the nine recognized dental specialties and focuses on treating complex craniofacial cases that involve the mouth, jaw, face, and skull. If you need surgical orthodontics as part of your treatment plan, your orthodontist will coordinate an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to ensure that you receive the level of care that you need.
Surgical orthodontics may be used to correct improper bites or other aesthetic concerns in adults. Orthognathic surgery can only take place after the jaw has stopped growing. Typically, jaw growth is complete by age 16 in females and 18 in males. Surgical orthodontics are needed in cases when the jaws do not line up correctly, and a proper bite cannot be achieved with orthodontic treatment alone. Orthognathic surgery will properly align the jaw, and once healed orthodontic braces will be used to move the teeth into their proper position.
After a thorough exam, your orthodontist will determine if orthognathic surgery is needed. Depending on the severity of your case and the alignment of your jaw, you may or may not be a candidate for surgery.
Your orthognathic surgerywill be performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon in a hospital. Orthognathic surgery can take several hours depending on the severity and complexity of the case. Once your surgery is complete, you will be asked to takea two-week rest period from work and school to recover from this major surgical event. After your jaw has healed, your orthodontist will continue your treatment most likely using braces. The typical braces portion of treatment takes 6-12 months when surgery is involved,after this period, you will be prescribed a retainer to help maintain your new smile.
Like with any major surgery, there are certain risks associated with having orthognathic surgery. However, rest assured that orthognathic has been around for many years and your surgeon is an experienced expert. If you are anxious about an upcoming orthognathic surgery, please contact us and let us know. We will be happy to provide you with the reassuring facts and answer any questions that you may have. Your confidence and comfort is a priority for us.
Orthognathic surgery will provide you with a lifetime of smiles. This treatment is used to correct a variety of issues including bad bites, malocclusions, and jaw abnormalities.
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