Surgical Orthodontics
What is surgical orthodontics?
Just as orthodontics repositions teeth, surgical orthodontics (also known as orthognathic surgery) repositions bones to correct severe jaw irregularities to improve the patient’s ability to chew, speak, and breath and for improved facial appearances. In other words, surgical orthodontics straightens your jaw.
Moving the jaws also moves the teeth, so braces are always performed in conjunction with jaw correction. This helps make sure teeth are in their proper positions after surgery.
Who needs surgical orthodontics?
Although nobody has "ideal" bone structure, the farther off the bones are the more difficult it is to achieve a good orthodontic result. An advantage in working with children is that early treatment may allow us to get enough orthopedic effects so that surgery can be avoided. The more out of line the bone structure is, the more likely a surgical correction will be needed. Surgical orthodontic treatment is more often needed for non-growing adult patients with improper bites and those with facial aesthetic concerns.Jaw growth is usually completed by age 16 for girls and 18 for boys. For many cases all growth must be completed before jaw surgery can be performed. However, the pre-surgical tooth guidance is often needed during the patient's growth stage.
How does it work?
During your orthodontic treatment, which usually lasts 6-18 months, braces are required to adjust your teeth before surgery. As your teeth move with the braces, you may think that your bite is getting worse rather than better. However, when your jaws are placed into proper alignment during surgery, the teeth will then fit into their proper positions.Surgery is performed in the hospital with an oral surgeon and can take several hours, depending on the amount and type of surgery needed. In lower jaw surgery, the jawbone behind the teeth is separated and the tooth-bearing portion is moved forward or backward, as needed. In upper jaw surgery, the jaw can be repositioned forward or backward, or the jaw can be raised or lowered. Certain movements may require the jaws to be separated, with bone added/removed to achieve the proper alignment and stability. Other facial bones that contribute to alignment may also be repositioned or augmented.
Unlike the "old days" patients seldom need their jaws wire together as the surgeons now use tiny screws to fixate the bones into their new position
When you have completed surgery, you should be able to return to school or work within a week or so. After the necessary healing time (about 4-8 weeks), we will "fine-tunes" your bite. In most cases, braces are removed within 6 to 12 months following surgery. After your braces are removed, you will wear a retainer to maintain your beautiful new smile.