Are you struggling with severe dental or skeletal issues that traditional orthodontic treatment can't fix? If so, surgical orthodontics may be the solution you're looking for. This specialized field, orthognathic surgery, combines orthodontic treatment with corrective jaw surgery. This surgery addresses complex dental and skeletal issues such as malocclusion, facial asymmetry, and other abnormalities. While traditional orthodontic treatment addresses many common dental problems, surgical orthodontics is powerful for patients with more severe cases.   

In this blog post, we'll explore the basics of surgical orthodontics. It includes the types of problems it can correct, its benefits, and what to expect throughout the process. We'll also share real patient success stories and provide tips for preparing for surgical orthodontic treatment. By the end of this article, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of surgical orthodontics and how it can transform your smile.  

What is surgical orthodontics, and how does it work?  

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, surgical orthodontics is a specialized field of dentistry. It combines orthodontic treatment with corrective jaw surgery to address complex dental and skeletal issues. This treatment is for patients with severe malocclusion, facial asymmetry, or other abnormalities that traditional orthodontic treatment cannot correct.  

Surgical orthodontics uses orthodontic appliances, such as braces or aligners. Braces or aligners move teeth into the correct position in preparation for corrective jaw surgery. Once the teeth are in the desired position, the surgeon will perform the corrective jaw surgery to reposition the jaws into a more optimal alignment.  

While surgical orthodontics is a complex treatment, it can be highly effective for patients with severe dental and skeletal issues. By combining orthodontic treatment with corrective jaw surgery, surgical orthodontics can transform a patient's smile and improve their oral health and quality of life.  

Who is a good candidate for surgical orthodontics?  

Whether a patient is, a good candidate for surgical orthodontics requires a comprehensive evaluation by an orthodontist and an oral surgeon. Here are some of the factors that these specialists consider when evaluating a patient for surgical orthodontics:  

• The severity of the dental and skeletal issues: Patients with severe malocclusion or skeletal abnormalities are good candidates for surgical orthodontics. This may include overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites.  
• Age: While surgical orthodontics can be performed on patients of any age, orthodontists typically recommend it for patients who have finished growing and developing. This is because the procedure involves manipulating the jawbones, which can affect growth and development in younger patients.  
• Oral health: Patients with good oral health and are free of gum disease or other oral health issues are typically better candidates for surgical orthodontics.  
• Commitment to treatment: Surgical orthodontics is a long and involved process that requires a significant commitment from the patient. Patients must be willing to comply with pre-and post-operative instructions and follow a strict treatment plan that includes wearing braces or aligners for an extended time.  
• Emotional and psychological factors: Surgical orthodontics can be a significant investment in time, money, and effort, and it may have emotional and psychological impacts on patients. Orthodontists and oral surgeons will consider a patient's emotional and psychological state when evaluating them for surgical orthodontics.  

Ultimately, the decision to undergo surgical orthodontics is personal and should be made in consultation with an orthodontist and an oral surgeon. These specialists can evaluate your unique needs and recommend the best course of treatment to achieve optimal oral health and a beautiful smile.

Benefits of Surgical Orthodontics  

Here are some of the benefits of surgical orthodontics:  

1. Corrects severe dental and skeletal issues: Surgical orthodontics is often the best option for remedying severe dental and skeletal problems that traditional orthodontic treatment cannot fix alone. This includes overbites, underbites, crossbites, open bites, and facial asymmetry.  
2. Improves oral function: Surgical orthodontics can improve oral function by aligning the teeth and jaws, which can improve chewing and speaking ability. This can also help to alleviate issues such as TMJ disorders and sleep apnea.  
3. Enhances facial aesthetics: By correcting skeletal abnormalities, surgical orthodontics can enhance facial aesthetics and improve the face's overall appearance. This can boost self-confidence and self-esteem.  
4. Long-lasting results: Surgical orthodontics offers long-lasting results that can improve a patient's oral health and quality of life for years to come. Once the treatment is complete, you can enjoy a straighter, more aligned smile and improved oral function.  
5. Reduced reliance on extractions: In some cases, surgical orthodontics can reduce the need for extractions by creating space in the mouth to accommodate the teeth. This can help preserve natural teeth and prevent the need for costly and invasive dental procedures.  

While surgical orthodontics requires a significant investment of time, effort, and money, it can benefit patients with severe malocclusion or skeletal abnormalities. By correcting these issues, surgical orthodontics can improve oral function, enhance facial aesthetics, and provide long-lasting results that improve a patient's quality of life.  

What to expect before, during, and after surgery?  

Surgical orthodontics is a complex procedure. It combines orthodontic treatment and surgical intervention to correct severe malocclusion or skeletal abnormalities. Here is what you can expect before, during, and after surgery:  

Before Surgery 

Comprehensive evaluation: 

Before surgery, your orthodontist and oral surgeon will thoroughly evaluate your dental and facial anatomy. That includes x-rays, CT scans, and 3D imaging to determine the extent of the malocclusion and develop a treatment plan.  

Pre-surgical orthodontic treatment:  

You will undergo pre-surgical orthodontic treatment to prepare the teeth for the surgery. This may include wearing braces or aligners to move the teeth into the correct position.  

During Surgery 

Anesthesia: 

Surgical orthodontics is performed under general anesthesia to ensure comfort.  

Incisions and bone adjustments:  

The oral surgeon will make incisions in the gums and adjust the bone to correct the malocclusion. The teeth may also be repositioned to achieve proper alignment.  

After Surgery 

Recovery time:  

You must rest a few days after surgery and avoid strenuous activity to allow the body to heal correctly.  

Pain management 

You may experience some discomfort and swelling after surgery. Pain medication and cold compresses can help manage the discomfort.  

Post-surgical orthodontic treatment

After surgery, you will continue with orthodontic treatment to finalize the alignment of the teeth and ensure long-lasting results.  

Following all instructions your orthodontist and oral surgeon provide is essential to ensure a successful outcome. You should also maintain good oral hygiene and attend regular follow-up appointments to ensure optimal oral health.  

Conclusion   

In conclusion, surgical orthodontics is a highly effective option if you have severe malocclusion or skeletal abnormalities. The procedure is tailored to each patient's needs and can address a range of malocclusion and skeletal abnormalities. The benefits of surgical orthodontics include improved oral function, enhanced facial aesthetics, and increased self-confidence.  

If you are considering surgical orthodontics, it is essential to consult with an experienced orthodontist and oral surgeon to determine if this procedure is correct for you. They can provide detailed information on the procedure, risks, benefits, and expected outcomes.

Contact your Danville dentist, Dr. Hoss Abar, DDS, MSD at Danville Orthodontics, to know how Surgical Orthodontics can transform Your Smile.

Resource:

Things you need to know about surgical orthodontics. 

*This media/content or any other on this website does not prescribe, recommend, or prevent any treatment or procedure. Therefore, we highly recommend that you get the advice of a qualified dentist or other medical practitioners regarding your specific dental condition*