Surgical Orthodontics

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Bad bites (malocclusion) and crooked teeth are usually corrected by an Orthodontist.
Abnormalities of the jaw are usually corrected by an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon. When both conditions exist, it is common to find an Orthodontist and Oral Surgeon working together to correct the deformity. 

What is Surgical Orthodontics ?
Surgical Orthodontics is a form of dental surgery to correct severe cases of bad bites, irregular teeth and jawbone abnormalities.

When is Surgical Orthodontics required ?
         The upper and lower jaws are the bases upon which the teeth are aligned. When the jaws are too far apart, the proper bite cannot be achieved with braces alone. The Orthodontist then embarks upon a treatment mode that plans for future surgical intervention. Surgery is the only treatment option in these severe cases. 

What is the treatment approach ?
Most Orthodontic patients undergo an initial period of orthodontic treatment to align the teeth (anywhere between 4 to 12 months) so that they will fit properly after surgery is completed. Surgery usually is not scheduled until the teeth have been properly aligned.

          Orthodontic appliances used to align teeth prior to surgery are left in place during the surgical procedure to aid in stabilizing the teeth and jawbones. After surgery there is a period of follow-up Orthodontic treatment to achieve final alignment of the teeth, thus complementing the new facial symmetry. 

Can surgery be avoided ?  
In younger patients, future facial growth combined with timely Orthodontic intervention can sometimes correct protrusion and/or retrusions of the jawbone. An Orthodontist working with children as young as age 7, can use one of several Orthodontic appliances to direct bone growth, thus eliminating the need for surgery in some patients. However, in adults, and in those patients who have completed their bone growth, the improper tooth/bone relationship is frequently treated with surgery. 

Are there any risks ?           

The portion of Surgical orthodontic treatment provided by an Oral Surgeon entails the usual risks inherent with any type of surgery.

           However, Surgical Orthodontic procedures are not new or experimental; they are routinely performed in offices or hospitals on a regular basis. If you or a member of your family are about to undergo Surgical Orthodontic treatment, your Oral Surgeon would explain the risks, to set your mind at ease.