Surgical orthodontics, also known as orthognathic surgery, is a specialized treatment that can correct severe dental and facial irregularities. This guide explains the benefits of surgical orthodontics, who qualifies for the treatment, and what patients can expect during and after the procedure.
What is Surgical Orthodontics?
Surgical orthodontics involves corrective jaw surgery to fix skeletal and dental irregularities. This procedure is often combined with traditional orthodontic treatment, such as braces, to improve both the function and aesthetics of the jaw and teeth. The surgery can realign jaws, correct malocclusions (bad bites), and resolve issues that can’t be treated by braces alone.
Conditions Treated by Surgical Orthodontics
Surgical orthodontics can address a variety of severe issues, including:
- Overbite and underbite: Misalignment of the upper and lower jaws.
- Open bite: A condition where the upper and lower teeth don’t meet when the mouth is closed.
- Jaw asymmetry: Uneven jaws that affect the facial appearance.
- Sleep apnea: Obstructed airways due to jaw positioning.
Who Qualifies for Surgical Orthodontics?
Not every patient with orthodontic issues will require surgery. The ideal candidate for surgical orthodontics is someone whose facial growth is complete, typically around the age of 18 for males and 16 for females. In addition, candidates should have:
- Severe malocclusion or jaw misalignment: Problems that cannot be corrected with braces alone.
- Good overall health: The patient must be in good health to undergo surgery and recover successfully.
- A commitment to orthodontic treatment: Surgery is often one part of a larger orthodontic treatment plan that includes braces or other corrective devices.
The Procedure: What to Expect
Surgical orthodontics is a detailed process that typically requires coordination between an orthodontist in Garland and an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Here’s a breakdown of the steps involved:
1. Pre-Surgical Orthodontic Treatment
Before surgery, patients will often wear braces for 12 to 18 months. This phase aligns the teeth properly in preparation for the surgical procedure. During this time, the orthodontist works to ensure that once the surgery is performed, the teeth will be in the correct positions.
2. The Surgery
The surgery itself is performed under general anesthesia and can take several hours, depending on the complexity of the case. The oral surgeon will make incisions inside the mouth to access the jawbones, so there are no visible scars. The bones may be cut and repositioned to achieve the desired alignment. Small plates, screws, or wires are used to hold the bones in place as they heal.
3. Post-Surgical Care
After surgery, most patients stay in the hospital for one or two days for observation. Full recovery can take several weeks, and during this time, a soft or liquid diet may be required. Patients will also continue orthodontic treatment for another 6 to 12 months to fine-tune the bite and ensure the best possible results.
Benefits of Surgical Orthodontics
Surgical orthodontics offers a wide range of benefits, both functional and aesthetic, for individuals with severe orthodontic issues. Here are some of the key advantages:
Improved Jaw Function
One of the most significant benefits of surgical orthodontics is improved jaw function. Correcting jaw misalignment can alleviate problems such as difficulty chewing, speaking, and breathing. For many patients, this leads to a significant improvement in their quality of life.
Enhanced Facial Appearance
For patients with noticeable facial asymmetry or jaw deformities, surgical orthodontics can dramatically enhance facial aesthetics. By repositioning the jaws, the overall balance and harmony of the face are improved, leading to increased self-confidence.
Permanent Results
While traditional braces and aligners can correct tooth alignment, surgical orthodontics addresses the root cause of skeletal issues. As a result, the outcome is often more stable and permanent compared to non-surgical treatments.
Relief from TMJ Disorders
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders are often caused by misaligned jaws, leading to chronic pain and discomfort. Surgical orthodontics can correct the jaw position, providing relief from TMJ symptoms such as headaches, jaw pain, and clicking sounds.
Improved Oral Health
Correcting bite problems can also improve oral health. Malocclusion can lead to excessive wear on teeth, gum disease, and tooth decay. By aligning the jaws properly, patients can maintain better oral hygiene and protect their teeth from future damage.
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery from surgical orthodontics requires patience and diligence. Here’s what to expect during the recovery period:
- Swelling and bruising: Swelling is normal after surgery and can last for several weeks. Ice packs and prescribed medications can help manage this.
- Diet restrictions: Patients will need to follow a soft or liquid diet for several weeks as the jaw heals.
- Follow-up appointments: Regular visits to the orthodontist and surgeon are necessary to monitor the healing process and adjust braces or other devices.
Most patients can return to normal activities within a month, but full healing of the jawbones can take up to a year.
Risks and Considerations
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with surgical orthodontics. These include:
- Infection: Post-surgical infections can occur, though they are rare.
- Nerve damage: Temporary or permanent numbness in the lips or jaw may result from the surgery.
- Relapse: In some cases, the jaws may shift back slightly after surgery, though this is uncommon with proper aftercare.
Patients should discuss these risks in detail with their surgeon to make an informed decision.
Conclusion
Surgical orthodontics is a powerful treatment option for individuals with severe jaw and dental misalignments. It not only improves the function of the jaw but also enhances facial aesthetics and provides long-term oral health benefits. By working closely with an orthodontist and oral surgeon, patients can achieve dramatic, life-changing results that are both functional and beautiful.