Surgical orthodontics, also known as orthognathic surgery, is a type of orthodontic treatment used to correct severe cases that include bad bites, jawbone abnormalities, and malocclusion. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is one of the nine dental specialties, and it focuses on treating complex craniofacial cases that involve the mouth, jaw, face, and skull. Your orthodontist will work with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to ensure that if you need surgical orthodontics you receive the best care possible.

When Might Surgical Orthognatics Be Needed?

Surgical orthodontics may be used to treat adults with improper bites or other aesthetic concerns. Typically, jaw growth stops by age 16 in females and 18 in males. In order to receive orthognathic surgery, the jaw must be done growing. The need for surgical orthodontics occurs when the jaws do not line up correctly, and a proper bite cannot be achieved with orthodontic treatment alone. Orthognathic surgery will help properly align the jaw, and orthodontic braces will then be used to move the teeth into their proper position.

How Do I Know If I Need Orthognatic Surgery?

Your orthodontist can tell you if orthognathic surgery is needed as part of your treatment. Depending on the severity of your case and the alignment of your jaw, you may or may not need surgery.

How Does Orthognathic Surgery Work?

An oral and maxillofacial surgeon will perform your orthognathic surgery, and the surgery will take place in a hospital. Orthognathic surgery can take several hours depending on each individual case. Once the surgery is complete, you will have about a two-week rest period. Since orthognathic surgery is a major treatment, we recommend that you schedule some time away from work and school during the healing process. After your jaw has healed, your orthodontist in Roswell will once again “fine-tune” your bite. After surgery, you will have to wear braces, and most braces are removed within six to twelve months following surgery.

After your braces are removed, you will wear a retainer to help maintain your new smile.

What Are The Risks Associated With Orthognathic Surgery?

As with any major medical surgery, there may be certain risks of having orthognathic surgery. However, the process of orthognathic surgery is not new, and it has been performed for many years in practices and hospitals. If you’re concerned about an upcoming treatment with orthognathic surgery, please contact our practice and let us know. We are happy to answer any questions that you may have, and provide you with any additional information. Your comfort is important to us.

What Are The Rewards Of Having Orthognathic Surgery?

For many patients, the most important reward of having orthognathic surgery is achieving a beautiful, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime. Whether you need orthodontic treatment to correct a bad bite, malocclusion, or jaw abnormality, orthognathic surgery can help restore your confidence and leave you smiling with confidence for many years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is surgical orthodontics?

Surgical orthodontics refers to the invasive procedures a patient might require to fix their skeletal growth problems and more complex cases of dental malalignment. Unlike orthodontics, surgical orthodontics requires sedation and surgery.

What is considered orthodontic surgery?

Several treatments can be considered orthodontic surgery, though to be more precise, we should refer to it as orthognathic surgery or oral surgery. The most common type of oral surgery is wisdom teeth extractions, but other, more complex treatments can deal with reconstructions and fixing skeletal growth problems.

How long does orthodontic surgery take?

We cannot say exactly how long each case would take. Everyone’s circumstances and corresponding treatment are unique. Usually, everything will be done in a single session, but you should consult with your team of specialists to know more.

What kinds of surgery do oral surgeons offer?

Some of the treatments include surgery for tooth extraction, bone grafts, dental implants, corrective jaw surgery, and cleft lip and palate repair. Oral surgeons are the only specialists that can perform the invasive surgical procedures required to fix severe problems with your dental structures.

What can you expect from orthodontic surgery?

You won’t have to worry about a painful procedure. Likewise, you can expect great health benefits, such as an improved function for swallowing, speaking, chewing, and even breathing.

Who needs surgical orthodontics?

Surgical orthodontics is highly recommended for adults who have severe problems with their dental alignment that cannot be fixed with orthodontics. Likewise, some patients who experience direct trauma and severe accidents will require this type of help.