Surgical Orthodontics: A Path to Better Oral Health and Confidence
Surgical orthodontics, also known as orthognathic surgery, is a specialized field within orthodontics that addresses severe jaw and bite abnormalities. Sound like a mouthful? We know this topic can feel a little intimidating, but this resource will help you understand what surgical orthodontics entails, its importance, the benefits it offers, and how our team at Royal Orthodontics keeps patients like you at the center of the experience.
What is Surgical Orthodontics?
Surgical orthodontics involves the collaboration of an orthodontist and an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to correct major skeletal and dental irregularities. This treatment is typically recommended for adult patients whose jaws have stopped growing, usually around age 18 or older.
At Royal Orthodontics, we’ll help address issues such as misaligned jaws, severe bite problems, asymmetries, and facial imbalances that cannot be corrected with braces alone. The treatment combines orthodontic techniques with corrective jaw surgery to improve the function and appearance of your teeth and jaws.
The Importance of Surgical Orthodontics
For significant jaw discrepancies and bite issues, surgical orthodontics is crucial for achieving proper alignment and function. These abnormalities can affect chewing, speaking, breathing, and overall facial aesthetics. Orthognathic surgery not only enhances the appearance of the smile but also improves the quality of life by addressing functional problems.
The Benefits of Surgical Orthodontics
We work in concert with your oral and maxillofacial surgeon to make sure that your treatment plan is supported from every angle, and that both teams are aligned on the best protocols for your care. When this synchronicity happens, we’re able to:
Correct Severe Jaw Misalignment: Surgical orthodontics can reposition the jaws to achieve proper alignment, which is impossible with braces alone. This correction enhances both function and aesthetics.
Improve Bite Functionality: By aligning the jaws correctly, surgical orthodontics ensures that the teeth meet properly, improving chewing, biting, and speaking functions.
Alleviate Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Surgical correction of retrusive or constricted jaw positions is proven to alleviate obstructive sleep apnea, reducing the need for CPAP or other prescribed sleep appliances.
Reduce Pain and Discomfort: Misaligned jaws can cause chronic pain and discomfort, including headaches and TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders. Surgical orthodontics can relieve these symptoms and provide a lifetime of relief.
Enhance Facial Appearance: Jaw surgery can significantly improve facial symmetry and balance. For many patients, this leads to a more aesthetically pleasing appearance and better self-esteem and confidence.
Conditions Treated by Surgical Orthodontics
Here are a few of the conditions that our team, in partnership with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, might seek to address:
Treating Severe Malocclusions: Surgical orthodontics effectively addresses severe bite issues such as overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites (in the event that braces aren’t able to address these concerns).
Correcting Facial Imbalances: For patients with facial asymmetry or imbalances, orthognathic surgery can realign the jaws, creating a more harmonious facial profile.
Improving Breathing Issues: Conditions like obstructive sleep apnea or other breathing problems caused by jaw misalignment can be alleviated through surgical orthodontics.
Enhancing Oral Health: Proper jaw alignment makes it easier to maintain oral hygiene, reducing the risk of dental issues such as cavities and gum disease.
Resolving Functional Problems: Surgical orthodontics addresses functional difficulties related to eating, speaking, and breathing, leading to a significant improvement in overall quality of life.
In Conclusion
Surgical orthodontics is a transformative treatment for patients with severe jaw and bite abnormalities. By combining our orthodontic expertise with corrective jaw surgery performed by your oral and maxillofacial surgeon, this approach addresses both functional and aesthetic concerns, leading to improved oral health, enhanced facial appearance, and a better quality of life. We know the idea of surgery can be a little overwhelming—that’s why our team goes above and beyond to demystify the process and support you along the way. Just think of Dr. Royal and Dr. Popper as both your doctors and your biggest cheerleaders!