WORKING
TOGETHER FOR YOU
In the treatment of dental abnormalities, 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.
This
teamwork approach to complex dental / facial problems is providing better oral
health for thousands of adults and children. These thousands are rewarded with
straight teeth, bright smiles and facial symmetry - a beauty of shape, form and
position.
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
TREATMENT IS USED ?
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.
Anorthodontist 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 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.
WHAT
ARE THE REWARDS ?
Following completion of the surgical orthodontic process, dental health is
improved - no more bad bites or crooked teeth. The jawbones and profile
relationships are also more stable, functional and esthetic. Facial appearance
is improved.
THE MOST LASTING REWARD IS A
MORE BEAUTIFUL, HEALTHIER AND HAPPIER YOU!
WHAT
PROBLEMS DOES SURGICAL ORTHODONTICS BEST CORRECT ?
There are a wide variety of causes of jawbone discrepancies - heredity, trauma
or other developmental problems. Most commonly corrected problems include:
