Surgical orthodontics in Fishers, Indiana
Surgical orthodontics, also known as orthognathic surgery, is a type of orthodontic treatment used to correct severe cases that include bad bites, jaw bone abnormalities, and malocclusion. Oral and maxillofacial surgery is one of the nine recognized dental specialties, and it focuses on treating complex craniofacial cases that involve the mouth, jaw, face, and skull. If you need surgical orthodontics, Dr. Benedict, your Fishers orthodontist will work with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to ensure that you receive the best care possible.
Your oral and maxillofacial surgeon has many years of education and hands-on training to provide treatment for a wide range of conditions. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are the only recognized dental specialists who, after completing dental school, are surgically trained in an American Dental Association-accredited hospital-based residency program for a minimum of four years. Their training focuses almost exclusively on the hard and soft tissue of the face, mouth, and jaws, and their knowledge and surgical expertise uniquely qualify them to diagnose and treat the functional and aesthetic conditions in this part of the body.
When might surgical orthodontics be needed?
Surgical orthodontics, also known as corrective jaw surgery or orthognathic surgery, may be used to reposition the upper jaw, lower jaw, and/or chin in adults to correct minor and major skeletal and dental irregularities, including the misalignment of jaws and teeth or other aesthetic concerns which can improve chewing, speaking, and breathing.
Typically, jaw growth stops by age 16 in females and 18 in males. To receive orthognathic surgery, the jaw must be finished 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 or Invisalign® will then be used to move the teeth into their proper position.
How do I know if I need orthognathic surgery?
In some cases, your upper and lower jaws may have grown at different rates. Injuries and birth defects may also affect jaw alignment. While orthodontics can usually correct problems when only the teeth are misaligned, corrective jaw surgery may be necessary to correct the misalignment of the jaws.
Dr. Benedict, our Fishers orthodontist, can tell you if orthognathic surgery is needed as part of your orthodontic treatment. Depending on the severity of your case and the alignment of your jaw, you may or may not need surgery.
If you suffer from any of the following conditions, you may be an excellent candidate for orthognathic surgery:
Difficulty chewing, biting food, or swallowing
Excessive wear of the teeth
Open bite (space between the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed)
Unbalanced facial appearance from the front or side
Facial injury or birth defects
Receding chin
Protruding jaw
Sleep apnea
Chronic mouth breathing and dry mouth
Chronic jaw or jaw joint (TMJ) pain and headache
Corrective jaw surgery for TMJ treatment
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a small joint in front of the ear where the skull and lower jaw meet and allow the lower jaw to move and function. If you experience jaw pain, earaches, headaches, a limited ability to open or close your mouth, and clicking or grating sounds, you may have Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD). TMJ treatment may range from conservative dental and medical care to complex surgery. If non-surgical treatment is unsuccessful or if there is clear joint damage, surgery may be indicated which can involve either arthroscopy or repair of damaged tissue by a direct surgical approach.
How does corrective jaw surgery work?
Corrective jaw surgery moves your teeth and jaws into more balanced, functional, and healthy positions. Corrective jaw surgery can positively affect your life, whether your needs include improving your bite and function, appearance, or speech.
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon will perform your orthognathic surgery, which will occur in a hospital. Orthognathic surgery can take several hours depending on each case. Once the surgery is complete, you will have approximately a two-week rest period. Since orthognathic surgery is a major treatment, we recommend you schedule some time away from work and school during the healing process. After your jaw has healed, your Fishers orthodontist will “fine-tune” your bite with braces. Most braces are removed within six to 12 months following surgery. After removing your braces, you will wear a retainer to help maintain your new smile.
What are the risks associated with orthognathic surgery?
There may be certain risks of having orthognathic surgery, as with any major medical 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 orthognathic surgery, contact Benedict Orthodontics and let us know. We are happy to answer any questions and provide additional information. Your comfort is important to us.
Benefits of surgical orthodontics
Receiving jaw surgery treatment is a commitment, not only to your health but to your happiness. For many patients, the most important reward of having corrective jaw 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.
While treatment, which may include surgery and orthodontic treatment, may take several years to complete, the results will last a lifetime. There is no reason to live with painful, uncomfortable jaw conditions. Schedule a free consultation to learn about the best treatment option for you, your needs, and your smile.