Surgical Orthodontics Specialist

What is surgical orthodontics?

Surgical orthodontics, or corrective jaw surgery, is a way of aligning the jaw when braces, Invisalign®, and other nonsurgical treatments can’t make the adjustments you need. 

Surgical orthodontics is more complex than treatments like braces or Invisalign and often requires in-depth computerized planning using digital imaging.

What is jaw surgery?

Jaw surgery can correct issues with the jaw or teeth, such as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). By addressing these issues with surgery, you can improve your biting and chewing abilities, your speech, and your facial symmetry or balance. Other benefits include less jaw pain, better sleep, and improvements in TMJ symptoms.

After planning your surgical orthodontics, your orthodontist at Constant and Contro Orthodontics describes their technique and explains how to prepare for your upcoming surgery. 

Who can benefit from surgical orthodontics?

Surgical orthodontics can address many issues that braces, Invisalign, and other nonsurgical forms of orthodontic care won’t effectively correct. Your orthodontist at Constant and Contro Orthodontics might recommend surgical orthodontics if your concerns include:

• A large underbite or protruding jaw
• A receding chin and lower jaw
• Chronic temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)
• Drastic facial asymmetry 
• Trouble with chewing or swallowing
• Open bite, especially if your lips don’t touch without straining
• Chronic mouth breathing
• Chronic obstructive sleep apnea

Surgical orthodontics is also beneficial for those who have congenital conditions or injuries from impact to the jaw or face. 

Surgical orthodontics is only for adults whose jaws have stopped growing and are no longer malleable. 

If your child has orthodontic issues like these, Constant and Contro Orthodontics can provide treatment with early orthodontics, which uses devices like spacers and palatal expanders to correct bite issues while the jaw is still growing.

How should I prepare for surgical orthodontics?

The preparation that goes into surgical orthodontics varies based on your reasons for getting jaw surgery, your general health, and the surgical techniques that your orthodontist plans on using. 

If you have crooked teeth and surgery is part of your orthodontic treatment plan, you’ll need to finish orthodontic treatments like braces or Invisalign before getting surgery.

During your orthodontic consultation, your orthodontist reviews your dental and medical history as well as the medications you take. 

You might need to stop taking certain medications ahead of your surgery. Your orthodontist will also discuss options for anesthesia and sedation with you before your surgery. 

To find out more about surgical orthodontics and see if you’re a candidate, call Constant and Contro Orthodontics or book an orthodontic consultation online today.