Surgical Orthodontics Treatment

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, your orthodontist will work with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to ensure that you receive the best care possible.

If Orthognathic surgery is needed, this surgery is to correct conditions of the jaw and face related to structure, growth, sleep apnea, TMJ disorders, malocclusion problems due to skeletal disharmonies, or other orthodontic problems that cannot be easily treated with braces. If Dr. Karanth feels orthognathic surgery is right for you, we will refer and collaborate with other dental professionals like an Oral Surgeon for correction and improvement of facial balance, proportions, and harmony. Orthognathic surgery can also be referred to as corrective jaw 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.

When Might Surgical Orthodontics 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.

What Are The Rewards Of Having Orthognathic Surgery?

For many patients, the most important reward of having orthognathic surgery is correcting a bad bite, malocclusion, or jaw abnormality that caused them excessive wear and pain. The icing on top of course is achieving a beautiful. No matter your specific need for orthognathic surgery it can help restore your confidence and leave you smiling with confidence with a healthy smile that lasts a lifetime.