Many people only need braces to shift their teeth into an ideal position. It is a simple journey to get a perfect smile.
Unfortunately in some cases, there are issues beyond tooth alignment. If jaw issues are involved, it will need surgical intervention or surgical orthodontics.
In surgical orthodontics the expertise of orthodontic specialists and oral surgeons is used to address jawbone issues that cannot be corrected by using braces only.
These jaw issues can affect you in different ways. It impacts not just your facial looks but even your function.
Severe Malocclusions
Malocclusions involve overbites, underbites, or crossbites. When braces cannot address severe bad bite efficiently, the issue lies with your jaw and it will need surgical intervention.
In Reston, VA, Tisserton Orthodontics has one orthodontist with a great team passionate about their services and committed to their patients. The orthodontic specialist offers surgical treatments, as well as braces for children and adults.
Facial asymmetry
Severe irregularities in jaw development can cause noticeable asymmetry in your facial structure. Surgical orthodontics can help to achieve facial balance and improve overall appearance.
Functional problems
Beyond aesthetics, jaw discrepancies can cause difficulty in speaking, chewing, or breathing. Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts when you are sleeping. It can be connected with jaw misalignment and can benefit from surgery.
Beyond appearance and function benefits
Surgical orthodontics offers an extensive range of advantages beyond achieving a beautiful smile. Surgery corrects jaw misalignment to improve chewing, speaking and breathing. It gives you an improved quality of life and boosts self-confidence.
The discomfort in the jaw joint is painful, which is alleviated with surgical correction. Sleep apnea issue is also resolved with the widening of the airway, allowing you to breathe with ease during sleep.
Understanding the surgical process
In pre-surgical orthodontics, braces are used to align teeth as much as possible. It allows the surgical process to attain optimal results.
The surgical procedure will depend on the nature of the jaw discrepancy. It may involve relocation of the lower jaw or the upper jaw or both.
After the surgical procedure, braces or retainers are used to refine the tooth alignment and ensure long-term optimal results.
What is considered before taking the surgical route?
The decision to take the surgical route is taken after certain considerations like severity, age, recovery risks and budget.
Every jaw irregularity doesn’t require surgery. The orthodontic specialists will assess your situation and determine the course of action.
Orthodontic surgery carries inherent risks like bleeding, infection and nerve damage. Besides, the recovery period can be uneasy or uncomfortable. It is costly, so consider your insurance coverage and your pocket cost before proceeding.
Age is also a factor considered for surgical procedures. Orthodontic surgery is performed after facial growth has stopped, usually in early adulthood or late teens.
Conclusion
With a combination of orthodontic specialists and oral surgeons, surgical orthodontics can correct complex jaw problems and improve facial structure and oral health.
The decision for surgery needs careful consultation and an understanding of the risks, recovery and long-term commitment.
