Oral Surgery

What is surgical orthodontics?

Surgical orthodontics is also referred to as “orthognathic surgery” and is a treatment that corrects severe dental issues such as jaw bone abnormalities, bad bites, and malocclusion. Maxillofacial and oral surgery is one of the nine recognized dental specialty categories and focuses on complex cases affecting the mouth, jaw, face, and skull. If your child requires oral surgery, the orthodontist will work closely with a maxillofacial or oral surgeon to ensure your child receives the best care possible.

When is surgical orthodontics needed?

To receive orthognathic surgery, the jaw must be done growing, which usually occurs around age 16-18. When the jaws don’t line up correctly, surgical orthodontics will be required to achieve the correct bite, as an orthodontic treatment alone will not fix the issue. Orthognathic surgery will properly align the jaw, and then afterward, braces will be used to move the teeth into their correct positions.

How do I know if I need orthognathic surgery?

Your orthodontist will inform you if your child requires orthognathic surgery as part of their treatment. They will assess the severity of your child’s case depending on the alignment of their jaw.

The orthognathic surgery process

Our maxillofacial and oral dentists will perform orthognathic surgery in a hospital setting for safety purposes. and this may take a few hours, depending on each unique case. Once the surgery is complete, your child will be advised to rest for a week or so. Since this surgery is a major treatment, our surgeons recommend your child take the necessary time off from work and school during your healing process.

After the jaw has healed, our orthodontist will apply braces to the teeth to correct the bite. The braces will be removed within 6 to 12 months following the surgery, and your child will wear a retainer to help maintain their beautiful new smile!

What are the risks of orthognathic surgery?

As with any major medical surgery, certain risks may be associated with orthognathic surgery. Possible oral surgery complications include numbness, infection, TMJ, and sinus complications. However, remember that these oral procedures have been performed successfully for decades, and your child is in good hands with our professional team. If you’re concerned about their upcoming orthognathic surgery, don’t hesitate to contact our office and let us know. We are happy to answer any questions you have as your comfort is important to us.

What are the benefits of orthognathic surgery?

For many of our guests, the most important part of having orthognathic surgery is the reward of achieving a healthy, beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime. Whether your child requires orthodontic treatment to correct malocclusion, a bad bite, or jaw abnormality, orthognathic surgery can help restore their confidence and improve their quality of life for many years.