What is surgical orthodontics?
Surgical orthodontics, also called orthognathic surgery, is corrective jaw surgery performed to remedy skeletal problems that affect a patient’s ability to bite, chew, speak, and breathe properly. It also greatly improves a patient’s facial appearance. This surgery requires the teamwork of an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and an orthodontist.
Who needs surgical orthodontics?
Adult patients with improper bites and facial aesthetic concerns who have reached physical maturity are candidates for orthognathic surgery. Jaw growth is typically completed by age 16 in females and age 18 in males. Jaw growth must be completed before orthognathic surgery is performed. Pre-surgical tooth movements do not require the condition of full growth of the jaw and can start one to two years earlier.
How does surgical orthodontics work?
Orthodontic treatment usually comes before orthognathic surgery. The purpose is to align teeth so that they fit correctly after surgery is performed.
Orthognathic surgery places the jaws into proper alignment, which results in the teeth fitting properly into the correct position. The surgery may take several hours. The time required for surgery depends on the condition of the patient. Orthognathic surgery is performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
The surgery of the lower jaw requires the separation of the jawbone behind the teeth and moving the tooth-bearing portion of the jawbone forward or backward as required. In surgery of the upper jaw, the jaw can be raised, repositioned, or lowered forward or backward. Some movements may need the jaws to be separated and addition or removal of bones to attain stability and proper alignment. Facial bones that help in the alignment can also be repositioned or augmented.
Orthodontic treatment continues for a time after surgery to bring teeth into their final, optimal positions for good function.
How Long is the Post-Surgery Recovery Period?
The recovery period of orthodontic surgery is about two weeks, and the patient will be able to return to school or work after this time period. The surgery will take between 4 and 8 weeks to completely heal. Minor adjustments will be required to be made to the patient’s bite by the orthodontist after the surgery. The removal of braces is usually carried out 6 to 12 months after the surgery. The patient is required to wear a retainer after the braces are removed to maintain the corrected position of the teeth.
