Surgical Orthodontics in Richardson, Texas

You are on this site because your jaw irregularity or bad bite is so bad that braces and other dental tools cannot fully fix the problem on their own.

For some adults, orthodontic treatment solely cannot completely adjust their orthodontic problem. They may additionally need surgery alongside orthodontic treatment to secure a modest, strong bite.

Orthognathic surgery, also called surgical orthodontics or jaw surgery, is a surgery that is liable for fixing maxillofacial deformities by shifting the bones of the upper jaw, jaw, and chin. It is specially intended to handle serious cases that cannot be treated with just the application of regular braces or Invisalign.

It is designated when there are extremely severe issues of class II (small jaw), class III (large jaw), vertical problems (gummy smiles or open bites), or facial asymmetries, which cannot be treated only with orthodontics. What has to be corrected will depend on a case by case basis as every patient has a different situation.

When Might Surgical Orthodontics Be Needed?

Surgical orthodontics are practiced to attend to adults with irregular bites or other aesthetic problems. Normally, jaw growth stops by age 18 in males, and 16 in females. To undergo surgical orthodontics-treatment, the jaw should be completed in its developing stage. The demand for surgical orthodontics takes place when the jaws do not align accurately, and a proper bite cannot be solved with orthodontic treatment solely. Orthognathic surgery will help correctly adjust the jaw, and orthodontic braces will then be used to shift the teeth toward their right spot.

If you’re suffering from any of the following, you may need to consider surgical orthodontics:

• Asymmetrical facial appearance from the front or side
• Birth defects
• Chronic mouth breathing
• Jaw joint (TMJ) or Chronic jaw pain and headaches
• Difficulty chewing, biting, or swallowing food
• Inability or difficulty making the lips meet without straining
• Injury to the jaw or face
• Open bite – when there’s a gap between the lower and upper teeth when the mouth is    closed
• Protruding jaw
• Receding lower jaw and chin
• Sleep apnea

Additionally, if you have:

• Chin advancement – Chin advancement is used for patients who have a weak jawline.
• Gummy smile – A gummy smile suggests that when you smile there is a huge amount of gum that is exposed, unlike others.
• Mandibular advancement – This indicates that you have a weak lower jaw. This causes you to have an overbite.
• Mandibular setback – Mandibular setback implies that your upper-jaw is undeveloped. This creates an underbite.
• Maxillary advancement – Maxillary advancement forms a type of underbite that’s perceived as a crossbite.
• Maxillary setback – Maxillary setback creates a form of an overbite that’s known as an overjet.
• Open Bite – An open bite is known as maxillary impaction.

Why is Surgical Orthodontics Needed?

Unlike children, adult’s jawbones are no longer developing, hence the only way to adjust the shape or size of an adult is via surgery.

How Does Surgical Orthodontics Work?

Surgical orthodontics is performed in various steps. We start with a series of braces or Invisalign treatment before your surgery. It might seem as though your bite is worsening at first, though we need to plan to make sure the teeth are aligned roughly that when your orthognathic surgery is completed, they’ll fit together perfectly.

An oral and maxillofacial surgeon will then conduct your jaw surgery in the hospital. It will vary depending on the kind of process and level of adjustment required though, in many instances, the surgery can last for a couple more hours. When it’s done, you’ll need some time to heal and recover.

After the recovery period, your orthodontist will make a few alterations to your bite and you’ll conclude your braces or Invisalign treatment. Normally, this last stage of treatment will last between six months to a year. Lastly, you’ll wear a retainer to sustain your impressive results.

Benefits of Surgical Orthodontics

The greatest prize of having jaw surgery is a brilliant and healthy smile. Orthognathic surgery can fix jaw irregularities and malocclusions, allowing you to chew your food well, articulate audibly and smile more genuinely. It is also deemed as a treatment option for those experiencing obstructive sleep apnea.

Risks Associated with Surgical Orthodontics

Just like all major medical surgeries, there may be some risks of having surgical orthodontics. But, the process of orthognathic surgery is not new, and it has been practiced for several years in training and hospitals. If you’re anxious about an upcoming treatment with jaw surgery, please call our office and give us a heads. We are delighted to respond to any concerns that you may have and give you some additional information.

Is the Surgical Treatment Performed by an Orthodontist?

Consider surgical orthodontic as a joint action. An orthodontist is normally the one to advise orthodontic surgery as a treatment option. After it is recommended, you will be introduced to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon who will fulfill the particular surgery.

What is the Recovery Period?

It is right to propose to be absent from school or work for two weeks. Younger patients may request to have their surgery during a long break. Eating is altered for the first couple of weeks because of swelling and limited opening. Facial swelling is to be expected and will fade away largely during the first month after surgery. The oral surgeon will explain other possible signs that may manifest during the recuperation period.

How Can I Recognize a Potential Bite Problem? 

Teeth that are crowded together, protruding, or erupting out of place are obvious signs that treatment is pivotal. Less visible symptoms are speech difficulties, persistent biting of tongue or cheek, mouth breathing, and thumb sucking that goes beyond 3-4 years of age. If jaws shift or produce sound as they move, or if teeth don’t meet suitably when the mouth closes, this may also signify an orthodontic problem.

What to Expect from Jaw Surgery?

Don’t be nervous regarding what surgical orthodontics requires. We will look after you and ensure you feel fully comfortable with your treatment. First, our orthodontist will check your jaw, take diagnostic records and inform you whether orthognathic surgery must be part of your treatment program. Surgery isn’t performed until the jaw is done developing, so this procedure is for adults exclusively. 

We understand that the choice to undergo orthognathic surgery is a huge one, and we’re here to provide you all the necessary information you need to have a smart decision. We can even apply digital imaging to detail the primary benefits of surgical orthodontics, so you’ll know specifically what you can expect.

Surgical Orthodontics in Richardson, Tx

Our team at Infinite Orthodontics is highly skilled in orthognathic surgery, and techniques are accurate where the benefits dominate the risks of orthognathic surgeries. We can help you shape your jaws, mouth, and face into an ideal and strong position that delivers you the function you want for a lavish and comfortable life.

For more information about surgical orthodontics in Richardson, and to book a consultation with our expert orthodontists, please call 972-931-9998.