Sometimes, a patient’s orthodontic needs go beyond braces or traditional orthodontic treatment. They may require corrective orthognathic surgery to achieve their best possible smile. Luckily, there are several surgical solutions for even the most complex cases, which may include poor bites, craniofacial abnormalities or issues with the jawbone.
The most important step in addressing your unique orthodontic needs is the first one: if you or your child may benefit from expert orthodontic care, book a consultation at your earliest convenience, and orthodontists at Wonder West Orthodontics will help you determine the best way forward to better oral health.
Determining If You Require Orthodontic Surgery
It’s impossible to know if a patient requires orthodontic surgery to address their orthodontic needs unless we meet with them. However, if your dentist has signalled you may benefit from a visit to the orthodontist, we hope you’ll give us the opportunity to help give you peace of mind with expert advice and orthodontic care.
How Old Do You Have to Be for Corrective Jaw Surgery?
One important thing to know before you consider pursuing orthognathic surgery is that the jaw must be done growing for you or your child to be eligible. Typically, young women’s jaws stop developing at age 16, while men’s jaws are finished growing at 18. So, you will likely have to wait until this time before you have any significant surgical remediation of your orthodontic challenges.
What is Orthognathic Surgery & How Will It Work?
Orthognathic surgery, often referred to as jaw surgery, corrects conditions that impact the structure or function of the lower portion of the face. This practice allows oral surgeons to reposition the jaw in order to improve teeth alignment and bite.
If you require orthodontic or orthognathic surgery for jaw reconstruction or alignment correction, your orthodontist will work with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to help you achieve optimal results. You will require a presurgical phase of treatment which can last between 1-1.5 years. When you are ready for surgery, your orthognathic surgery will be performed in a hospital and after it’s complete, you will need to take approximately two weeks of rest to recover.
After this brief recovery period, a post-surgical phase will resume to ensure your bite and jaw are aligned as you move forward. Your needs will determine how long you require braces for, as well as what other aftercare solutions you may need to take advantage of.
How Will Having Jaw Alignment Surgery Benefit Me?
When your orthodontic treatment needs go beyond braces, specialized orthognathic surgery will be the only way you can achieve a straighter, healthier smile. More importantly, this type of surgery can prevent long-term damage and discomfort caused by an untreated bad bite or jaw issue.
Are There Any Risks to Orthodontic Surgery?
The orthodontists at Wonder West have been working with a team of oral and maxillofacial surgeons to perform orthognathic surgeries for many years, which means while there are always some risks when undergoing surgery, we are well-prepared to take care of even the most complex patient cases.
Take the Most Important Step in Addressing Your Unique Orthodontic Needs
If you or your child may benefit from expert surgical orthodontic care, book a consultation at your earliest convenience, and orthodontists at Wonder West Orthodontics will help you determine the best way forward to better oral health.
