Surgical orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that uses surgical appliances to correct irregularities in the teeth and jaw. While orthodontic treatment often involves braces to correct misalignment, it can also be complete without any hardware instruments or medications. It is important to note that surgical orthodontic treatment requires anesthesia for patients and should only be performed by an experienced professional.
Surgical orthodontics treats a variety of dental problems such as protruding, irregularly shaped teeth and jaws, overcrowding, and underbites. Tooth crowding occurs when there is not enough room in the mouth for all the teeth, causing them to grow into each other or toward the back of the jaw. Underbites, also known as malocclusions, occur when a person's top and bottom teeth do not meet perfectly. As a result, the teeth may grow out to the side or overlap when biting down.
Several different types of surgical orthodontics are available. Our team can discuss the kind of procedure they recommend. Sometimes, we focus on shifting the upper or lower jaw. For example, we might restructure the chin or add bone to the jaw. These surgeries adjust the shape and position of the jawbone.
In other cases, patients may also need temporomandibular joint (TMJ) surgery. This surgery targets the sliding hinge, allowing the lower jaw to move freely. TMJ problems are often linked to jaw deformities. Patients can develop crooked teeth, uneven wear, and dental decay without treatment.
Our team can determine whether you need TMJ surgery and if the procedure is right for you. Some TMJ procedures are minimally invasive, with a short recovery time. Since other procedures require open surgery, we can help you explore the options.
Surgical orthodontics might be right for patients struggling with overcrowding or an underbite and would like to correct it. If the teeth are growing out of position due to injury or infection, they can be moved back into place by an orthodontist skilled in orthodontic surgery. Surgical orthodontic treatment is usually performed on older patients, but young people are not disqualified. If the orthodontist determines that orthodontic surgery is necessary to correct a dental issue, then the patient should not be discouraged by age.
Orthodontics can be beneficial to almost anyone with overcrowding or underbite. However, patients must realize that there are risks associated with this type of treatment, and they should not attempt to correct their dental problems alone. Surgery may also not be advisable for children and teenagers unless the problem results from an injury. In that case, surgery can help correct any damage to the jaw or teeth.
There may be risks associated with surgical procedures, which is why they should only be performed by an orthodontist skilled in the field. Surgery can result in infection or damage to another set of teeth or bones and problems with blood circulation and nerve function. Patients should inform their doctor if they have dental implants, gum disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, or autoimmune diseases such as Lupus before undergoing any orthodontic surgery.
As with any medical treatment, there are risks associated with the procedure. Common side effects and complications include:
Surgical orthodontics is an effective way of correcting dental issues that cannot be remedied by wearing braces alone. Orthodontic surgery can treat overcrowding, underbites, and teeth growing out of position. The surgery does have risks and should only be performed by an experienced professional. Talk to your orthodontist if you believe that orthodontic surgery is the right course of treatment for you.
If you are interested or want to learn more about surgical orthodontics, contact our office at (732) 761-9700, and we can schedule a consultation. Prior to any dental or orthodontic treatment, we will first determine whether you are a good candidate for this procedure and discuss all of the advantages and disadvantages of undergoing treatment. Our team is equipped to offer surgical orthodontic procedures for many patients and can offer alternative orthodontic treatments if necessary. We look forward to hearing from you!
Request an appointment here: https://www.coltsnecknjsmiles.com or call Colts Neck Center for Orthodontics & Invisalign at (732) 761-9700 for an appointment in our Colts Neck office.
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