Surgical Orthodontics
Learn About Surgical Orthodontics
Surgical orthodontics, also known as orthognathic surgery, is a type of orthodontic treatment used to correct severe cases, including bad bites, abnormalities in the jaw bone, and malocclusion.
Oral and maxillofacial surgery is one of nine recognized specialties in the dental field. It focuses specifically on treating complex craniofacial cases, typically involving the jaw, mouth, face, and skull.
If Dr. Miller determines that you would benefit from a combination of orthodontics and surgery to correct a severe facial or bite issue and achieve all of your goals, our team will work together with one of the excellent maxillofacial surgeons we regularly collaborate with to guarantee that you receive the best care available, and the most optimal end results.
Reasons For Surgical Orthodontics
Surgical orthodontics can be beneficial for adults who suffer from improper bites or other aesthetic issues that cannot be fully corrected by other means. The jaws are typically fully developed by age 18, although in some individuals (particularly males) growth can sometimes continue in small amounts into the early 20’s.
In order to be a candidate for orthodontic surgery, the jaw must be fully developed and no longer growing. If your jaws do not line up and you’re unable to achieve a proper bite through orthodontic treatment alone, Dr. Miller may advise that you could benefit from orthodontic surgery.
In our practice we NEVER push for a surgical solution. We always strive to provide other options to achieve your goals. Orthognathic surgery is only suggested if no other means exist to address the goals you are looking to achieve, and even then because having a surgical procedure is a very significant decision, should you decide not to pursue a surgical plan we will always do our best to achieve a significant improvement without surgery. Many times we can achieve “near perfect” without the need for surgery if it is not the option that's right for you.
Talk To Dr. Miller
After your initial consultation with Dr. Miller, he’ll be able to determine if you require orthodontic surgery.
How Orthognathic Surgery Works
Orthognathic surgery is performed in a hospital by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Orthognathic surgery may take up to a few hours, depending on the severity of each individual case. After your surgery is complete, we recommend you to take a two-week rest period.
Because orthodontic surgery is a pretty major treatment, we highly encourage you to schedule some time off work and school during your healing process. Once you’re completely healed from your surgery, Dr. Miller will fine-tune your bite accordingly.
After you undergo surgery, you’ll be required to wear braces. While each case is different, braces are typically removed 6-12 months following surgery. Once your braces are removed, you’ll continue to wear a retainer to maintain your treatment progress.
Benefits of Orthodontic Surgery
For many of our Miller Orthodontics patients, the most important reward of having orthognathic surgery is the healthy, beautiful smile they’ll have as a result.
Whether you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment to correct an issue with your bite, misaligned jaw, or another malocclusion, orthognathic surgery can help boost your confidence and give you a smile that lasts a lifetime.