Having your jaws aligned in the right manner is not only important in order to be able to chew and talk properly, but also in order to have a normal facial structure and a proper set of teeth. However, there is a group of people with severe malocclusion of the jaw that cannot be treated with conventional orthodontics. Orthodontics is sometimes employed in conjunction with corrective jaw surgery and Surgically Assisted Orthodontics near you offers a full-service solution to this particular issue. It also improves the overall oral function and chewing ability, and thus the beauty of the smile.
Comprehending Jaw Misalignment
Jaw misalignment, or malocclusion, can be caused by genetic reasons, developmental problems, or trauma. Some of the most common forms of malocclusion are:
- Overbite – The upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth too much.
- Underbite – The lower teeth protrude past the upper teeth.
- Crossbite – The upper and lower teeth do not come together properly when biting down.
Such misalignments will lead to troubles with chewing, speaking, and breathing, along with jaw discomfort and excessive wear on the teeth.
What is Surgical Orthodontics?
Orthognathic surgery, often known as surgical orthodontics, is a highly specialized operation that treats severe misalignment by combining orthodontic correction with jaw surgery. It is generally done in three steps:
- Pre-Surgical Orthodontics: Brackets or aligners are utilized in order to advance teeth into ideal positions in the lead-up to surgery.
- Corrective Jaw Surgery: A surgeon of oral and maxillofacial surgery operates to move the jaw into the proper position.
- Post-Surgical Orthodontics: Further orthodontic treatment refines the bite and provides long-term stability.
Benefits of Surgical Orthodontics
Choosing surgically assisted orthodontic therapy gives numerous benefits, including:
- Enhanced Bite Function: This, of course, enables one to chew and speak in comfort.
- Better Facial Aesthetics: The simpler reason is that the very process of repositioning the jaws results in balance and symmetry of the facial appearance.
- Improved Breathing: Enhances the flow of air and improves such conditions as sleep apnea since it helps to position jaws better.
- Good Long-Term Oral Health: Reduced wear will lead to a reduced tendency to decay or periodontal disease.
- Pain Relief: Untangling the stress on the jaw joints reduces the pain associated with TMJ disorders.
Who Benefits from Surgical Orthodontics?
People with extensive jaw misalignment that cannot be corrected by braces or aligners alone can take advantage of surgical orthodontics. Some indicators that can be an indication for this procedure include:
- Chronic pain or discomfort in the jaw
- Trouble chewing or biting
- Speech difficulty because of teeth misalignment
- Facial asymmetry or irregular jaw shape
- Breathing complications associated with jaw position
The Surgical Procedure: What to Expect
If you are considering oral surgery near you for a jaw alignment, understanding what it involves can be a worry reliever. The procedure usually involves:
- First Consultation: Your orthodontist and oral surgeon will measure your jaw alignment with X-rays, 3D scans, and bite analysis.
- Treatment Planning: A customized treatment plan will be formulated, outlining the orthodontic treatment needed and surgery.
- Surgical Procedure: The surgeon makes precise changes to the jawbone under general anesthesia and fixes it in place with screws or plates.
- Recovery Phase: Recovery normally takes several weeks, with patients advised on a soft diet and staying away from heavy physical exertion.
- Final Orthodontic Adjustments: After-surgical orthodontic treatment guarantees optimal bite alignment and long-term stability.
Why Choose Brandon Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
If you are looking for surgically assisted orthodontics in Brandon, it is important to see experienced professionals who are familiar with oral and maxillofacial surgery. At Brandon Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, you can anticipate a team of professionals who create a unique treatment plan to correct jaw misalignment and enhance your oral health.
Call us today to schedule an appointment to learn about your treatment possibilities and start down the road to a healthier, more confident smile.