How You Can Benefit from Surgical Orthodontics

Surgical orthodontics, also known as orthognathic surgery, is a type of orthodontic treatment that involves correcting jaw misalignments that cannot be corrected with traditional orthodontic appliances. This type of treatment can improve not only your bite but also your overall facial appearance, speech, and breathing. In this article, we will discuss how you can benefit from surgical orthodontics.

The Benefits of Surgical Orthodontics

A surgical orthodontic procedure can have a number of benefits. Read here!

1. Improved Bite
   
   Function One of the main benefits of surgical orthodontics is the improvement in your bite function. Misaligned jaws can cause problems such as difficulty chewing, speaking, and breathing. Surgical orthodontics corrects these issues by aligning the jaws correctly, allowing for proper function and reducing the strain on your jaw joints.
   
   
2. Enhanced Aesthetics
   
   Misaligned jaws can affect your facial appearance, causing an unbalanced or asymmetrical appearance. Surgical orthodontics can improve your facial aesthetics by correcting jaw position and improving the overall harmony of your facial features. This can lead to increased confidence and self-esteem.
   
   
3. Reduced Risk of Dental Issues
   
   Misaligned jaws can also cause dental problems such as crowding, uneven wear on teeth, and an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Surgical orthodontics can prevent these issues by aligning the jaws and creating a more balanced bite.
   
   
4. Improved Breathing
   
   Jaw misalignment can also cause breathing difficulties, especially during sleep. Surgical orthodontics can improve breathing by opening up the airways and reducing the risk of snoring and sleep apnea.
   
   
5. Long-Term Solution
   
   Surgical orthodontics is a long-term solution that provides lasting results. Unlike traditional braces or aligners, which may need to be worn for several years, surgical orthodontics can provide results in a shorter time frame.
   
   
6. Improved Speech
   
   Jaw misalignment can affect your ability to speak clearly.
   Surgical orthodontics can correct these issues by aligning the jaws correctly, improving speech clarity and reducing speech difficulties.
   
   
7. Increased Jaw Stability
   
   Jaw misalignment can lead to jaw instability, causing discomfort, pain, and even damage to your teeth and jaw joints. Surgical orthodontics can improve jaw stability by aligning the jaws correctly, reducing the risk of future jaw problems.
   
   
8. Improved Quality of Life
   
   Surgical orthodontics can significantly improve your quality of life by correcting jaw misalignment issues that cause discomfort, pain, and other problems. This can lead to improved self-confidence, better oral health, and an overall better quality of life.

Who is a Candidate for Surgical Orthodontics?

Surgical orthodontics is typically recommended for individuals with severe jaw misalignment issues that cannot be corrected with traditional orthodontic appliances. This includes individuals with underbites, overbites, crossbites, and other jaw alignment issues. Your orthodontist and oral surgeon will evaluate your jaw and facial structure to determine if you are a candidate for surgical orthodontics.

The Procedure

The surgical orthodontic procedure typically involves a team of orthodontists and oral surgeons working together to plan and perform the surgery. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and involves making incisions in the jawbone to reposition the jawbones correctly. The incisions are then closed using sutures, and the patient is typically required to wear braces or other orthodontic appliances to maintain the new jaw position.

Recovery

Recovery from surgical orthodontics typically takes several weeks to months, depending on the extent of the surgery. During this time, patients may experience swelling, discomfort, and difficulty eating and speaking. Pain medications and a soft food diet can help manage these symptoms. Your orthodontist and oral surgeon will provide you with detailed instructions on post-operative care to ensure a smooth recovery.

Conclusion

Surgical orthodontics can improve your bite function, facial aesthetics, breathing, and speech, reduce the risk of dental issues, and increase jaw stability. It’s a long-term solution that can significantly improve your quality of life. Consult with your orthodontist and oral surgeon to see if you’re a candidate.