What is Surgical Orthodontics?
Surgical orthodontics, often referred to as orthognathic surgery, is typically performed to enhance jaw alignment and correct bite disorders. This procedure involves collaboration between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and an orthodontist. Patients can experience numerous benefits from surgical orthodontics, including improved speech, chewing, and breathing abilities. Additionally, it significantly enhances a patient’s facial appearance.
Who Needs Surgical Orthodontics?
Adult patients with improper bites and concerns about facial aesthetics who have reached physical maturity may be candidates for orthognathic surgery. Jaw growth is usually complete by age 16 for females and age 18 for males, making it crucial to ensure that growth has finished before undergoing the surgery. However, pre-surgical tooth movements can begin one to two years earlier, as they do not require complete jaw growth.
How Does Surgical Orthodontics Work?
In some cases, braces may actually worsen a patient's bite rather than correct the alignment. During routine adjustments, an orthodontist may observe that the bite is deteriorating and the treatment is not effective. In such instances, the orthodontist may recommend orthognathic surgery.
This surgery realigns the jaws, allowing the teeth to fit correctly into position. The duration of the surgery can vary, typically lasting several hours, depending on the patient’s condition. Orthognathic surgery is performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
For lower jaw surgery, the jawbone is separated behind the teeth, and the tooth-bearing portion is moved forward or backward as needed. Upper jaw surgery may involve raising, repositioning, or lowering the jaw, which might require separating the jaws and adding or removing bone to achieve stability and proper alignment. Additionally, facial bones that contribute to alignment may also be repositioned or augmented as necessary.
How Long is the Post-surgery Recovery Period?
The recovery period following orthognathic surgery is typically around two weeks, after which the patient can return to school or work. Complete healing usually takes between 4 to 8 weeks. After surgery, the orthodontist will need to make minor adjustments to the patient's bite. Braces are generally removed 6 to 12 months after the surgery, and patients are required to wear a retainer afterward to maintain the corrected position of their teeth.