Financial commitments on the part of their parents or, academic obligations on their part are the two main reasons which many individuals cite as the reason behind seeking orthodontic opinion later in life.
There’s another group of individuals who are referred to the Orthodontist by the dentist, to get the teeth in a better position, so that the most optimal restoration – implant supported tooth, laminate, etc., can be planned and prepared by the dentist.
Surgical orthodontics, also known as orthognathic surgery, is a type of orthodontic treatment used to correct severe cases that include bad bites, jaw bone abnormalities, and malocclusion. For such treatments, the orthodontist will work with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to deliver the best care possible. Orthognathic surgery will help properly align the jaw, and simultaneous use of orthodontic braces will move the teeth into their proper position.
The need for surgical orthodontics occurs when the jaws do not line up correctly, and a proper bite cannot be achieved with orthodontic treatment alone. Orthognathic surgery is best done after the growth phase of the individual is over. The orthodontist will be the best person to decide if orthognathic surgery is needed as part of the treatment.
A coordinated team work of the general dentist, orthodontist & an oral and maxillofacial surgeon will help deliver the best results. After all general dental procedures are completed; the orthodontist puts the braces to get the teeth into their most correct relation on the respective jaws. Next, the oral & maxilla facial surgeon will perform the orthognathic surgery, at a hospital. Orthognathic surgery can take several hours depending on each individual case. Once the surgery is complete, few weeks of rest period follows. Some time away from work and school during the healing process, is highly recommended. After the jaw has healed sufficiently, the orthodontist will once again “fine-tune” the bite. A few months after the surgery, the braces are removed, and retainers are given to help maintain the new smile.
As with any major medical surgery, performed under general anaesthesia, there may be certain risks of having orthognathic surgery. The meetings with the oral & maxillofacial surgeon at the initiation of the entire treatment procedure are vital in disseminating the information, regarding the risks involved, to the person & his/her relatives.
For most patients, the most important reward of having orthognathic surgery is achieving a NORMAL facial appearance with a beautiful, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime.