What is surgical orthodontics?

Just as orthodontics repositions teeth, surgical orthodontics (also known as combined orthodontic/ orthognathic surgery approach) corrects jaw irregularities to improve the patient’s ability to chew, speak, and breathe and for improved facial appearances. Surgical orthodontics aligns your upper and lower jaws so that they function in unison.  We are proud to announce that our progressive office offers SURGICAL ORTHODONTICS IN COMBINATION WITH INVISALIGN.  We are able to do pre-surgical orthodontic alignment with Invisalign, which is at the forefront of orthodontics today!  Due to our experience with Invisalign, this option is now available and we believe this is the "ideal" option for most pre-surgical alignment. Also with the newest addition of TADS (temporary anchorage device),the braces portion of surgical orthodontics may be eliminated altogether (if you are a candidate)!

Who needs surgical orthodontics?

Your orthodontist will consider surgical orthodontic treatment for non-growing adult patients with improper bites and those with facial aesthetic concerns. Jaw growth is usually completed by early adulthood. All growth must be completed before jaw surgery can be performed. However the pre-surgical tooth movements can begin one to two years prior to these ages.

How does it work?

During your orthodontic treatment, which usually lasts 6 - 18 months pre-surgically, you will wear Invisalign to accomplish your pre-surgical alignment.  Then if you are a candidate - mini TADS will be placed prior to surgery (if not a candidate a short course of braces may be indicated prior to surgery and then a short time period after surgery, hopefully only a few months total). 

Surgery is performed in the hospital with an oral surgeon, and can take several hours, depending on the amount and type of surgery needed. In lower jaw surgery, the jawbone behind the teeth is separated and the tooth-bearing portion is moved forward or backward, as needed. In upper jaw surgery, the jaw can be repositioned forward or backward, or the jaw can be raised or lowered. Certain movements may require the jaws to be separated, with bone added/removed to achieve the proper alignment and stability. Other facial bones that contribute to alignment may also be repositioned or augmented.

When you have completed surgery, you should be able to return to school or work within two weeks. After the necessary healing time (about 4 - 8 weeks), your orthodontist "fine-tunes" your bite, usually the more perfect the pre-surgical alignment the shorter duration of treatment after surgery.  This is why we prefer Invisalign for pre-surgical alignment, it allows for very precise arch coordination prior to the surgical procedure!   After your surgery and orthodontic treatment retainers need to be worn to maintain your beautiful new smile!  Ask to see some of finished  beautiful orthognathic surgery cases, we are very proud of our results!!  So if you have ever considered orthognathic surgery but decided against it due to having to wear braces, please give us a call to discuss the Invisalign option!!