What is Surgical Orthodontics?
While traditional orthodontics focuses on aligning your teeth, surgical orthodontics takes a step further. It addresses jaw irregularities, enhancing not only your smile but also your ability to chew, speak, and breathe.
Who Needs Surgical Orthodontics?
Surgical orthodontics, or orthognathic surgery, is a specialized treatment that we offer at Brodsky Orthodontics for individuals who need to improve their facial appearance or have severe jaw misalignment. This procedure goes beyond the capabilities of dental correction alone, as it involves straightening the jaw, which inherently repositions the teeth as well. Therefore, braces are typically used in conjunction with jaw correction.
Here at Brodsky Orthodontics, Dr. Brodsky carefully evaluates each case, considering surgical orthodontic treatment for those that require more than just dental correction and for patients who have concerns about their facial aesthetics.
It's important to note that all growth must be completed before jaw surgery can be performed. However, the pre-surgical tooth movements can begin one to two years prior. Typically, jaw growth is completed by age 16 for girls and 18 for boys. But, as every patient is unique, a simple X-ray of the hand and wrist can help Dr. Brodsky determine when growth will come to an end.
How Does It Work?
The journey to a perfect smile with surgical orthodontics at Brodsky Orthodontics is a process that involves several stages. The first part of the treatment, which lasts between 9 to 18 months, involves wearing braces or Invisalign. During this period, you will visit Dr. Brodsky for scheduled adjustments to your braces or trays. As your teeth shift, you may feel like your bite is worsening, but rest assured, this is a normal part of the process. The real magic happens during the orthognathic surgery, where your jaws are aligned properly, allowing your teeth to fit into their correct positions. This surgery is performed by a skilled oral surgeon in a hospital setting and can take several hours, depending on the complexity of your case.
In lower jaw surgery, the jawbone behind the teeth is separated, and the tooth-bearing portion is moved forward or backward, as needed. Upper jaw surgery involves repositioning the jaw forward or backward, or raising or lowering it. Some movements may require the jaws to be separated, with bone added or removed to achieve the proper alignment and stability. Other facial bones that contribute to alignment may also be repositioned or augmented.
Post-surgery, you should be able to return to your daily activities within two weeks. After a healing period of about 4 to 8 weeks, Dr. Brodsky will fine-tune your bite. In most cases, the braces or aligners are removed within 4 to 8 months following surgery.
At Brodsky Orthodontics, we collaborate with the most skilled oral surgeons who routinely perform orthognathic surgery, ensuring an outstanding surgical result. Once your treatment has been completed, you will wear a retainer to maintain your stunning new smile. Your journey with us doesn't just end with a beautiful smile, we ensure it's a smile that lasts a lifetime.
What Are the Rewards of Having Orthognathic Surgery?
The rewards of undergoing orthognathic surgery at Brodsky Orthodontics are manifold. The most significant reward, of course, is the attainment of a beautiful, healthy smile that you can proudly wear for a lifetime.
Orthognathic surgery is not just about enhancing aesthetics, it's about improving function and quality of life. If you're struggling with a bad bite, malocclusion, or a jaw abnormality, this surgery can be a game-changer. It can correct these issues, restoring not just your smile, but also your confidence.
Imagine being able to smile, laugh, and speak without feeling self-conscious. Picture yourself enjoying meals without discomfort or difficulty. These are the changes that orthognathic surgery can bring about - it's not just a transformation of your smile, but a transformation of your life.
At Brodsky Orthodontics, we believe that everyone deserves to smile with confidence. With orthognathic surgery, we're here to help you achieve just that. Your journey towards a healthier, more confident smile starts here.
