What is surgical orthodontics?
Surgical orthodontics (or orthognathic surgery) is an orthodontic subspecialty that uses special tools to correct skeletal problems that affect your ability to bite, chew, or speak.
Many adults have alignment issues that won’t respond to braces or invisible aligners alone. Surgical orthodontics combines oral surgery with orthodontic appliances to improve the position of your teeth and jaw.
Who is a candidate for surgical orthodontics?
You might be a candidate for surgical orthodontics if your upper and lower jaw don’t fit together properly. That’s especially true if you have significant alignment problems, like crooked, overlapping, or crowded teeth, that impair your ability to perform routine tasks like biting and chewing.
At Amazing Smiles Orthodontics, Dr. Yusupov and the team prescribe surgical orthodontics to adults. That’s because children’s and teenagers’ jaws continue growing until the age of 18. During this time, it’s much easier to affect alignment with traditional orthodontic treatments like braces and invisible aligners.
When is surgical orthodontics necessary?
At Amazing Smiles Orthodontics, Dr. Yusupov uses surgical orthodontics to:
- Make biting and chewing easier
- Correct problems with swallowing or speech
- Correct bite fit or jaw closure issues
- Improve the ability of the lips to close comfortably
- Repair facial injuries or birth defects
How do I prepare for surgical orthodontics?
Before recommending surgical orthodontics, Dr. Yusupov reviews your dental charts, asks about your treatment goals, and completes an oral exam.
He also takes a series of digital X-rays and asks about your lifestyle, including whether you drink or smoke and if you take any prescription medications. Surgery occurs under anesthesia, so Dr. Yusupov might ask you to stop taking certain drugs in the days leading up to your procedure.
Is orthodontic treatment always required after surgery?
Yes. If Dr. Yusupov determines that you’re a candidate for surgical orthodontics, you need to enroll in orthodontic treatment after surgery. Depending on your age and the alignment problems addressed, he might prescribe braces, invisible aligners, or a retainer.
Call the nearest Amazing Smiles Orthodontics office to learn more about surgical orthodontics today, or click the online booking feature.