Orthodontic treatment aims to improve the alignment of teeth, leading to better oral health and a more aesthetically pleasing smile. While traditional orthodontic techniques, such as braces, are effective for many cases, there are situations where surgical orthodontics may be necessary to achieve the desired results. Surgical orthodontics, also known as orthognathic surgery, involves the combination of orthodontic treatment and surgical procedures to correct severe jaw abnormalities or misalignments that cannot be addressed with traditional orthodontic treatments alone.
Benefits of Surgical Orthodontics
1. Correcting Severe Misalignments: Surgical orthodontics can successfully correct severe misalignments of the jaw and teeth, improving the functionality and aesthetics of the smile.
2. Improving Facial Symmetry: This procedure can enhance facial symmetry and balance by addressing underlying jaw discrepancies.
3. Enhancing Oral Health: Proper alignment of the teeth and jaw can contribute to better oral hygiene and reduce the risk of dental problems, such as gum disease and tooth decay.
4. Resolving Functional Issues: Surgical orthodontics can alleviate problems related to chewing, speaking, and breathing that may result from severe jaw misalignments.
Risks of Surgical Orthodontics
1. Surgical Complications: As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks, such as infection, bleeding, and nerve damage. It is essential to discuss these risks with a qualified orthodontic and surgical team.
2. Recovery Period: Patients undergoing surgical orthodontics will experience a recovery period, during which discomfort, swelling, and bruising may occur. It is important to follow post-surgery care instructions diligently.
3. Orthodontic Treatment Duration: Surgical orthodontics often requires a longer treatment duration compared to traditional orthodontic approaches, requiring commitment and patience from the patient.
Compatibility with Braces
Surgical orthodontics is usually performed in conjunction with traditional braces. Before the surgical procedure, the patient typically undergoes orthodontic treatment with braces to align the teeth in preparation for the surgical phase. After the surgery, additional orthodontic adjustments may be required to fine-tune the final tooth alignment and occlusion.
Overall, the combination of surgical orthodontics and braces offers comprehensive solutions for complex cases involving significant jaw discrepancies and misalignments, providing long-term benefits for oral health and overall well-being.
Conclusion
Surgical orthodontics can offer life-changing benefits for individuals with severe jaw misalignments and functional issues. Along with the potential risks associated with the surgical procedure, it is essential for patients to weigh the benefits and make an informed decision in collaboration with skilled orthodontic and surgical professionals.