Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that deals with correcting jawline misalignments, using various appliances as deemed fit. Your orthodontist will suggest various orthodontic treatment methods like braces, space maintainers, etc. But if the problem persists despite these orthodontic treatments, your orthodontist might recommend surgery to correct your jawline problems. This surgery is called orthognathic surgery or surgical orthodontics.
Who needs orthognathic surgery?
Your orthodontist might suggest orthognathic surgery when conventional orthodontic treatment methods do not solve your jawline issue. Prolonged jawline problems might cause these below-mentioned functional difficulties.
- Difficulty in speaking
- Difficulty in chewing Food
- Joint pains and headaches
- Persistent gum problems
- Non-closure of jaws
- Abnormality due to congenital disabilities (congenital disabilities) and facial injury
What Causes Bad Breath?
There can be many different causes of bad breath, and the most common ones are:
These surgeries are also done in adults having self-esteem issues due to the abnormal jawline causing facial aesthetic abnormalities.
Who can perform orthognathic surgery?
Your orthodontist will consult with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to determine if surgery is the only option. The orthodontist and the oral and maxillofacial surgeon will evaluate your jaws, gums, teeth and overall mouth structure. After a detailed evaluation, the duo will make a diagnosis.
They will wait until your jawline growth stops. Typically, around 16 to 18 years, your jawline will stop growing. If the jawlines do not align until that time, your dentist might suggest surgery.
How is orthognathic surgery conducted?
The oral and maxillofacial surgeon and your orthodontist perform the surgery. General anaesthesia is used for the surgery.
- The surgeon cuts open the jawbone and moves/corrects the bones to the proper position.
- The bones are secured in their new position using wires, screws, bone plates, and rubber bands.
- You need not remove these screws and other appliances later. They become a part of your skull structure.
- You might also require bone grafting (takes your hip, rib, or thigh bone and fix them with screws).
Different types of surgical orthodontics
The oral and maxillofacial surgeon may prescribe any of the below-mentioned surgeries depending upon the issue.
- Maxillary osteotomy: This surgery is performed on the upper jaw to correct any crossbite. The upper jaw and the teeth are moved forward or shaved away until they align with the lower jaw. The surgeon uses plates and screws to fix the jaw in the new position.
- Mandibular osteotomy: This surgery is performed on the lower jaw to correct a protruding or receding lower jaw. The surgeon moves your lower jaw forward or backward to align correctly and secure them with plates and screws.
- Genioplasty: This is a chin surgery to correct a deficient chin. Chin deficiency might also cause a Receding lower jaw. Both the issues are addressed in the same surgery.
What are the benefits of surgical orthodontics?
Surgical orthodontics may help in:
- Improve any speech impairment
- Improvement in chewing and swallowing
- Improvement in overall health due to better sleep and breathing
- Improved facial aesthetics and self-esteem
What are the possible complications of surgical orthodontics?
There might be a few complications in surgical orthodontics, as with any major surgery.
- Blood loss and nerve Injury
- Future infections
- Relapse of the problem
- In some instances, you might require further surgery.
But an experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon and your orthodontist can avert all the above-said criticalities. After the procedure, your surgeon and orthodontics will explain what you can and cannot eat and what to avoid. They will prescribe pain-killer medications. You should avoid tobacco after the surgery.
Conclusion
You can get back to normalcy in six weeks, but it will take 12 weeks for complete healing. The surgery is a joint effort of your orthodontist and oral and maxillofacial surgeon. To get a surgical orthodontics treatment, visit the dental hospital/clinic in Pune.
You can visit the best Orthodontist by Calling 1800 1020 288
No, an orthodontist cannot perform surgery without the help of an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. If your orthodontist decides on a surgery, you will be referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. They collaborate to perform the surgery.
Surgery is recommended for adults whose jawline problems cannot be solved by conventional orthodontic treatment. Surgery is also suggested if you have jawline injuries due to an accident or a congenital disability.
For the first day after the surgery, limit your talking.
