Surgically Assisted Orthodontics
Orthognathic surgery is needed when jaws don’t meet correctly and/or teeth don’t seem to fit with jaws. Teeth are straightened with orthodontics and corrective jaw surgery repositions misaligned jaws. This not only improves facial appearance, but also ensures that teeth meet correctly and function properly.
Who Needs Orthognathic Surgery?
People with an improper bite due to misaligned upper and lower jaws will benefit greatly from orthognathic surgery. Jaw growth is a gradual process and in some instances, the upper and lower jaws may grow at different rates. The result can be a host of problems that can affect chewing function, speech, long-term oral health and appearance as well as TMJ problem and breathing disturbances. Injury to the jaw and birth defects can also affect jaw alignment. Orthodontics alone can correct bite problems only when the teeth are involved and orthognathic surgery will correct skeletal problems of misaligned upper and lower jaws.
Difficulty in the following areas should be evaluated:
- Difficulty in chewing, biting or swallowing
- Speech problems
- Chronic jaw or TMJ pain
- Open bite
- Protruding jaw
- Breathing problems
Any of these can exist at birth or may be acquired after birth as a result of hereditary or environmental influences or the result of trauma to the face. Before any treatment begins, a consultation will be held to perform a complete examination with x-rays. During the pre-treatment consultation process, feel free to ask any questions that you have regarding your treatment. When you are fully informed about the aspects of your care, you and your dental team can make the decision to proceed with treatment together.
What is the treatment?
If you are a candidate for Corrective Jaw Surgery, Dr. Simon Y. Bangiyev will work closely with your dentist and orthodontist during your treatment. The actual surgery can move your jaws into a new position that results in a more attractive, functional and healthy dental-facial relationship.