If you suffer from severe oral issues, you may require surgical orthodontics. Also known as orthognathic surgery, surgical orthodontics is an orthodontic treatment that can correct bad bites, jawbone abnormalities, malocclusion, and other serious oral problems.
Our orthodontist, Dr. Sol, works with oral and maxillofacial surgeons to provide quality surgical orthodontics in Norcross. Dr. Sol uses oral and maxillofacial surgery, one of the nine dental specialties, to treat complex mouth, jaw, face, and skull issues. Dr. Sol and his team provide high-level, professional orthodontic care for every patient.
When Might Surgical Orthodontics Be Needed?
First, it is essential to note that surgeons cannot do orthognathic surgery on a growing jaw. The average age when the jaw stops growing is 16 for females and 18 for males.
If you are an adult with a full-grown jaw, you may need surgical orthodontics if you have misaligned jaws. Common signs of misaligned jaws are improper bites and a noticeably unbalanced facial appearance. Orthognathic surgery will correctly align your jaw, and then you’ll wear braces to move your teeth into their corresponding positions.
How Do I Know If I Need Orthognathic Surgery?
During an initial consultation, Dr. Sol will be able to tell you whether you require surgical orthodontics in Norcross. Based on the alignment of your jaw, Dr. Sol will decide if your case is severe enough to require surgical orthodontics.
How Does Orthognathic Surgery Work?
Orthognathic surgery is a procedure that can take several hours, depending on the severity of your jaw misalignment. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon will perform the surgery. Following the surgery, you should plan on a rest period of about two weeks. Once your jaw heals, you’ll wear braces for a period of time. After Dr. Sol removes the braces, you’ll then receive a retainer to wear that will assist in maintaining the alignment of your teeth.
What Are the Risks Associated with Orthognathic Surgery?
As with any surgical procedure, there are a few risks involved with orthognathic surgery. Fortunately, orthognathic surgery is far from a new practice, and Braces Now works with experienced oral surgeons that can help put you at ease. Contact our team at Braces Now for any questions or concerns regarding the procedure or related orthodontic care.