Beyond Orthodontics Alone

Corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) treats and corrects abnormalities of the facial bones, specifically the jaws and the teeth when the discrepancy is larger than can be managed with available growth and orthodontic treatment alone. Often, these abnormalities cause difficulty associated with chewing, talking, sleeping, appearance, and other routine and critical quality of life activities.

Some conditions that may indicate the need for corrective jaw surgery include difficulty biting food, difficulty swallowing, chronic jaw or joint pain, open bite, unbalanced facial appearance, and chronic mouth breathing. Orthognathic surgery coupled with orthodontic treatment can correct these problems and will improve the overall appearance of the face.

Using the latest in digital imaging technology, we will demonstrate the overall functional and aesthetic benefits of orthognathic surgery. Computerized treatment planning minimizes treatment times, recovery periods, and the overall efficacy of your treatment.  Jaw surgery almost always can be performed entirely on the inside of your mouth, preventing facial scars on the outside. State-of-the-art materials such as titanium plates and miniature screws provide stability, strength, and predictability to your treatment. These advances in technology, procedures and equipment reduce post-surgical recovery time, thus allowing patients to return to their normal routines soon after the surgery.

Experienced

Our skilled doctors have lots of experience with this combination treatment of orthodontics and orthognathic surgery.  We can determine if orthognathic surgery is the correct treatment option for you. If this is determined, it will probably include orthodontics both before, during and after the surgery. It is important to understand that your treatment is a long-term commitment and may take approximately 24 months to complete the entire process.

Creative Uses of Technology – Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs)/Miniscrews

Temporary, titanium, miniscrews (aka Temporary Anchorage Devices “TAD’s”) have been frequently utilized by our orthodontists as they have extensive training in these emerging and promising technologies. Certain situations that previously required jaw surgery can be “outsmarted” using these state of the art temporary miniscrews so that surgery can be avoided. These TAD’s can also be used to shorten orthodontic treatment time or creatively move teeth in ways that were not possible before to avoid the need for dental implants for missing teeth.

Make An Appointment

If you have questions, or if you would like to schedule an appointment, please call 586-286-0700 or contact us today!