Your orthodontist may recommend surgical orthodontics as part of your treatment plan if you are an adult whose bite irregularities cannot be completely fixed through less invasive means.
What is surgical orthodontics?
Orthodontic surgery is performed to fix jaw irregularities to improve patient’s ability to eat, breathe and speak. It also provides an improved facial aesthetic.
It is usually done in combination with more standard orthodontic treatment, such as braces.
Why is orthodontic surgery necessary?
Orthodontic surgery only becomes a possibility after the patient’s jaw has completely finished growing. This means that it is typically only performed on adults, or teenagers whose jaw bones are fully developed.
At what point in my treatment will I have surgery?
If orthodontic surgery is part of your orthodontic treatment plan, your surgery will take place in conjunction with the braces portion of your plan.
As you progress through your time wearing braces, you may feel that your bite is getting worse as opposed to better. This will be remedied with the surgery, so don’t be alarmed!
Your braces will be removed in about 6-12 months following your surgery.