If you’re dealing with significant bite or jaw alignment issues, your Wellington orthodontist may recommend a combination of braces and orthognathic (jaw) surgery to achieve the best possible results for you. This comprehensive treatment approach can address a wide range of severe concerns, from an overbite or underbite, deep bite or open, to TMJ disorders and sleep apnea.
What is Orthognathic Surgery?
Orthognathic surgery, or corrective jaw surgery, is a procedure performed by an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon to correct severe bite or jaw alignment problems that can’t be fully addressed with braces alone.
The goal of orthognathic surgery is to reposition the jaws, and teeth, into a more optimal alignment, improving both the function and appearance of the bite.
Common conditions treated with jaw surgery braces include:
- Overjet (upper jaw protrudes too far forward)
- Underbite (lower jaw protrudes too far forward)
- Crossbite (upper jaw too narrow)
- Open bite (vertical gap between top and bottom teeth)
- Asymmetric or uneven jaw growth
- Gummy smile
- Obstructive sleep apnea
The Orthodontic Surgical Approach
Patients undergoing orthognathic surgery braces will typically wear braces before and after the surgical procedure. Braces play a crucial role in both the pre-surgical and post-surgical phases of treatment.
Pre-surgical orthodontics for orthognathic surgery: Before having jaw surgery, your orthodontist will fit braces to align the teeth as much as possible to ensure the jaw(s) can be moved to the right position and that the teeth fit well at the time of the jaw surgery. This preliminary orthodontic work helps ensure the best possible outcome from the surgery itself and usually takes anywhere from 9 to 24 months, depending on the position of the teeth prior to commencing treatment.
Post-surgical orthodontics for orthognathic surgery: Immediately after the surgery, the braces are used as anchors for the use of rubber bands which act like a splint to prevent too much movement of the jaws during the first weeks of healing. After this, the braces are used to fine-tune the position of the teeth to achieve the best and smile and bite possible. This phase typically lasts 6-12 months.
The combination of orthodontics and orthognathic surgery allows the orthodontist and oral surgeon to work together to achieve dramatic improvements in facial balance, jaw function, and overall dental/oral health.
Is Jaw Surgery Right for You?
Not everyone with bite or jaw alignment issues will need surgery. Your orthodontist will carefully evaluate the severity of your condition and determine the best course of treatment. Mild to moderate problems can often be addressed with braces alone.
However, if you have significant skeletal discrepancies, jaw surgery may be recommended to achieve your optimal results. Your orthodontist and Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon will work closely together to develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your individual needs. With the right treatment approach, you can achieve a beautiful smile and functional bite that will last a lifetime.
Finding the right orthodontist to assist with braces and jaw surgery
Due to the complexity of orthodontic preparation for jaw surgery, we recommend finding an experienced orthodontist in Wellington. At Thorndon Orthodontics, our specialist orthodontist is passionate about and experienced at treating surgical cases not only in private practice, but also at the regional hospital as part of the multidisciplinary cleft and craniofacial team. We work closely with Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons and can guide you through your brace and jaw surgery journey. If you are considering jaw surgery or simply want to better understand your options, contact our office for a consultation today.
