Are Surgical Orthodontics a Way to Improve Oral Health?
Posted on 5/1/2025 by Roncone Orthodontics
Many people think of braces as a purely cosmetic treatment, something used to straighten teeth and improve a smile's appearance. While a beautiful smile is certainly a benefit of orthodontic treatment, braces can also play a crucial role in improving oral health. In some cases, however, traditional braces may not be enough to address certain underlying issues. This is where surgical orthodontics come into play.
What are Surgical Orthodontics?
Surgical orthodontics is a specialized field that combines orthodontic treatment with oral surgery to correct complex jaw and teeth misalignment issues. Unlike traditional braces that focus solely on tooth movement, surgical orthodontics address the underlying skeletal structure of the face and jaw. This combined approach allows for more comprehensive and predictable results, particularly in cases where significant jaw discrepancies exist.
How Can Surgical Orthodontics Improve Oral Health?
Surgical orthodontics can significantly improve oral health in several ways:
•
Correcting Bite Problems: Misaligned jaws can lead to various bite problems, such as overbite, underbite, or crossbite. These issues can make it difficult to chew properly, leading to digestive problems and headaches. Surgical orthodontics can reposition the jaw and teeth to create a proper bite, restoring normal function and improving overall oral health.
•
Improving Speech: Misaligned jaws and teeth can also affect speech, making it difficult to pronounce certain sounds clearly. Surgical orthodontics can correct these issues, leading to clearer speech and improved communication.
•
Preventing TMJ Disorders: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders are characterized by pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint. Misaligned jaws can contribute to TMJ disorders. Surgical orthodontics can help to properly align the jaw, reducing stress on the joint and alleviating pain and discomfort.
•
Enhancing Facial Aesthetics: While not the primary focus, improving facial aesthetics is often a positive outcome of surgical orthodontics. Correcting jaw discrepancies and aligning teeth can create a more balanced and harmonious facial profile, boosting self-confidence and overall well-being.
Who is a Candidate for Surgical Orthodontics?
Surgical orthodontics is typically recommended for individuals with more severe jaw and teeth misalignment issues that cannot be effectively treated with traditional braces alone. Some common conditions that may require surgical intervention include:
•
Severe overbite or underbite: When the upper and lower jaws are significantly misaligned, causing the teeth to overlap excessively.
•
Open bite: When the upper and lower teeth do not meet when the mouth is closed.
•
Facial asymmetry: When the jaw is significantly misaligned, leading to an uneven facial appearance.
•
Congenital defects: Birth defects affecting the jaw or teeth that require surgical intervention.
What to Expect with Surgical Orthodontics
Surgical orthodontic treatment typically involves a multidisciplinary approach, with collaboration between an orthodontist and an oral surgeon. The process generally involves the following steps:
1~
Initial Consultation: A thorough examination will be conducted to determine the extent of misalignment and individual needs.
2~
Treatment Planning: Orthodontic and surgical specialists will work together to develop a customized treatment plan, including the type of surgery required and the expected duration of orthodontic treatment.
3~
Jaw Surgery: The oral surgeon will perform the necessary surgery to reposition the jaw bone, correcting the underlying skeletal discrepancy.
4~
Orthodontic Treatment: Once the jaw is properly aligned, braces or other orthodontic appliances will be used to fine-tune the teeth' position and achieve the desired bite.
5~
Retention: After completing active treatment, retainers will be used to maintain the corrected positions of the teeth and jaws.
Conclusion
Surgical orthodontics can be a valuable tool for improving oral health and overall well-being. While it is a more complex and invasive approach compared to traditional braces, it offers a unique opportunity to address underlying jaw discrepancies and achieve optimal results. If you are concerned about your jaw or teeth alignment and its impact on your oral health, consulting with an experienced orthodontist can help you determine if surgical orthodontics may be the right option for you.
About | Orthodontist Temecula CA Learn more about orthodontic practice in Temecula, CA, on our website. Info on Dr. Christopher Roncone, board certification, FAQ's & more! Roncone Orthodontics - Dr. Christopher Roncone, 32140 Temecula Pkwy Suite 201, Temecula, CA 92592, (951) 595-8291, ronconeortho.com, 5/12/2025, Page Phrases: Orthodontist Temecula CA,
Many people think of braces as a purely cosmetic treatment, something used to straighten teeth and improve a smile's appearance. While a beautiful smile is certainly a benefit of orthodontic treatment, braces can also play a crucial role in improving oral health. In some cases, however, traditional braces may not be enough to address certain underlying issues. This is where surgical orthodontics come into play.