Who Needs Surgical Orthodontic Treatment?

Orthodontic treatment is commonly associated with braces and other appliances designed to straighten teeth and correct misalignments. However, in some cases, orthodontic issues are more complex and may require surgical intervention. Surgical orthodontic treatment, also known as orthognathic surgery, is a specialized approach aimed at correcting severe jaw discrepancies and facial irregularities that cannot be resolved with traditional orthodontic methods alone.

Understanding Surgical Orthodontic Treatment

Surgical orthodontic treatment is a collaborative effort between orthodontists and oral and maxillofacial surgeons. It involves a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's dental and skeletal structures to determine the nature and extent of the problem. While orthodontists focus on tooth alignment and bite correction, oral surgeons specialize in surgical procedures involving the jaw and facial bones.

Who Needs Surgical Orthodontic Treatment?

1. Severe Jaw Discrepancies:

Patients with severe discrepancies between the upper and lower jaws may require surgical intervention to achieve proper alignment. This condition, known as skeletal malocclusion, can result in functional problems such as difficulty chewing, speaking, and breathing. Surgical orthodontic treatment aims to reposition the jaws to improve both function and aesthetics.

2. Facial Asymmetry:

Facial asymmetry, characterized by unevenness or disproportionality of facial features, may be due to underlying skeletal abnormalities. Surgical orthodontic treatment in Killeen can address these asymmetries by repositioning the jaws and facial bones to create a more harmonious facial profile.

3. Open Bite or Deep Bite:

An open bite occurs when the upper and lower teeth do not meet properly when the mouth is closed, leaving a gap between the upper and lower teeth. Conversely, a deep bite occurs when the upper front teeth excessively overlap the lower front teeth. These bite abnormalities can lead to issues with chewing, speech, and jaw joint pain. Surgical orthodontic treatment may be necessary to correct these bite discrepancies and improve overall oral function.

4. Breathing Problems:

Some patients may experience breathing difficulties due to narrow airways or other anatomical abnormalities in the jaw and facial structures. Surgical orthodontic treatment in Killeen can help widen the airways and improve respiratory function by repositioning the jaws and relieving any obstructions that may be present.

5. Unsuccessful Orthodontic Treatment:

In some cases, traditional orthodontic treatment may not adequately address the underlying skeletal issues, resulting in relapse or unsatisfactory outcomes. Surgical orthodontic treatment may be recommended to achieve more stable and long-lasting results by addressing the root cause of the problem.

The Surgical Orthodontic Treatment Process

1. Comprehensive Evaluation:

Before undergoing surgical orthodontic treatment in Killeen, patients undergo a thorough evaluation to assess their dental and skeletal structures. This evaluation may include dental impressions, X-rays, photographs, and 3D imaging to create a detailed treatment plan.

2. Orthodontic Preparation:

Prior to surgery, patients may undergo orthodontic treatment to align the teeth and create an ideal bite relationship. This pre-surgical orthodontic phase helps optimize the surgical outcome by ensuring proper alignment of the teeth within the corrected jaw position.

3. Surgical Procedure:

The surgical phase involves repositioning the jaws and facial bones to correct the underlying skeletal discrepancies. This may involve procedures such as orthognathic surgery, which can include cutting and repositioning the upper jaw (maxilla), lower jaw (mandible), or both, as well as additional procedures to address facial asymmetries or airway obstructions.

4. Post-Surgical Orthodontic Treatment:

Following surgery, patients undergo a post-surgical orthodontic phase to fine-tune the bite and ensure optimal alignment of the teeth. This phase may involve wearing braces or other orthodontic appliances for a period of time to achieve the desired result.

5. Long-Term Monitoring:

After completing surgical orthodontic treatment in Killeen , patients require long-term monitoring to assess stability and ensure that the results remain stable over time. Regular dental check-ups and follow-up appointments with the orthodontist and oral surgeon are essential to maintain oral health and function.

Surgical orthodontic treatment in Killeen is a specialized approach aimed at correcting severe jaw discrepancies and facial irregularities that cannot be addressed with traditional orthodontic methods alone. Patients who experience issues such as severe jaw discrepancies, facial asymmetry, bite abnormalities, breathing problems, or unsuccessful orthodontic treatment may benefit from surgical intervention. By working closely with orthodontists and oral and maxillofacial surgeons, patients can achieve improved oral function, aesthetics, and overall quality of life through surgical orthodontic treatment.