Services
Surgical Orthodontics
What is surgical orthodontics?
Surgical orthodontics, also known as orthognathic surgery, is a specialised branch of orthodontics that involves the treatment of severe skeletal discrepancies of the face and jaws through a combination of orthodontic treatment and surgical intervention. This approach is crucial for patients whose orthodontic problems cannot be corrected through traditional braces or aligners alone.
When is surgical orthodontics indicated?
Surgical orthodontics is typically recommended for patients who have significant skeletal discrepancies that affect their bite, facial aesthetics, and overall oral health. These discrepancies may include:
- Severe malocclusions: Cases where the upper and lower jaws do not align correctly, resulting in a misaligned bite (e.g., underbite, overbite, crossbite).
- Facial asymmetry: Conditions where there is noticeable imbalance or asymmetry in the facial structure due to jaw misalignment.
- Impacted teeth: Situations where teeth are unable to erupt properly due to obstruction by bone or other teeth, requiring surgical exposure and orthodontic guidance for eruption.
- Periodontally accelerated osteogenic orthodontics (PAOO): A technique aimed at accelerating tooth movement by combining orthodontics with surgical procedures to stimulate bone remodelling and facilitate faster orthodontic treatment.
Process of surgical orthodontics
The process of surgical orthodontics typically involves several key stages and a multidisciplinary approach between orthodontist, surgeon and other team members:
Step 1 – Initial Consultation:
The journey begins with a comprehensive evaluation by both an orthodontist and an oral and maxillofacial surgeon or periodontist. This involves detailed examinations, photographs, dental impressions, radiographs, and 3D imaging to assess the extent of the skeletal discrepancy and plan the treatment.
Step 2 – Diagnosis and Treatment Planning:
Dr Opperman and the surgeon on the case will review the available records and work together to establish the most suitable treatment plan for the patient.
Step 3 – Case Discussion:
A case discussion appointment is usually scheduled a week or two following the initial consultations. Dr Opperman will give feedback regarding the findings and present the proposed treatment plan. During this appointment, an estimate of treatment costs and duration will also be reviewed.
Step 4 - Pre-surgical Orthodontic Preparation:
Before surgery, the orthodontist will initiate orthodontic treatment to align the teeth as much as possible within their existing skeletal framework. This phase helps to create a stable foundation for surgical correction.
Step 5 - Orthognathic surgery:
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon performs the surgical procedure in a hospital setting, usually under general anaesthesia. The procedure involves customising skeletal adjustments to address individual concerns, such as repositioning the upper jaw (maxilla), lower jaw (mandible), or both, to achieve ideal alignment and balance. The surgeon uses specialised techniques to access the jawbones, make precise cuts (osteotomies), and secure them in their new positions with plates, screws, or other fixation devices.
Step 6 - Post-surgical Orthodontics:
Following surgery, the orthodontic treatment continues to refine the occlusion (bite) and ensure that your teeth are properly aligned with the new jaw position. This phase may involve adjustments to braces or aligners to fine-tune the bite and optimise the final aesthetic and functional outcomes.
Step 7 - Recovery and Follow-up:
Recovery from orthognathic surgery varies but generally involves a period of several weeks to months for the bones to heal and stabilise. Regular follow-up visits with both the orthodontist and surgeon are essential to monitor progress, adjust treatment as needed, and ensure long-term success.
“Smiles are the poetry of life,
and orthodontics is the art that helps create the masterpiece.”
ANONYMOUS