Surgical Orthodontics
What is surgical orthodontics?
Just as orthodontics repositions teeth, surgical orthodontics (also known as orthognathic surgery) corrects jaw irregularities to improve the patient's ability to chew, speak, and breathe and for improved facial appearances. In other words, surgical orthodontics straightens your jaw. Moving the jaws also moves the teeth, so braces are always performed in conjunction with jaw correction. This helps make sure teeth are in their proper positions after surgery.
Who needs surgical orthodontics?
Dr. Rollins considers surgical orthodontic treatment for non-growing adult patients with improper bites and those with facial aesthetic concerns. Jaw growth is usually completed by age 16 for girls and and 18 for boys, but Dr. Rollins can very often predict that such problems will be future surgical interventions when kids are much younger. All growth must be completed before jaw surgery can be performed. However, the pre-surgical tooth movements can begin 1 to 2 years prior to these ages.
How does it work?
During your pre-surgical orthodontic treatment you wear braces and visit Dr. Rollins for scheduled adjustments. AS your teeth move, you may see and feel that your bite is actually getting worse than better - Don't worry! Dr. Rollins and his team are working to place the teeth properly in each jaw, and that sometimes really shows you just how far the jaws are misaligned. When Dr. Rollins's surgeons (many of whom are right downstairs in the building!) plan the treatment with him, they are fully aware of the exact changes we all want to get your bones in as perfect alignment as your teeth.
Surgery is performed in the hospital with an oral surgeon, and can take several hours, depending on the amount and type of surgery needed. In lower jaw surgery, the jawbone behind the teeth is separated and the tooth-bearing portion is moved forward or backward, as needed. In upper jaw surgery, the jaw can be repositioned forward or backward, or the jaw can be raised or lowered. Certain movements may require the jaws to be separated, with bone added/removed to achieve the proper alignment and stability. Other facial bones that contribute to alignment may also be repositioned or augmented.
When you have completed surgery, you should be able to return to school or work within 2 weeks. After the necessary healing time (about 4-8 weeks), your orthodontist "fine-tunes" your bite. In most cases, braces are removed within 6 to 12 months following surgery. After your braces are removed, you will wear a retainer to maintain your beautiful new smile.