What to Expect from Surgical Orthodontic Treatment

If bite or alignment problems are diagnosed in childhood, an orthodontist may be able to address these issues with braces or other appliances. If the problem goes untreated, however, more measures may need to be taken. Jaw problems that affect an adult’s ability to chew, eat, or speak clearly may need to be corrected with a combination of braces and orthodontic surgery

At Millennium Park Orthodontics in Chicago, Howard Spector, DDS, performs orthodontic surgery on older patients whose teeth and maxillofacial bones are permanently set and require significant adjusting. Dr. Spector also offers a full range of orthodontic treatments.

Candidates for orthodontic surgery

The best candidates for orthodontic surgery are individuals who have finished growing, such as older teens and adults. If facial bones have not finished growing and there’s a growth spurt, the surgical correction could be undone.

You could be a candidate for orthodontic surgery if you have finished growing and have a severe malocclusion or jaw problem, such as the following:

Orthodontic surgery is typically reserved for situations where traditional treatments, such as braces and aligners, are not enough to fix the problem. Dr. Spector will perform a comprehensive exam to help determine the best course of treatment.

How surgical orthodontic treatment works

Depending on the severity of your bite alignment issues, Dr. Spector may recommend braces first, followed by orthodontic surgery. The braces will get your teeth into their correct positions, and the surgery will fix any alignment issues.

A typical surgery may involve shifting your jaws forward or backward in order to make your teeth line up properly when you chew and close your mouth. The symmetry of your jawbones will also be taken into account. 

You may have to continue wearing braces or another orthodontic appliance after surgery for a short period of time until everything is set.

The healing process can take a few months. Dr. Spector will give you detailed instructions and discuss your treatment and recovery plan at every stage to make sure you’re prepared and informed about the process.

To learn more about orthodontic surgery and go over your treatment options, book an appointment over the phone with Millennium Park Orthodontics today.

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