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?

Advances in orthodontics have helped many cases which previously might have required surgical correction to be corrected with more conservative treatment options. SureSmile® and mini-implants are two examples of advances used at Columbia Orthodontics to reduce the number of surgical cases. It is best to correct cases with jaw coordination problems while kids are still growing as that allows us more opportunity to prevent the need for surgery. Despite the advances, there are still cases that are impossible to correct without coordinating the jaw structures better. If you have been told that you or your child will require surgical orthodontic treatment, it is worthwhile to get a second opinion. Dr. Croft is happy to present you with the latest information regarding your options.

How does it work?

During your orthodontic treatment, which usually lasts 6–18 months, you wear braces and visit our office for scheduled adjustments to your braces. As your teeth move with the braces, you may think that your bite is getting worse rather than better. However, when your jaws are placed into proper alignment during orthognathic surgery, the teeth will then fit into their proper positions.

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 two weeks. After the necessary healing time (about 4–8 weeks), Dr. Croft then "fine-tunes" your bite. In most cases, braces are removed within 3–12 months following surgery. After your braces are removed, you will wear a retainer to maintain your beautiful new smile.