Oral and maxillofacial surgery is a dental specialty that treats complex craniofacial cases involving the mouth, jaw, face, and skull. Orthodontic surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, treats severe cases of bad bites, jaw bone abnormalities, and malocclusion.
It may feel overwhelming if you need surgical orthodontics, but Dr. Jones will work with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to ensure you receive the best possible care.
Everything you need to know about surgical orthodontics
Surgery may be necessary to treat adults with improper bites or other aesthetic concerns. To be a candidate for orthognathic surgery, your jaw must be done growing, typically by age 16 in females and age 18 in males.
Dr. Jones will guide you through each step of the process. Whether you need surgery depends on the severity of your case and the alignment of your jaw. After a comprehensive evaluation, Dr. Jones can determine if orthognathic surgery is needed as part of your treatment.
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon will perform your orthognathic surgery in a hospital. Orthognathic surgery can last several hours, depending on the individual case.
After surgery, you will have about a two-week rest period. Since orthognathic surgery is a major treatment, we recommend that you take time off from work and school during the healing process.
After your jaw has healed, Dr. Jones will fine-tune your bite with braces for 6 to 12 months. After your braces are removed, you’ll wear a retainer to help maintain your new smile.
The greatest reward of having orthognathic surgery is achieving a beautiful, healthy, and functional smile that lasts a lifetime. Whether you need to correct a bad bite, malocclusion, or jaw abnormality, orthognathic surgery can help restore your confidence and improve your physical and emotional health for years to come.
As with all major medical surgeries, there are risks to having orthognathic surgery. However, the practice has been performed successfully for many years.
If you’re concerned about an upcoming orthognathic surgery, please call our office. Your comfort matters to us. We’ll take all the time you need to answer your questions and provide you with any additional information.