Orthognatics Surgery

What problems do orthodontics and surgery best correct?

There are many types of jaw development and alignment problems. Some are inherited, some are growth problems, and some are caused by an accident or other trauma.

Which comes first?

Most orthodontic patients undergo an initial period of orthodontic treatment to align the teeth so they will fit properly after surgery is performed. Your orthodontist and oral surgeon after the teeth have been properly aligned.

Usually, braces or other orthodontic devices used to align teeth before surgery are left in place durind the surgical procedure to help stabilize the teeth and jaws. After surgery there is usually an additional period of orthodontic treatment to bring teeth into their final, desired positions, complementing the new facial symmetry.

The rewards of treatment.

While the prospect of undergoing surgery as part of your overall treatment plan may seem daunting, it really is not uncommon. The rewards for such treatment can be very dramatic. Following completion of orthodontic treatment and surgery, you’ll enjoy better dental health and have a better facial appearance. Best of all, you’ll have a more beautiful smile that reflects a healthier, happier you for the rest of your life.

It’s important to choose an orthodontist

An orthodontist is a specialist in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. All orthodontists are dentists, but only about six percent of dentists are orthodontists. Admission to orthodontic programs is extremely competitive and selective.

It takes many years to become an orthodontist and the educational requirements are demanding.

An orthodontist must complete collage requirements before starting a three to five year graduate program at a dental school accredited by the American Dental Association (ADA). After dental school, at least two or three academic years of advanced specialty education in a ADA- accredited orthodontic program are required to be an orthodontist. The program includes advanced education in biomedical, behavioral and basic sciences. The orthodontic student learns the complex skills required to manage tooth movement (orthodontics) and guide facial development (dentofacial orthopedics).

Only dentists who have successfully completed these advanced specialty education programs may call themselves orthodontists.

Partnershop: You, Your Orthodontist And Your Dentist

Achieving healthy, beautiful smiles is a team effort that involves the orthodontist, the family dentist, the patient (and the parents, if the patient is young) and, as needed, other dental specialists. The orthodontist provides the expertise, the treatment plan and the techniques to straighten teeth and align the jaws. The family dentist helps make sure that teeth and gums stay clean and healthy. The patient must cooperate by following the dentist’s and the orthodontist’s instructions carefully so that the teeth and jaws move in the way desired and on the prescribed schedule.

Because dental hygiene is so important, regular visits to the family dentist must continue every six months during orthodontic treatment (or more often, if recommended). It is essential that the patient avoid food which may damage orthodontic appliances. The patient must also maintain a healthy, nutritional diet to achieve the best possible results from treatment. A good diet provides essential nutrients to bones and tissues undergoing change during orthodontic treatment.

For A Smile That’s Good For Life

• Follow the American Dental Association’s recommendation and starts dental visits by your child’s first  birthday.
• Make regular visits to your dentist at least every six months.
• Take your child for an orthodontic check-up no later than age 7. If a problem is detected, your orthodontist can determine the best time to start treatment.
• Get your child an orthodontic check-up even if he or she is past age 7. Although an early chech-up can be extremely beneficial, the fact is that most orthodontic patients begin active treatment  between ages 9 and 14.
• Keep in mind that orthodontic treatment can also benefit adults. Less visible, more comfortable braces make treatment more appealing than ever, and healthy teeth, bones and gums of almost any age respond well to treatment.
• Choose an orthodontist - the dental specialist who is uniquely qualified to treat orthodontic problems.
• Take advantage of the affordability of orthodontic treatment today. Most orthodontists have a variety of convenient payment plans.
• Remember that successful orthodontic treatment is the result of a partnership. The orthodontist, family dentist and, especially, a cooperative  patient all work together to create a healthy, beautiful smile that’s good for life.