Surgical Orthodontics
When the upper and lower jaws do not line up properly and orthodontic treatment alone does not result in a good bite, surgical orthodontics may be required. Adults with cosmetic concerns about their profile or jaw shape/size may benefit from surgical orthodontics. Surgical orthodontics will relocate your teeth because it includes restoring the alignment ofGeneral your jaw. As a result, Dr. Hardy will use braces alongside your surgical orthodontics treatment.
Are You a Candidate for Surgical Orthodontics?
You may be a candidate for surgical orthodontics if you have difficulty chewing, breathing, or speaking as a result of a misaligned jaw or bite. Patients with concerns about their facial looks should meet with Dr. Hardy for a consultation to explore if surgical orthodontics can help. Jaws must be fully developed before surgical orthodontics may be performed. Boys' jaw growth is normally completed at the age of 18 and girls' at the age of 16. If you are a candidate for this therapy, a complete evaluation with dental x-rays will be performed. If you're near Greeley, CO or around the area, visit our office today to see if you're a candidate for Surgical Orthodontics.
What to Expect with Orthodontic Surgery
There is usually a pre-surgical period before jaw surgery where your teeth are straightened and moved into an ideal place. Thus, it is more convenient to have your dental office nearby. After that, there's a post-surgical period where you'll get bite treatment, which will shift your teeth back into place. Because every situation is unique, all orthodontic surgery techniques and timelines will differ. The actual surgery of your upper and/or lower jaw will be performed by an oral surgeon.
The upper jaw can be shifted backward, forwards, upwards, and downwards during orthodontic surgery. The surgeon can relocate your jawbone forward or backward during lower jaw surgery. Having a consultation with Dr. Hardy, who is near Greeley Colorado, to determine which treatment is appropriate for you throughout the pre-surgical and post-surgical phases will help you stay educated about your care and prepared to make informed treatment decisions.
Post-Surgery Care
Typically, you will need to wait at least two weeks after surgery before returning to your typical activities, but it is critical that you follow your oral surgeon's advice for your unique case. A month after your surgical orthodontics surgery, you will have a follow-up visit with Dr. Hardy for an evaluation. After their surgical orthodontics operation, most patients can anticipate being in braces for 6-12 months. Dr. Hardy will visit you on a regular basis to monitor the improvement of your smile and jaw alignment.
Preventing the Need for Surgical Orthodontics
The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that children receive their initial orthodontic evaluation between the ages of 7 and 8, in order to avoid the necessity for invasive or extreme treatment methods later. Early orthodontic treatment for jaw anomalies in your child, while he or she is still young, can help avoid the need for surgery later in life. When the jaw is still growing, several orthodontic abnormalities with the jaw can be corrected more simply.
Schedule a Consultation for Surgical Orthodontics
To book a surgical orthodontics consultation, please contact Taft Hill Orthodontics at 970-401-6206 or if you're near Greeley, CO, visit our office. You will be better prepared to take this essential step in your dental health if you have more knowledge. Our doctors and courteous team are here to assist you at every turn!
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