At Davis Orthodontics, we treat patients of all ages, with all ranges of conditions. While most cases can be treated with braces or Invisalign, our adult patients may sometimes require surgery to correct more severe jaw irregularities or skeletal issues. Technically called orthognathic surgery, orthodontic surgery is sometimes necessary to bring the jaw into alignment and improve a patient’s ability to chew, speak and breathe. This type of surgery is often used together with orthodontic treatment to shift the teeth into their proper positions and create the smile you’ve always imagined.
In complex cases, surgical orthodontics is the best way to achieve dramatic, stable results. Dr. Buddy Davis is an expert in orthodontic surgery in Greer and Simpsonville, and he has the experience to provide safe, effective surgical intervention for patients who need it. Ready to find out if surgical orthodontics is right for you? Read on.
What is Surgical Orthodontics?
Surgical orthodontics, or jaw surgery, is a corrective procedure that involves straightening and repositioning the jaw and teeth to correct dental and skeletal irregularities. How your Simpsonville and Greer orthodontist approaches your surgery will depend on a number of factors, such as the severity of your condition and the placement of your jaw and teeth.
To prepare for your orthodontic surgery, Dr. Buddy uses cutting-edge digital imaging and computerized treatment planning for maximum precision and decreased treatment times. He partners with your oral surgeon to come up with the best course of action, so you can rest assured the results will be something to smile about.
Do I Need Surgical Orthodontics?
So how do you know if you’re a candidate for orthodontic surgery? It comes down to your jaw development. If the upper and lower jaws grow at different rates, it can create a discrepancy in size and function. Corrective jaw surgery seeks to fix these abnormalities in the facial bones by aligning the jaws correctly. When performed in conjunction with braces or Invisalign, the result of orthodontic surgery is an aligned bite and straight teeth for the ideal combination of form and function.
If you’re experiencing any of the following, you may want to consider surgical orthodontics:
- Difficulty chewing, biting or swallowing food
- Chronic jaw or jaw joint (TMJ) pain and headaches
- Open bite (when there’s a space between the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed)
- Asymmetrical facial appearance from the front or side
- Injury to the jaw or face
- Birth defects
- Receding lower jaw and chin
- Protruding jaw
- Difficulty or inability to make the lips meet without straining
- Chronic mouth breathing
- Sleep apnea
Fortunately, jaw surgery isn’t always required, even for extreme cases. Many cases that would have needed surgical intervention in the past can now be remedied with orthodontic treatment alone. That said, every person’s mouth is unique and whether you need orthodontic surgery depends on your personal situation. The only way to find out if you’re a candidate for surgical orthodontics in Simpsonville or Greer is to schedule a free consultation at Davis Orthodontics (or a virtual consultation if you’re not quite ready to visit us in person!).
What to Expect from Jaw Surgery
Feeling a little nervous about what orthodontic surgery entails? Don’t be! We will take good care of you and make sure you feel 100% comfortable with your treatment. First, Dr. Buddy will examine your jaw, take diagnostic records and let you know if orthognathic surgery should be part of your treatment plan. Surgery isn’t performed until the jaw is done growing, so this approach is reserved for adults only.
We know that the decision to undergo jaw surgery is a big one, so we’re here to give you all of the information you need to make an informed choice. We can even use digital imaging to show you the direct benefits of surgical orthodontics, so you’ll know exactly what you can look forward to.
Benefits of Jaw Surgery
Speaking of the benefits of jaw surgery, there are many! Let’s start with the obvious: surgical orthodontics can dramatically improve patients’ facial appearance by realigning the jaw in a more aesthetically pleasing way. This has the added benefit of giving patients a serious confidence boost. On top of that, depending on your case, jaw surgery can help to prevent oral health issues in the future. It can also greatly improve patients’ quality of life by alleviating jaw pain and allowing patients to breathe, chew and swallow much more easily.
We understand that the idea of getting orthodontic surgery can sound scary, but you can trust that you’re in good hands with Dr. Buddy and his team. If you’re considering getting jaw surgery, still have questions or are ready to take the next step towards your perfect smile, book a consultation today.