Orthodontics, including metal braces and Invisalign® clear aligners, work wonders when it comes to straightening teeth for children and adults. Over the course of several months, or sometimes years, you will see the amazing results that orthodontics provides. As you wear braces, your orthodontist will monitor the shifting of your teeth and make any adjustments necessary to ensure you end up with beautifully straight teeth that you’re proud to show off for many years.
Sometimes, however, the jaws and teeth are so misaligned that conventional braces and Invisalign® just won’t suffice. In extreme cases where an adult’s misalignment is affecting the ability to chew, eat, speak, and even breathe, surgical orthodontics may be necessary. In Southlake, orthodontics for adults may be utilized in a number of ways, including surgical orthodontics if metal braces or Invisalign® are not enough.
Surgical orthodontics is not recommended for children because these surgeries can only be performed on people who have stopped growing. Your orthodontist will work collaboratively with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to get your jaw aligned properly so you can eat, speak, and breathe normally. If you think you’re a candidate for Southlake orthodontics, please read on to learn more about what surgical orthodontics entails.
What’s Involved with Surgical Orthodontics?
Also referred to as orthognathic surgery, surgical orthodontics is a highly specialized field that corrects jaw alignment to achieve a healthy, functional bite for adults. If your jaw is severely misaligned due to an accident, birth defect, or medical condition, you may be a candidate for surgical orthodontics in Southlake, Texas.
Orthodontic treatment, including metal braces and/or Invisalign® clear retainers, is utilized both before and after surgical orthodontics in Southlake to maximize the result of the surgery. Braces will help shift the teeth prior to surgery, and more orthodontia following surgery will ensure a functional, healthy bite for adults suffering from jaw problems including malocclusion (misalignment of the bite).
If your upper jaw, lower jaw, or both are out of alignment, the teeth won’t fit properly; this will impair your ability to speak and eat. The goal of surgical orthodontics in Southlake, Texas is to reposition the jaws and teeth for optimal functioning.
Your dental team will perform a thorough evaluation, and create a treatment plan. Dentists, orthodontists, and oral and maxillofacial surgeons work collaboratively to create a treatment plan that will result in a more comfortable, functional alignment of your teeth and jaws.
How Do I Know if I Need Surgical Orthodontics
There are many issues that will lead someone to require surgical orthodontics in Southlake, Texas. Here are just a few of the issues people experience prior to having orthodontic surgery:
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing food
- Chronic jaw pain (involving the temporomandibular joint)
- Chronic headaches due to a misaligned jaw
- An open bite (your teeth do not meet when you close your mouth)
- Injury to the face or jaw
- Birth defect
- Protruding jaw
- Receding or protruding chin
- Chronic mouth breathing
- Sleep apnea (the stopping of breathing several times throughout the night because the airway has collapsed)
Why suffer from any of these symptoms any longer? You may be a good candidate for orthodontic treatment in Southlake if you have any of these issues. Traditional metal braces, Invisalign®, and surgical orthodontics can put an end to your suffering and provide you with a fully functioning mouth that allows you to enjoy all the food you love. You won’t have to worry about covering your mouth when you laugh, and you can get a better night’s sleep with surgical orthodontics in Southlake.
Traditional braces and Invisalign® can only move your teeth a certain amount. While these two orthodontic solutions have provided millions of Americans with gorgeously straight teeth, sometimes they just aren’t enough. That’s when surgical orthodontics comes into play. Finding your optimal orthodontic alignment is always the goal with surgical orthodontics.
Following a thorough evaluation using advanced dental technology, your orthodontist and surgeon will work collaboratively to ensure your jaw and teeth line up in a more natural way. Major reconstructive surgery may not be needed if you’ve suffered a serious accident or blow to the face. If you were born with a birth defect that affects your jaw and face, surgical orthodontics in Southlake could change your life.
Learn More About Surgical Orthodontics in Southlake, Texas
If you have any of the above problems, please call Star Image Dental Boutique & Oral Surgery at (817) 587-4566 today to schedule a new patient consultation. If you’re an existing patient, please let us know if you’re interested in learning more about surgical orthodontics in Southlake, Texas. Please take a moment to fill out our online form to tell us what services you’re interested in, and one of our dental members will contact you shortly.
