What is Surgical Orthodontics?

Surgical orthodontics is a unique technique that helps patients reach their optimal orthodontic alignment. When the shape or position of the jaw inhibits the teeth from reaching their ideal position with traditional braces, alternative strategies like surgical orthodontics become the only solution. Without the surgery, the teeth could come out of the bones from the pressure, this uses different strategies to make it easier for the teeth and bone to move.

How Does it Work?

Surgical orthodontics uses strategic cuts in the jawbones to help facilitate their movement with teeth. Most commonly, Dr. Urbanek makes a mid-palatal split to help widen the upper arch. This is also known as a surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion.

He can also make boney cuts around your teeth to help accelerate the movement. This strategy is known as accelerated osteogenic orthodontics. By using this strategy, it weakens the bone to allow tooth movement in a certain direction and at the same time stimulates the bone to heal.

Another technique involves using bone anchors. The bone anchors consist of bone plates or screws implanted in the jaws to give the jaws something to pull against. Orthodontics require an anchor of some sort to move teeth. Your teeth require the right amount of stability to move which doesn’t always happen with the adjacent teeth. In the past, this is what headgear was used for, but now that we can just place implant anchors in your jaw, there’s no need for it. We can correct many forms of orthodontic problems with bone anchors which eliminates the need for major reconstructive jaw surgery in the end.

adult woman smiling with teeth

Is it Right For Me?

If your orthodontist has told you that you need reconstructive jaw surgery to achieve your desired results, there’s a good chance that surgical orthodontics is right for you. To find out if you’re a good candidate, simply schedule a consultation with Dr. Urbanek. During your consultation, he will take images of your jaw to determine if surgical orthodontics can benefit you. He can even work hand in hand with your orthodontist to ensure the best results possible. Most patients who can benefit from surgical orthodontics have a bad bite, jaw abnormality, or malocclusion.

Benefits of Surgical Orthodontics

There are a lot of amazing benefits that come with surgical orthodontics. You can look forward to:

  • Easier chewing, biting, and speaking
  • No headgear
  • No reconstructive jaw surgery
  • Amazing results that last a lifetime
  • Improved facial appearance

So, what are you waiting for? Find out if surgical orthodontics in Southlake, TX are right for you. It can save you from a painful reconstructive jaw surgery down the line. Please contact StarImage Dental Boutique & Oral Surgery at (817) 587-4414 today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Urbanek.