Achieving a confident, radiant smile is a wonderful goal that can be attained through various dental treatments. Most patients seeking straight teeth, an improved bite, and an esthetic smile can find results with orthodontic treatment alone. However, some patients may need surgical treatment in addition to orthodontics to achieve their desired results. 

At Ortho South (Dr. Zehra Syed and Dr. Brandon Boggan), we’re dedicated to providing our patients with the highest quality care and helping them achieve their best smile. In this article, we’ll provide you with everything you need to know about orthodontic and orthognathic surgery, so you can make an informed decision about your oral health.

Orthodontic Treatment 

Orthodontic treatment is a specialized form of dentistry that uses braces, clear aligners, and other appliances to straighten the teeth and correct the bite. Orthodontic care is often observed in children and teenagers, but treatment can benefit adults of all ages. 

Orthodontic treatment can target a wide range of concerns, including but not limited to the following: 

• Crowded and rotated teeth
• Gaps between teeth
• Impacted, missing, and extra teeth
• Misaligned bites due to crossbites, underbites, overbites, open bites
• Growth-related jaw correction in children 

Orthognathic Surgery

Orthognathic surgery (jaw surgery) is a corrective surgical procedure to improve abnormal jaw bones and misaligned bites that cannot be corrected with orthodontic treatment alone. Orthognathic surgery improves the alignment and function of the jaws and teeth and can enhance the facial appearance of patients. Orthognathic surgery is completed by oral maxillofacial surgeons who specialize in operations on the jaw, teeth, and face. 

Orthognathic surgery can improve: 

• Abnormal jaw positions 
• Biting and chewing effectiveness
• Breathing and sleeping quality
• Facial asymmetries
• Severely misaligned bites due to crossbites, underbites, overbites, open bites
• Facial and smile appearance

How Do Orthodontics and Orthognathics Correlate?

Orthodontists and Oral Maxillofacial Surgeons work alongside patients pursuing surgical jaw correction. The orthodontist and surgeon will assess the patient and make an orthodontic and surgical plan. The orthodontist will begin treatment with braces or aligners to straighten and prepare the teeth and bite for surgery. Once the teeth and bite are ready, the orthodontist and surgeon collaborate on the jaw movements and set a date for surgery. The braces or aligners stay on during surgery to assist with surgical stabilization during and after the procedure. Following surgery, the orthodontist uses the braces or aligners to fine-tune and detail tooth positions and the bite to ensure proper final alignment.

Benefits of Combined Orthodontic and Orthognathic Treatment

Orthodontics combined with orthognathic surgery can be life-changing for patients. The benefits of the combined approach to treatment include improved:

• Self-confidence: Straight teeth and balanced jaw positions contribute to a harmonious smile and facial beauty, enhancing your self-esteem and confidence socially and professionally.
• Function: Straight teeth and balanced jaw positions can improve chewing, biting, and speaking. 
• Sleep: Corrected and balanced jaw positions can improve breathing, especially when you sleep. Better breathing while you sleep can reduce snoring, improve sleep quality, and improve your general health. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Combined Orthodontic and Orthognathic Surgical Treatment

1. How long does orthodontic and orthognathic surgery treatment take?
2. Treatment can take anywhere from several months to a few years, depending on the severity and complexity of your case. Your orthodontist can give a more accurate estimate once he or she can complete a clinical exam and review your photos/x-rays. 
3. Are orthodontic treatment and orthognathic surgery painful? 
4. Orthodontic treatment may cause some soreness as the teeth reposition with braces or aligners. Orthognathic surgery is conducted under general anesthesia, so you will be asleep and pain-free. Following surgery, some temporary discomfort and swelling may be experienced. However, your surgeon will inform and prepare you with post-operative instructions and pain medication to minimize discomfort during the healing process. 
5. How much time does it take to recover from orthognathic surgery? 
6. Like treatment time, recovery depends on your case's severity and complexity. Recovery can range from several weeks to months. Your surgeon will provide post-operative instructions to reduce recovery time, speed healing, and minimize swelling in the recovery process. 
7. How long will my braces or aligners be on throughout treatment? 
8. Your braces or aligners are required to stay on throughout the entire treatment. Braces or aligners straighten the teeth and prepare the bite before surgery, assist in surgical stabilization during and immediately after surgery, and work to detail and finalize tooth positions after surgery. 
9. How old do I have to be to have orthognathic surgery? 
10. Patients must be finished growing before orthognathic surgery is completed. If growth persists after surgery, the results attained through the surgical process could be compromised. While individual growth patterns vary, most girls complete growth around age 16, and most boys complete growth around age 18. Mature adults are candidates for orthognathic surgery, provided they are healthy. 
11. Will my jaw have to be wired shut after surgery? 
12. In most cases, patients do not need their jaws wired together during the healing process. During surgery, your surgeon will use titanium plates and screws to secure your jaw. Following surgery, your surgeon may require you to wear a splint and rubber bands to stabilize the jaws in the first few weeks after surgery. Your surgeon will provide more detail regarding post-operative stabilization in the healing process. 
13. What are the risks associated with orthognathic surgery? 
14. Risks are generally associated with any major medical surgical procedure. However, an experienced surgeon will take great care to minimize the rare risks of nerve damage, bleeding, and infection throughout the surgical and post-operative process.
15. How can orthognathic surgery help with sleep apnea? 
16. Corrective jaw surgery can be beneficial for patients unable to use CPAPs or other intraoral sleep appliances effectively throughout the night. Moving the lower jaw (as well as the upper jaw in some cases) forward, the airway is expanded and the throat muscles have less potential of collapsing while sleeping. Breathing easier throughout the night increases your oxygen intake, lessens disruptive awakening during sleep, and can improve your general health. 

Conclusion

Orthodontic and orthognathic treatment can transform your smile and improve your oral health and overall well-being. At Ortho South, we're committed to providing our patients with the highest quality care and helping them achieve their best smile. If you're considering orthodontic or orthognathic treatment, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with us to discuss your options and create a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.