Corrective Jaw Surgery
Malocclusion or teeth not coming together correctly can be due to misalignment of teeth or the jaws. Orthodontics (braces) can only move teeth. If the problem is the jaw position, then corrective jaw surgery may be required to achieve a good result.If your orthodontist mentions that the full treatment may include surgery, we will work with he or she closely and from the beginning. It is a team that reaches the final goal together. We believe, at Oral Surgery Associates, the team is your orthodontist, general dentist, surgeon, and you.
Because of this, we would like to see you prior to beginning orthodontic therapy. At this visit, we can be involved in treatment decision making. Wisdom teeth may need to be removed, decay or periodontal disease should be assessed and controlled. We will follow you throughout preoperative orthodontics. This averages twelve months. After surgery, postoperative orthodontics will be required and averages three to six months in duration.
At your initial visit, we will discuss the procedure and risks in detail. We want to make sure you have a strong commitment to pursue surgery, if this will complete your therapy. If not, starting braces may only make your bite worse.
Related Information
Links: Amercian Board of Oral-Maxillofacial Surgery | American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery | American Dental Association | Massachusetts Dental Society | SynthesDoctors: Eric Holmgren, D.M.D., M.D. | Christopher Bevin, D.M.D., M.D. | Lance Smagalski, D.D.S. | Tim Osborn, D.M.D., M.D.