Surgical Orthodontics in McAllen, TX
While traditional orthodontic treatments effectively resolve many dental concerns, such as overbites, they cannot correct certain jaw problems. In these cases, orthodontic surgery may be necessary. At Senan Orthodontic Studios, Dr. Ziadeh and his experienced team can treat jaw irregularities and complex orthodontic needs by coordinating your treatment with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Here’s what you should know about orthodontic surgery before scheduling your consultation.
Senan Orthodontic Studios: Where Beautiful Smiles are Made
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What Does an Orthodontic Surgeon Do?
An orthodontic surgeon is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon who works closely with your orthodontist to help you reach optimal results during orthodontic treatment. Orthodontic surgery is recommended for patients with jaw problems or other complicated orthodontic issues, including:
- Bite problems
- Issues with chewing and speaking
- Exposing impacted teeth
- Palatal expansion
- Obstructive sleep apnea
Benefits of Orthodontic Surgery:
Orthodontic surgery at Senan Orthodontic Studios isn’t just about enhancing your smile; it’s a transformative procedure that offers numerous benefits impacting both your oral health and overall quality of life. Our patients experience remarkable improvements, from functional enhancements to aesthetic changes. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Improved Functionality: Corrects jaw misalignments, significantly improving biting, chewing, and speaking abilities.
- Relief from Discomfort: Alleviates chronic jaw pain and symptoms associated with TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) disorders.
- Enhanced Aesthetics: This leads to a more balanced and symmetrical facial structure, enhancing your overall appearance.
- Solutions for Sleep Apnea: Helps in treating obstructive sleep apnea by adjusting the jaw to improve airway flow, leading to better sleep quality.
- Increased Confidence: The aesthetic improvements combined with functional benefits contribute to a boost in self-confidence and self-esteem.
- Long-term Oral Health: Correcting structural issues in the jaw can prevent future dental problems and contribute to better overall oral health.
Why Would Someone Undergo Orthodontic Surgery?
A person may undergo orthodontic surgery if they are experiencing a jaw problem or other issue that orthodontic treatment cannot resolve. This is especially true for people with breathing problems, TMJ, difficulty eating, congenital disabilities, or irregular facial appearance. Orthodontic surgery can help resolve these issues, improve one’s oral health and overall quality of life.
Braces Before Jaw Surgery
For most patients, orthodontic treatment will be necessary before and after jaw surgery. Treatment lasts 12-18 months to properly align your teeth and prepare your mouth for orthodontic surgery. Your orthodontist will work with your surgeon to properly coordinate the timeline of your orthodontic treatment with surgery to ensure optimal results.
When is Surgical Orthodontics Needed?
Surgical orthodontics becomes necessary when traditional orthodontic treatments, like braces, are not sufficient to correct severe jaw irregularities. It’s typically recommended for patients who face significant difficulties due to jaw misalignments, affecting their ability to chew, speak, or breathe properly. Conditions such as extreme overbites, underbites, or crossbites, which cannot be corrected with braces alone, often require the precision and effectiveness of surgical orthodontics. At Senan Orthodontic Studios, we assess your unique situation to determine if this advanced treatment is the right step toward a functional and aesthetically pleasing smile.
Who Makes Good Candidates for Orthognathic Surgery?
Ideal candidates for orthognathic surgery typically include individuals with significant jaw misalignments impacting their daily functions, such as chewing and speaking. This includes those with severe overbites, underbites, or crossbites that cannot be corrected with braces alone. Suitable patients are often adults, as the jaw should have completed its growth, and those in good overall health. Additionally, candidates may seek this surgery for comprehensive improvements, addressing both functional and aesthetic concerns, and are willing to commit to a complete treatment plan, including necessary pre- and post-surgery orthodontic care.
What to Expect During the Orthodontic Surgery Process:
The orthodontic surgery process at Senan Orthodontic Studios is a detailed and patient-focused journey. Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect:
- Pre-Surgery Preparation: Includes an initial consultation, and potentially pre-surgical orthodontic treatments like braces to align your teeth.
- Day of Surgery: Performed under general anesthesia, involving precise adjustments to the jawbone with minimal incisions inside the mouth to avoid visible scars.
- Recovery Phase: Involves following specific post-surgery care guidelines to ensure proper healing.
- Post-Surgical Adjustments: Further orthodontic treatments may be needed post-surgery to perfect your bite.
- Finalization: Concludes with the provision of retainers to maintain the new alignment of your teeth and jaw.
Our team ensures a smooth and supportive experience throughout each stage of the process.
What to Expect from Jaw Surgery
Orthodontic surgery can sound scary; however, it’s a common procedure that is perfectly safe and effective when performed by a trained professional recommended by Dr. Ziadeh. Your orthodontic surgery will likely be done under general anesthesia and will take place in a hospital setting. Here’s what will occur during jaw surgery:
- Your surgeon will make tiny cuts in your jawbone and adjust it into the desired position. Small bone plates, screws, or wires are used to hold the bones in place. These appliances will fuse into your jawbone over time.
- A bone graft might be necessary to fill in any gaps created during the adjustment.
- The surgery will take place inside your mouth to prevent facial scarring.
After Orthodontic Surgery
After your surgery, it’s essential to follow the orthodontic surgeon’s instructions to ensure your jaw heals correctly. Proper care includes:
- Eating as directed
- Avoiding tobacco
- Practicing good oral hygiene
- Resting
- Managing pain
Initial jaw surgery takes about six weeks to heal, while complete healing can take up to twelve weeks. After your initial recovery, Dr. Ziadeh will finish aligning your teeth with braces. The entire process of correcting your jaw with orthodontic treatment and surgery could take several years. Once your treatment is complete, you will receive retainers to prevent your teeth from shifting over time.
Orthodontic and Jaw Surgery Cost
The cost of your orthodontic surgery depends on your dental insurance plan. For more information on what your dental insurance covers, please contact our office. We will always discuss any costs that come along with your customized treatment plan before beginning.
Surgical Orthodontic Consultations in McAllen, TX
Achieving a healthy, comfortable smile is possible with the help of surgical orthodontics. For people who suffer from oral pain, have difficulty performing normal daily activities, such as chewing, or have trouble breathing, orthodontic surgery can be life-changing. Choosing an experienced orthodontist is critical to ensure that you achieve the best results possible. Dr. Ziadeh and his trusted team are well-equipped to restore your oral health and functionality by providing superior orthodontic treatment and working directly with your oral surgeon. To learn more about how jaw surgery and braces could benefit you, we are here to help. Visit us online or contact us today to schedule your consultation.