Ever feel like your bite just doesn’t line up the way it should, no matter how much you try to ignore it? Some dental concerns go beyond what braces or aligners alone can fix, and that’s where surgical orthodontics steps in. Dr. Brian and Dr. Lynn at Smith & Smith Orthodontics work with specialists to help patients tackle complex orthodontic challenges with solutions that improve both function and appearance. Let’s take a closer look at how surgical orthodontics can help bring everything into balance.
What Is Surgical Orthodontics?
Surgical orthodontics takes orthodontic treatment a step further by correcting jaw issues that braces or aligners alone can’t fix. Dr. Brian and Dr. Lynn at Smith & Smith Orthodontics work alongside skilled oral surgeons to help patients find lasting solutions for more complex dental concerns.
Why Would Someone Need Surgical Orthodontics?
Sometimes, the way the jaw grows can create challenges that go beyond a simple fix. A few reasons someone might consider surgical orthodontics include:
- Bite Troubles: Severe overbites, underbites, or crossbites that make everyday tasks like eating or speaking more challenging.
- Jaw Imbalance: When the upper and lower jaws aren’t in sync, leading to discomfort and functional issues.
- Breathing Challenges: Some jaw structures can contribute to conditions like sleep apnea or trouble breathing comfortably.
- Facial Asymmetry: If the jaw position affects overall facial balance, surgery can help create a more symmetrical look.
Braces or aligners often work alongside surgery to make sure everything fits and functions the way it should. Next, let’s jump into what the process involves from start to finish.
The Surgical Orthodontics Process
Surgical orthodontics is a carefully planned process that combines orthodontic treatment with jaw surgery to create lasting improvements. Dr. Brian and Dr. Lynn at Smith & Smith Orthodontics take a thoughtful approach, working closely with oral surgeons to map out every phase of treatment. Each step is designed to bring your teeth and jaw into better balance.
Step 1: Getting Ready
Before surgery happens, orthodontic treatment sets the stage. Braces or clear aligners, such as 3M Clarity or Smith & Smith Aligners, help move the teeth into the right positions to work harmoniously with the new jaw alignment. This phase can take several months, but it plays an important role in the overall success of the treatment.
Step 2: The Surgery
Once the teeth are in place, an oral surgeon performs the procedure to reposition the jaw. Depending on the treatment plan, surgery may focus on the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both.
Step 3: Post-Surgery Adjustments
After surgery, additional orthodontic treatment fine-tunes the bite and brings everything together. Regular check-ins with Dr. Brian and Dr. Lynn help track progress and make any final tweaks needed to complete the transformation.
Each step works together to create a well-functioning smile and a healthier bite. Now, let’s take a glance at the benefits surgical orthodontics can offer beyond aesthetics.
Beyond Aesthetics
Surgical orthodontics offers more than just a change in appearance—it can improve how your mouth functions and enhance your overall well-being. Dr. Brian and Dr. Lynn at Smith & Smith Orthodontics see firsthand how this treatment can positively impact daily life, from making it easier to enjoy meals to feeling more confident in social settings.
Functional Improvements
- Better Chewing and Speaking: When the jaws are properly positioned, everyday tasks like eating and talking become much easier and more comfortable.
- Easier Breathing: Some jaw issues can contribute to breathing difficulties, and surgical orthodontics can help open airways and improve airflow.
- Reduced Strain: A misaligned jaw can place unnecessary stress on certain teeth and muscles, leading to long-term issues. Surgery helps distribute pressure more evenly.
Aesthetic Enhancements
- Balanced Facial Structure: Correcting jaw positioning can bring harmony to your facial features, improving symmetry and proportions.
- Boosted Confidence: Feeling good about your appearance can have a positive effect on self-esteem and the way you present yourself to the world.
Surgical orthodontics is about more than fixing teeth—it’s about improving quality of life in ways that can last for years. Up next, let’s explore what recovery looks like and how to make the healing process as smooth as possible.
What to Expect During Recovery
Recovering from surgical orthodontics is a process that takes patience and care, but with the right approach, it can be smooth and manageable. Dr. Brian and Dr. Lynn at Smith & Smith Orthodontics work closely with patients to support them through each stage of healing.
The First Few Weeks
- Swelling and Healing: Some swelling is expected after surgery, but it gradually decreases over the following weeks. Keeping the head elevated and using cold compresses can help with this.
- Soft Diet: Eating softer foods like smoothies, soups, and mashed potatoes makes it easier to stay nourished without putting too much strain on the jaw.
- Follow-Up Appointments: Regular check-ins allow Dr. Brian and Dr. Lynn to monitor your healing progress and make any necessary adjustments to your orthodontic treatment.
Long-Term Care
- Gradual Return to Normal Eating: As healing progresses, more solid foods can slowly be reintroduced based on your comfort level.
- Oral Hygiene Routine: Keeping the mouth clean is crucial during recovery, and using a gentle approach with brushing and rinsing helps maintain good hygiene without irritating sensitive areas.
- Listening to Your Body: Recovery timelines can vary, so taking it slow and giving yourself time to adjust is key to a successful outcome.
With time, care, and the right orthodontic support from Smith & Smith Orthodontics, the recovery process leads to lasting improvements in both function and appearance!
Shaping Smiles, One Step at a Time
Surgical orthodontics offers a powerful way to improve both the look and function of your smile. With the expertise of Dr. Brian and Dr. Lynn at Smith & Smith Orthodontics, patients receive personalized care that makes the entire process smoother and more rewarding. If you’re just exploring your options or ready to take the next step, scheduling a free consultation at our Sanford or Bayboro locations is the perfect place to start. Your new smile is closer than you think!