Are you curious about what surgical orthodontics and jaw surgery are? Well, Booth Orthodontics has got you covered! Our office is proud to provide the resources that make these procedures available to our patients while discussing their options. Read on to learn more about how jaw surgery works, who may need it, and the benefits you can expect. 

What is Surgical Orthodontics?

When severe orthodontic conditions relating to the teeth and jaw cannot be addressed with regular procedures, Booth Orthodontics may recommend jaw surgery to help remedy your situation. Jaw surgery, or surgical orthodontics, refers to a corrective process that involves fixing any dental or jaw misalignment. Signs of crookedness can cause difficulties in talking, chewing, sleeping, and even simply carrying out everyday activities.

It is often used in addition to procedures like metal braces and Invisalign in order to align your teeth in the perfect position and achieve your perfect smile. Being told that surgery is required to fix your jaw may come across as daunting, but we promise it is less severe than it sounds. It is a standard procedure that benefits your general health upon healing.

Why Don’t Traditional Orthodontics Work?

Many advancements in orthodontic technology have allowed us to fix issues that once required surgery with regular teeth aligning methods, helping us use non-invasive procedures more often; however, once a case has become severe enough, treatments such as braces and Invisalign alone may be unable to reach your smile goals, thus requiring surgery. 

Sometimes, the jaw must be placed back in line, not your teeth. If traditional orthodontics can help fix part of the job, we will combine the two to reach your results. A thorough dental examination during your free consultation will help provide Dr. Booth with information on your dental needs to understand the most effective next steps for you.

Who Performs the Operation? 

An oral and maxillofacial surgeon always performs the procedure. Just as orthodontists like Dr. Booth spend time honing their craft after dental school, these incredibly skilled surgeons spend an additional four years in hospital-based residency learning about general surgery and emergency medicine. 

They also become experts in administering anesthesia, the only other medical professionals who can aside from anesthesiologists, which is essential during surgical procedures. Your oral and maxillofacial surgeon will be able to answer any and all questions you have about the details of jaw surgery and what you can expect on the day of the procedure with your specific case in mind.

Conditions that Benefit From Jaw Surgery

You may be wondering who can benefit the most from undergoing surgical orthodontics. Every patient is different, so it is very important to consult with Dr. Booth and an oral surgeon while considering surgical orthodontics as an option for the following issues:

• Severe underbite
• Birth defects (also known as congenital abnormalities)
• Sleep apnea
• Trouble chewing or biting 
• Difficulty sleeping
• Inability to close your mouth naturally
• Constant jaw or jaw joint pain

As mentioned, jaw surgery is not always the only answer, though the more severe these issues become, the stronger of a candidate you are. Booking a free consultation with Dr. Booth can help you decide your options. 

What You Can Expect From Booth Orthodontics

Each patient’s experience will be slightly different depending on their dental needs. Let us outline what to expect from surgical orthodontics to help alleviate any nervousness and give you a better idea of the general process.

1. Consultation and Planning

Dr. Booth will begin by reviewing your diagnostic materials, including 3D models of your teeth, x-rays, and oral examination results, to determine if surgical orthodontics is right for your case. Thanks to technological advancements, we can even show you what you will look like after the procedure. 

After determining your step-by-step plan, including if traditional orthodontics will be necessary, Dr. Booth and your oral surgeon will detail how the procedure will be conducted on the day, the type of anesthetic that will be given, and more.

2. Procedure

The surgery will occur at the hospital or the Booth Orthodontics offices. An oral surgeon and their team will begin prepping you and administer the anesthesia best suited for the procedure. Upon waking up, it will already be over. Because the surgery is conducted inside your mouth, we are glad to share there will be no visible scars or traces to notice after the fact. 

3. Post-Procedure Care

After the procedure is complete, you may deal with some minor pain or swelling, but it can easily be managed with the help of over-the-counter or prescription pain medication. To help avoid any excessive pressure in the area, we recommend staying on a liquid or soft-food diet for some time until you can slowly transition back into solid foods without any discomfort. 

Benefits of Corrective Jaw Surgery 

Starting with the most visually apparent, jaw surgery improves your facial aesthetics and how you appear to others. We love seeing the incredible confidence boost in our patients upon post-surgery care and finishing traditional orthodontic treatment. Additionally, it alleviates any discomfort you may have felt in your jaw and realign your jaw joint. This can be a life changer for some patients as it reduces chronic headaches and tension.

With your teeth and jaw in an ideal position, they are also less likely to suffer from wear and tear from everyday activities such as chewing. Instead, pressure is spread evenly across your teeth, preserving the longevity and functionality of your original teeth.

Work to Fix Your Jaw Today!

If you are considering jaw surgery as an option during your orthodontic journey, Booth Orthodontics is ready to support you through the process! Our team can help you determine if this procedure is best for you by scheduling a free consultation with Dr. Booth at our office in Homer Glen. We can’t wait to meet you!