What is Orthodontics Surgical Treatment?

Orthodontic surgery is a proven solution for the correction of jaw bone abnormalities and severe misalignments that cannot be addressed through orthodontics alone. Generally, braces are used before surgery and will stay on until your healing is complete.

Surgical treatment must be done by and oral surgeon, generally in a hospital setting. As trained experts, we maintain a close relationship with them to ensure that treatment is accelerated and successful.


When is Surgery Required?

Diagnostic imaging and orthodontic x-rays will be used so that the decision as to whether surgery is required  will be an educated one.


Below are examples of situations that may require orthodontic surgery:

     1. Irregularities in jaw bone
     2. Severe misalignments
     3. Teeth too prominent or too small
     4. Seriously protruding or receding upper jaw
     5. Serious overjet (top front teeth protruding over bottom teeth)

We recommend that surgery be performed only after bone growth is complete. Females should be between the ages of 14 - 16 and males between 17 – 21.


The Surgical Procedure and Its Aftermath

Surgical orthodontic treatment should only be done by oral surgeons using general anesthesia. The entire process can take up to several hours. Your braces will stay on in order to keep the jaw bone and teeth stable. The surgeon’s goal is to prevent facial scarring, so the surgery is typically done inside the mouth. In some instances, however, he/she will need to make small incisions on the outside of the mouth.

The surgery will involve the removal or shifting of bone so that correct movement of the jaw is restored. Tiny screws, rubber bands or wires are then used to secure the bone in its new placement, which will eventually assimilate into the bone structure.

The recovery and healing time is about six weeks for the procedure. Once healing is complete, our orthodontic team in Duluth will continue your care with small adjustments so that the integrity of the surgical results is maintained. A period of about one to three years will be necessary to complete the process of the combined orthodontic treatment and the surgery.

You will be amazed at the impact that this combined treatment will play in your daily life. Your overall health will be improved, symmetry will be restored to your face and, with the function of teeth corrected, you may experience improvements in your eating and speech.


Why Choose Us For Your Surgical Needs?

When surgery is necessary for your oral health, the experienced orthodontists and staff at (   ) in Duluth will ensure that you will be completely prepared and informed prior to the procedure. We collaborate with only the finest oral surgeons and will work closely with them during the entire process.

We truly enjoy watching our patients’ confidence increase after surgery and are happy to be part of the ongoing treatment.

Continuing education is vital to the services we provide. Our goal is to make sure that we offer the most        up-to-date technological innovations in the industry to our patients.

Call us now for all of your orthodontic needs.