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What is surgical orthodontics?

Surgical orthodontics is more commonly known as orthognathic surgery. Surgical orthodontics is usually carried out to improve jaw alignment and bite disorders. This surgery requires the teamwork of an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, and an orthodontist. A patient benefits from surgical orthodontics in multiple ways. The surgery helps in improving a patient’s speaking, chewing, and breathing capabilities. It also greatly improves a patient’s facial appearance.

Who needs surgical orthodontics?

Adult patients with improper bites and facial aesthetic concerns who have reached physical maturity are candidates for orthognathic surgery. Jaw growth is typically completed by age 16 in females and age 18 in males. It is essential that jaw growth is completed before orthognathic surgery is performed. Pre-surgical tooth movements do not require the condition of full growth of the jaw and can start one to two years earlier.

How does surgical orthodontics work?

In certain cases, treatment with braces may actually worsen the bite instead of correcting the alignment. A patient may visit the orthodontist for routine adjustments during orthodontic treatment. As the braces move the teeth, the bite is observed to be getting worse and the treatment is not proving to be effective. The orthodontist may then decide to recommend orthognathic surgery.

Orthognathic surgery places the jaws into proper alignment, which results in the teeth fitting properly into the correct position. The surgery may take several hours. The time required for surgery depends on the condition of the patient. Orthognathic surgery is performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

The surgery of the lower jaw requires the separation of the jawbone behind the teeth and moving the tooth-bearing portion of the jawbone forward or backwards as required. In surgery of the upper jaw, the jaw can be raised, repositioned or lowered forward or backward. Some movements may need the jaws to be separated and addition or removal of bones to attain stability and proper alignment. Facial bones that help in the alignment can also be repositioned or augmented.

How Long is the Post-Surgery Recovery Period?

The recovery period of orthodontic surgery is about two weeks, and the patient will be able to return to school or work after this time period. The surgery will take between 4 and 8 weeks to completely heal. Minor adjustments will be required to be made to the patient’s bite by the orthodontist after the surgery. The removal of braces is usually carried out 6 to 12 months after the surgery. The patient is required to wear a retainer after the braces are removed to maintain the corrected position of the teeth.

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Treatment with Jt orthodontist was a great experience, everything was explained well and all the treatments went as planned. I am very happy with the results and would definitely recommend them.


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Dr. Teng is great, he is very meticulous about his treatment plans and will find the best solutions to ensure I have the perfect smile. All his staff from front desk to dental assistants are all very sweet and professional. I always love going to my appointments, there’s never any wait to be seen and the appointment itself is very quick. The office runs very efficiently. I love the progress I have had with my smile and I am very happy that I chose JT Orthodontics

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Utterly ecstatic about my orthodontic completion. My teeth and especially my bite feel fantastic. I did not notice how bad my actual bite affected me. I no longer bite down harder on one side and I’m able to bite an apple or carrot using my front teeth without struggling. I actually stopped biting my tongue as well which would happen during eating. The staff has always been superb! They’re super kind and accommodating. They are also very thorough with each exam and great with their explanations. It was worth driving to from out of town. Dr. Teng is very professional, efficient, and meticulous to get that perfect smile and bite. Thank you!


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I've been with JT Orthodontics for a year now and I've been seeing excellent progress! Doctor and his staff are very friendly and knowledgeable, would highly recommend stopping by to see them for your Orthodontic/Invisalign needs!


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