Orthognathic Surgery in Weatherford and Granbury, TX
Here at Epic Orthodontics, our patients are our main priority. Dr. Bradley S. Hall and his outstanding team work together to create a comfortable, welcoming environment where you can feel at ease knowing you are being given nothing but the best care available. We are constantly developing our skill set and utilize the latest technological advancements to help us offer you the best possible treatment options. If you are currently in the market for orthognathic surgery, you have come to the right place. We are more than happy to provide you with helpful information about this procedure to ease any concerns you may have. You are also always welcome to give us a call with any additional questions.
Why Might I Need Orthognathic Surgery?
While advanced orthodontic treatment can correct many of today's problems involving bite or alignment of the teeth, sometimes dental and severe skeletal issues aren't as simple of a fix. This is when corrective jaw surgery (also called orthognathic surgery) might come into the picture.
Orthognathic surgery can be used to treat severe orthodontic problems in combination with braces, including the correction of underbites, the relationship between the teeth and the jaw, congenital abnormalities (birth defects) related to jaw development, and sleep apnea.
Orthognathic surgery is performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. These surgeons are highly trained: after completing the standard four years of dental school, they spend four more years in a hospital-based residency program.
Who Can Benefit From Jaw (Orthognathic) Surgery
People who can benefit most from orthognathic surgery are those who have problems related to their jaws, tooth alignment, and facial asymmetries. These issues can create serious difficulties involving talking, chewing, and sleeping, and they can also inhibit other routine activities. A visit and thorough examination in our office will tell you if orthognathic surgery is right for you. In many cases, your Epic Orthodontic team will be able to successfully solve the problem. When it's the jaws themselves that need to be aligned, this is the point when Dr. Hall will determine if the jaw alignment can be corrected with orthodontics alone or if an orthognathic surgeon will be contacted.
Conditions That Are Commonly Treated With Corrective Orthognathic Surgery
- Open bites, receding chins, and protruding jaws
- Birth defects such as cleft palates
- Malocclusions (also known as bite problems) resulting from underbites or extreme overbites
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Trouble swallowing, chewing, and biting food
- TMJ pain (chronic jaw/joint pain) and headaches
- Unbalanced facial appearance
- Chronic mouth breathing and dry mouth
- Facial trauma
- Strain when the lips meet
The Procedure
The first step is always consultation and planning with your dental team. This team will include your dentist, orthodontist, and oral surgeon. We will use diagnostic imaging, and 3D models to help us develop a step-by-step plan that is unique to your needs. The process begins with braces being placed in order to correct all dental compensations, treating the top jaw to ideal standards as well as the lower jaw to ideal standards. After approximately one year of braces you are ready for your orthognathic surgery.
Your surgery will usually occur in the surgeons office or a hospital and your braces will remain on, as this is what allows the surgeon to properly immobilize the jaws during surgery. Your surgeon will utilize the type of anesthesia that is right for you and most appropriate for the procedure. The procedure itself varies to address your specific skeletal problems and can include surgery to move the upper jaw, the lower jaw or both jaws if needed. This surgery will induce minor pain and swelling, which can be aided by taking prescription or over-the-counter medication. You may be asked to stick to a liquid or soft diet for a small period of time following the procedure.
After finishing surgery, Dr. Hall and your oral surgery team will closely monitor your recovery and help you feel comfortable along the way. Most patients require an additional 6-12 months of orthodontics after the surgery is completed in order to perfect the bite and esthetics. Most of our patients feel much happier, healthier, and more comfortable moving forward. We are excited for you to reap the benefits of your surgical success!
Contact Your Helpful Orthodontist in Weatherford and Granbury, TX Today
We hope this information has helped clear up any concern or confusion about orthognathic surgery. If you have any lasting questions about this procedure or other services we provide, please do not hesitate to contact us. We love to hear from our patients, as well as anyone who may be interested in starting treatment down the line. You may give our Weatherford, TX office a call at (817) 599-9429, or our Granbury, TX office a call at (817) 573-4746. We hope to hear from you soon!
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