Surgical Orthodontics is needed whenever a patient has severe malocclusion. This includes bad bites and jawbone abnormalities.

Oral and maxillofacial surgery is a widely recognized dental specialty that focuses on treating issues that involve the mouth, jaw, face, and skull. Surgical orthodontics is a special case practice Dr. Mizrahi will employ whenever a patient’s bite cannot be corrected by braces alone. This orthodontic surgery or orthognathic surgery will ensure your final smile not only looks great but also functions well.

When to Know if Orthodontic Surgery is Needed

Sometimes orthodontic issues are not caught early enough or are too severe to be handled by traditional orthodontic treatment. In the case that it is too late or not possible to correct a jaw, bite, or malocclusion with braces alone, surgical orthodontics can solve the problem. In order to be a candidate for this surgery, the patient will need to have a fully developed jaw. The jaw stops growing by age 16 in females and age 18 in males. If your child is younger than this, please contact our office to see what options your child may have in regards to treatment!

Where braces or Invisalign can help solve problems directly related to tooth position, orthodontic surgery affects the way the jaws align on the face. In the circumstance where the jaw does not line up correctly, Dr. Mizrahi can surgically intervene.

How Do I Know If I Need Orthognathic Surgery?

In most cases, orthodontic surgery will not be needed. If you have been regularly visiting the orthodontist since an early age, odds are very high this operation will not be needed. If you are worried, however, be sure to ask Dr. Mizrahi if you think you will need surgery.

If you have issues such as:

  • underbite
  • overbite
  • deficient chin
  • TMJ

You may be eligible for oral surgery.

How Does Orthognathic Surgery Work?

Our team will get you set up with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to perform your orthognathic surgery in a hospital. The surgery can last several hours, depending on each individual case. This procedure requires a great deal of expertise and experience to ensure that the patient has the exact operation they need to perfectly reshape their smile. Once the surgery is complete, you will have about a two-week rest period. The jaw may take 2-4 months to totally heal.

After Orthodontic Surgery

This orthodontic treatment is safe and effective, but the procedure is still a major operation. We recommend that you ensure the proper amount of time away from school or work to ensure that your jaw can heal properly. Agitating the jaw or not following the recommended procedures risks damaging your jaw or face.

There are several factors that determine the healing period for your surgery. The complexity of the surgery and displacement of the jaw will determine how long you’ll be in recovery. Listen closely to the recommendations of the surgeon to ensure that your jaw heals perfectly.

What Are The Risks Associated With Orthognathic Surgery?

As we mentioned previously, oral surgery is a major medical procedure. It is certainly safe and has been practiced for many years in safe environments by experienced professionals.

If you’re concerned about an upcoming treatment with orthognathic surgery, please contact our practice and let us know. We can answer any questions you may have about this surgery. There should be relatively few risks as long as you follow the post-operation instructions.

What Are The Rewards Of Having Orthognathic Surgery?

For most patients, the rewards of orthognathic surgery are near endless. The rewards include but are not limited to:

  • Pain-free chewing and talking
  • Perfectly-aligned jaw
  • Bold and beautiful smiles
  • Getting the smile you deserve