Surgical Orthodontics

Orthodontist Huntsville

Surgical orthodontics, also known as orthognathic surgery, corrects skeletal issues that interfere with a person’s oral/dental function, and ultimately their quality of life. Chewing, speaking and biting problems can be addressed with this corrective jaw surgery. These conditions are sometimes referred to as malocclusions. A malocclusion is basically a condition where the lower jaw bone and upper jaw bone are not aligned properly. An overbite, underbite, crossbite or edge-to-edge bite can result from these types of occlusal issues. In mild cases, your orthodontist may be able to correct it with orthodontic appliances and/or braces. In cases where orthodontics alone cannot solve your condition, your orthodontist will likely recommend that you also undergo orthodontic surgery in conjunction with orthodontic treatment. Proper positioning of jaws is essential. An improperly positioned jaw can cause a number of problems, including, but not limited to:

1. Jaw Strain- An uneven pressure applied to your teeth can cause TMJ dysfunction, severe joint pain, headaches, clicking sounds when you open and close your mouth, chewing difficulties, and a host of other issues.

2. Speech Difficulties- There may also be issues with speech because of misaligned teeth. In cases where the teeth are misaligned due to malocclusion, surgical orthodontics can be beneficial in reducing or even eliminating speech difficulties such as lisps.

3. Dental Hygiene- Due to the logistical difficulties of properly cleaning misaligned teeth, a person’s dental hygiene may suffer. There may also be instances where a misaligned jaw prevents proper closing and thus promotes mouth breathing. As a result of mouth breathing, the oral cavity becomes a sticky environment that traps bacteria linked to decay and periodontal disease. This condition is commonly referred to as “dry mouth,” and it can have adverse effects on someone’s dental health and quality of life.

4. Appearance- Lastly, a person’s appearance can be adversely affected by the misalignment of their jaw. Individuals with distorted facial profiles may experience negative psychological effects and their self-esteem may suffer. These issues do affect their quality of life, and therefore, they should be addressed. Surgical orthodontics may provide a new lease on life for patients, not only alleviating pain and physical symptoms, but also relieving negative psychological and emotional states.

For people with malocclusion issues, orthodontic surgery, combined with traditional orthodontic treatment, can be a life-changing procedure. Our team is in the business of changing lives one smile at a time. It is our goal to help you make the best decisions regarding the BEST version of yourself.