Orthognathic surgery is also known as jaw surgery. If you require jaw surgery, Vancouver orthodontist Dr. Bianco will work closely with a carefully chosen oral surgeon to straighten your jaw.
Correcting jaw irregularities with combined orthodontic treatment and jaw surgery improves a person's ability to chew, speak, and breathe, and also can improve facial appearance. Braces help make sure teeth are in their proper positions before and after surgery.
It is important that a well-coordinated dental specialty team (comprising Dr. Bianco, an oral surgeon, and a restorative dentist, if needed) contributes to your beautiful, long lasting smile.
Surgical Orthodontics – Who Needs Orthognathic Surgery?
Surgical Orthodontics may be considered for people with facial skeletal discrepancies, resulting in improper bites and esthetic concerns, whether congenital or as the result of an accident. The surgical component is performed when jaw growth is complete. This usually occurs by age 15 for girls and 18 for boys. Dr. Bianco will work on pre-surgical tooth movements for one or two years prior to surgery.
How Does Jaw Surgery Fit In With Orthodontics?
You'll wear braces during your orthodontic treatment, which often lasts from 18-24 months. As your teeth move you may wonder if your bite is getting worse rather than better. This is simply because Dr. Bianco is making sure that when your jaws are placed into proper alignment during surgery your teeth will fit into their proper position. Dr. Bianco is happy to address any of your concerns and questions.
Once surgery is completed, you should be able to return to school or work in one to two weeks. After the necessary healing time (four to six weeks) Dr. Bianco will "fine tune" your bite. In most cases, braces are removed within three to six months following surgery.
You'll receive a custom-made retainer, from our in-house lab, to wear after your braces are removed. Following your surgery, we'll continue to monitor you to ensure long-term enjoyment of your beautiful new smile.
To inquire about surgical orthodontics, please feel free to contact us.
