Who can benefit from orthognathic surgical orthodontics?

Often the most dramatic improvements to a patient's smile and appearance occur when they undergo orthognathic surgery in conjunction with braces. Many patients are concerned with enhancing their facial appearance and function of their bite in addition to just having straight teeth. We often have patients come to us unhappy with aspects of their facial appearance such as a "large, protruding chin" or "very small, recessed chin" or even a "very gummy smile." When the severity of the facial esthetic imbalance and improper bite are beyond the ability of correction with just braces, Dr. Miller and Dr. Eidenmuller will consider surgical orthodontic treatment.

Orthognathic surgical care is a once-in-a-lifetime decision and is very rewarding for patients once the results are achieved. Treatment should begin only after careful study and planning by the highest qualified team. Drs. Miller and Eidenmuller only work with the most experienced and highly qualified oral surgeons in the area. Some of our own staff and immediate family members have had orthognathic surgery, so we are very understanding of patients' wants and concerns.

What is Orthognathic surgical orthodontics?

Just as orthodontics straightens teeth, orthognathic surgery 'straightens' and corrects jaw irregularities to improve the patient's ability to chew, speak, and breathe and for improved facial appearances. Braces are always performed in conjunction with jaw correction — this helps make sure teeth are in their proper positions after surgery. Jaw growth is usually completed by age 16 for girls and 18 for boys, and usually most growth must be completed before jaw surgery can be performed. However braces can begin one to two years prior to these ages.

How does it work?

During your initial orthodontic treatment, which usually lasts 6-12 months, you wear braces and will visit your our office for scheduled adjustments to your braces. As your teeth move with the braces, you may think that your bite is getting worse rather than better. However, when your jaws are placed into proper alignment during orthognathic surgery, the teeth will then fit into their proper positions.

Surgery is performed by only the best Oral Surgeons. Surgery can be performed in many different ways and on many different areas of the jaws. The most common areas are on the lower jaw, upper jaw and chin. The oral surgeon and orthodontist will always keep you informed as to the planned surgeries and facial enhancements. Often, using computers, simulations can be done to show how your appearance will improve after the surgery!

When you have completed surgery, you should be able to return to school or work within one to two weeks. After the necessary healing time (about 4-8 weeks), your orthodontist "fine-tunes" your bite. In most cases, braces are removed within 6 to 12 months following surgery. After your braces are removed, you will wear a retainer to maintain your beautiful new smile.