Surgical orthodontics, also referred to as orthognathic surgery, can be used to correct jaw bone abnormalities, bad bites, malocclusion and even improve facial aesthetics. The procedure, which involves correcting the alignment of your jaw, will also shift your teeth. As a result, Dr. T.C. Hardy will utilize braces in combination with surgical orthodontics to achieve the desired outcome — a healthy, functional and attractive smile.
Candidates for Surgical Orthodontics
Do you have problems chewing, breathing, and/or speaking due to a misaligned bite? Do you have concerns about your facial appearance? If so, you may be a candidate for surgical orthodontics. Surgical orthodontics must be performed on adult or teenagers with fully developed jaws. The growth cycle for a teenager’s jaw typically ends at age 18 for boys and 16 for girls. Once this process is complete, Dr. T.C. Hardy can meet with you and discuss your treatment timeline.
What Can I Expect?
Depending on your unique needs, an oral surgeon will perform surgery on your upper and/or lower jaw. Surgery on your upper jaw can involve shifting it backward, forward, upward and downward. For lower jaw surgery, the surgeon can move your jawbone forward or backward. Surgery is most often done in conjunction with orthodontic treatment, Please schedule a consult with Dr. Hardy to find out what is best for you.
Schedule a Consultation
Please contact Hardy Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics for more information about surgical orthodontics, or to schedule a consultation.