Orthognathic Surgery Surgical Orthodontics
Surgical Orthodontics would be considered an exception to the rule. Orthognathic surgery is a type of orthodontic treatment to correct severe cases of bad bites, jaw bone abnormalities and the incorrect positioning of the teeth when the jaws are closed, which is malocclusion. Recognized as one of the nine dental specialties the surgical procedures necessary to correct the problems is used in about 5% of the general population. The procedures date back into the 1940s so the techniques have been improved and refined through the years and any risks have dropped dramatically since a big refinement in 1985.
Orthognathic Surgery Process Expectations
Planning plays a very big role in orthognathic surgical orthodontics. Depending on the type of surgery, it could involve a multidisciplinary team that includes a surgeon, an orthodontist, and a speech and language therapist. There may also be a psychologist involved to deal with the changes in the patients face.
X-rays begin the process and well as possibly some 3D digital scanning. The software associated with this scan will allow the orthodontist and the patient to see what the surgically altered face will look like. The changes are ever so slight but there will be no surprises. The objective after-all is to correct the alignment and therefore have an aesthetic face and even an enlarged airway.
It is generally a three-step procedure. First, Dr. Pan will start aligning all the teeth with orthodontic braces. This process will take 6-12 months so the individual upper and lower arches are in good positions in disregard of how they bite together. On the day of surgery, which is step two, the surgical procedure is done under general anesthesia in a hospital. The operation is conducted through the interior of the mouth so no skin is cut. The jaw bones are cut, repositioned, and wired or screwed into their new position.
Depending on each and every patient the procedure might take several hours. It is considered a major treatment so you will need two weeks of healing away from the office or school. You may be asked to adhere to an all-liquid diet and you will have both swelling and bruising around the jaw corrected. You will also be prescribed a pain medication.
The last step is the post-surgical phase of braces, where now Dr. Pan will focus on bringing the new bite together. This process is generally about 6 months of time. In our office, we use Suresmile technology for surgical patients. Suresmile helps us see the bone, the teeth, the roots and braces before and after surgery through a process of digital diagnosis, planning and robotic arch wire bending. This ensures the most efficiency and comfort for our surgical patients and significantly reduces treatment time.
Retainer wear for surgical patients is no different than other patients. Guard your new smile with retainers that Dr. Pan gives you. We believe in doing it once, and doing it right!
Pan Orthodontics Philosophy
To treat our patients as our families and to treat others as how we want to be treated. From your first phone call to the moment your new smile is born, everything in our office is set up to ensure an excellent experience with us. We will always listen to you and improve with your suggestions.
Featuring The Latest Orthodontics Technology
Our Commitment to You
We will continue to keep up with the ever growing digital technologies to improve your orthodontic experience. We also commit to always help you find the most convenient time for your visit with us.
