Surgical Orthodontics for Adults in West Vancouver
Surgical orthodontics is a combined approach used to treat certain significant discrepancies in the position or relationship of the jaws.
Braces or clear aligners move teeth within the supporting bone. However, they cannot reposition the underlying jaws themselves. When the jaw discrepancy is too significant to address through orthodontics alone, corrective jaw surgery may be considered.
The orthodontist plans how the teeth should fit together before and after surgery. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon evaluates and performs the surgical procedure when indicated.
Not every severe bite problem requires surgery. The appropriate treatment depends on the nature of the discrepancy, oral health, functional concerns, facial and dental relationships, and the patient's goals.
When Might an Adult Need Surgical Orthodontic Treatment?
You may be referred for an assessment if you have a significant jaw or bite discrepancy that cannot be adequately corrected with orthodontic treatment alone.
Examples include:
Underbite or Significant Jaw Discrepancy
An underbite may occur when the lower jaw or lower teeth sit ahead of the upper jaw or upper teeth. In some cases, the difference is primarily dental and can be managed orthodontically. In other cases, a significant skeletal discrepancy may require a combined approach.
Significant Overbite or Recessive Jaw Position
Some patients have a substantial difference between the positions of the upper and lower jaws. If the underlying jaw relationship is the main concern, moving the teeth alone may not adequately correct the discrepancy.
Open Bite
An open bite occurs when some upper and lower teeth do not meet when the mouth is closed. Depending on its cause and severity, treatment may involve orthodontics alone or orthodontics combined with jaw surgery.
Facial Asymmetry
When the jaws are positioned unevenly, the face or dental midlines may appear asymmetrical. An assessment can help determine whether the difference is related to tooth position, jaw structure, or a combination of factors.
Difficulty With Biting or Chewing
A significant jaw discrepancy can affect how the teeth meet and how the bite functions. If you have difficulty biting into certain foods or your teeth do not meet comfortably, an orthodontic assessment can help clarify the cause and potential treatment options.
These concerns do not automatically mean surgery is necessary. A comprehensive assessment is needed to determine whether orthodontics alone or a combined treatment approach is appropriate.
Why Can't Braces Alone Correct Every Jaw Problem?
Braces and clear aligners are designed to move teeth. They can correct many alignment and bite problems, but they cannot change the fundamental position or size of the adult jaws.
In some cases, orthodontic tooth movements can compensate for a mild or moderate jaw discrepancy. This is sometimes called orthodontic camouflage. It may be an appropriate option for selected patients, depending on their bite, dental health, facial profile, and treatment goals.
When the discrepancy is more significant, attempting to correct it with tooth movement alone may not provide the desired functional or facial result. In these circumstances, the orthodontist may discuss surgical orthodontic treatment with you.
The decision is individualized. The goal is not to recommend surgery unnecessarily, but to identify the approach that best addresses your specific orthodontic concerns.
How Does Surgical Orthodontic Treatment Work?
Treatment is carefully planned between the orthodontist and oral and maxillofacial surgeon. The exact sequence and timeline depend on your case.
1. Comprehensive Orthodontic Assessment
Dr. Naseh evaluates your teeth, bite, jaw relationship, dental history, and treatment goals. Records such as photographs, digital scans, X-rays, or other imaging may be required to understand your condition.
If a significant skeletal discrepancy is identified, a referral or coordinated assessment with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon may be recommended.
2. Joint Treatment Planning
The orthodontist and surgeon determine how orthodontic treatment and surgery may work together. You will have the opportunity to discuss the proposed approach, expected benefits, limitations, risks, recovery, and alternatives before deciding whether to proceed.
3. Orthodontic Treatment Before Surgery
In many cases, braces are used before surgery to position the teeth appropriately for the planned jaw correction. During this stage, your bite may temporarily look or feel different as the teeth are prepared for surgery.
The timing varies according to the complexity of the case and the treatment plan.
4. Corrective Jaw Surgery
The oral and maxillofacial surgeon performs the operation to reposition the jaw or jaws according to the surgical plan. The procedure, location, hospital arrangements, and recovery instructions are determined by the surgical team.
Your surgeon will explain the specific procedure, potential risks, expected recovery, and any dietary or activity restrictions.
5. Orthodontic Treatment After Surgery
After the initial healing period, orthodontic treatment usually continues to refine the way the teeth fit together and achieve the planned bite relationship.
The length of this phase varies by patient and by the amount of adjustment required.
6. Retention and Follow-Up
Once active orthodontic treatment is complete, retainers are generally used to help maintain the tooth positions. Your orthodontist and surgeon will explain the recommended follow-up care for your case.
The decision is individualized. The goal is not to recommend surgery unnecessarily, but to identify the approach that best addresses your specific orthodontic concerns.
How Long Does Surgical Orthodontic Treatment Take?
Surgical orthodontic treatment usually takes longer than routine orthodontic treatment because it involves coordinating tooth movement, surgery, healing, and final bite adjustments.
The overall timeline depends on factors such as:
- The severity and type of jaw discrepancy
- The amount of orthodontic preparation required before surgery
- The surgical procedure planned
- Individual healing and recovery
- The amount of orthodontic finishing required afterward
Your orthodontist and oral and maxillofacial surgeon can provide a more useful estimate after assessing your case and agreeing on the treatment plan. It is important not to rely on a single general timeline for every patient.
What Are the Potential Benefits and Considerations?
For appropriately selected patients, surgical orthodontic treatment can improve the relationship between the jaws and teeth and help address certain functional bite problems. It may also change facial balance or profile, depending on the planned correction.
However, surgery is a significant treatment decision. It involves recovery time, possible discomfort, dietary changes during healing, and risks that must be discussed with the surgical team. Results vary, and surgery cannot guarantee a particular appearance or resolve every symptom associated with jaw problems.
Your care team will explain the expected benefits, limitations, risks, and non-surgical alternatives so that you can make an informed decision.
Why Choose Royal Orthodontics for Surgical Orthodontic Planning?
Specialist Orthodontic Assessment
Dr. Roya Naseh is a Certified Specialist in Orthodontics (FRCD(C)) with more than 25 years of orthodontic experience. Specialist assessment is important when evaluating complex bite relationships and determining whether orthodontic treatment alone may be sufficient.
Coordinated Care
Surgical orthodontic treatment requires collaboration between the orthodontist and oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Each professional has a distinct role in planning and delivering your care.
At Royal Orthodontics, we coordinate orthodontic planning with the surgical team when a combined approach is indicated.
Individualized Treatment Recommendations
Not every jaw discrepancy requires surgery. We assess your orthodontic needs and discuss appropriate options, including non-surgical treatment when suitable.
Clear Communication Throughout Treatment
We understand that the idea of jaw surgery can feel overwhelming. Our aim is to explain the orthodontic process, clarify what to expect at each stage, and help you prepare questions for your surgical consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Surgical Orthodontics
Can adults have corrective jaw surgery?
Yes. Adults may be candidates for corrective jaw surgery when a significant jaw discrepancy cannot be adequately addressed with orthodontic treatment alone. Suitability depends on your health, jaw and dental relationships, and individual treatment goals.
Can Invisalign replace jaw surgery?
Invisalign moves teeth but does not reposition the underlying jaws. Some bite problems can be managed with aligners or braces alone, while others may require a combined orthodontic and surgical approach. An assessment is needed to determine which options are appropriate.
Will I need braces before and after jaw surgery?
Many surgical orthodontic treatment plans involve braces before surgery to prepare the teeth and after surgery to refine the bite. The exact approach depends on your case and the plan agreed upon by your orthodontist and surgeon.
Is jaw surgery painful?
Experiences vary. The operation is performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon with appropriate anesthesia, and discomfort and swelling can occur during recovery. Your surgical team will explain pain management, recovery expectations, and when to seek help.
How much does surgical orthodontic treatment cost?
The total cost depends on the orthodontic treatment required, the surgical procedure, hospital or facility arrangements, and insurance or benefit coverage. Orthodontic and surgical fees may be separate. Ask each provider for a clear breakdown of the expected costs and which services may be covered.
Do I need a referral?
You can contact Royal Orthodontics to ask about an orthodontic consultation. If a surgical assessment is appropriate, the next steps and referral arrangements can be discussed with you.
Take the First Step Toward Understanding Your Options
If you have a significant bite concern, an underbite, an open bite, facial asymmetry, or have been told that your jaws may not align correctly, a specialist orthodontic assessment can help clarify your options.
At Royal Orthodontics in West Vancouver, Dr. Roya Naseh can assess your orthodontic concerns and discuss whether treatment with braces or clear aligners alone may be appropriate, or whether coordinated care with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon should be considered.
Book a consultation to discuss your orthodontic needs.
Call (604) 913-1555 or visit our contact page to get started.
