Surgical orthodontics, also known as orthognathic surgery, corrects jaw irregularities to improve the facial appearance and the patient’s ability to chew, speak, and breathe. Surgical orthodontics straightens the jaws, which also moves the teeth. Thus, braces are always placed prior to jaw correction surgery, ensuring that the teeth are in their proper positions after surgery.
Midface Deficiency & After
Dr. Yoon will consider surgical orthodontic treatment for non-growing adult patients with improper bites and those with facial aesthetic concerns. Jaw growth is usually completed by age 16 for girls and 18 for boys. All growth must be completed before jaw surgery can be performed. However the pre-surgical tooth movements can begin one to two years prior to these ages.
During your orthodontic treatment, you will wear braces and visit your orthodontist for scheduled adjustments to your braces. For special occasions, you may be able to receive surgery right after you wear braces. Most of the times, as your teeth move with the braces, you may think that your bite is worsening rather than improving. However, when your jaws are placed into proper alignment during the orthognathic surgery, the teeth will then fit into their proper positions.