When people think about orthodontics, they usually only consider the standard types, such as traditional metal braces or clear ceramic braces. While these effectively change a person’s teeth positioning and create a beautiful smile, there are situations where they are not the best choice. Surgical orthodontics is an alternative treatment that can benefit those who have alignment issues that you cannot correct with traditional braces or any other types of corrective methods. If you think you can benefit from these treatments, you need to talk to a specialist in surgical orthodontics in Cedar Park to find out if you are a candidate.
Who Is a Candidate?
Most people can benefit from surgical orthodontics, but not everyone is a candidate. For example, pregnant or breastfeeding should not undergo surgery to correct their alignment issues. Also, those with severe gum infections may need to take antibiotics before the procedure begins to reduce their risk for complications. People with conditions like diabetes and heart disease and those taking medication to control seizures should discuss their candidacy with a specialist before proceeding. The doctor will also want to know if you are currently suffering from facial pain or issues with your jaw joint before determining your candidacy for the procedure.
What Are the Procedures?
The doctor may recommend several different procedures depending on your oral health and the reason for your misaligned teeth or jaws. The most common procedures involve using a surgical stapler to place a wire behind the molars of the upper and lower jaw and remove gum tissue from around those teeth to create more room. This is done without cutting through any major tissues in your mouth. Another option is the extraction of four premolars from each jaw, which creates more room for teeth and creates a wider smile.
Once you complete this process, you will begin wearing a retainer that holds your new and improved proper alignment in place. It also prevents the teeth from moving back to their previous positions, so be sure to follow all instructions and wear the retainer as much as possible.
How Do You Know You Need Surgical Orthodontics?
Surgical orthodontics is usually a good choice for people who have tried or considered traditional braces and have not been happy with the results. The process can take several months to complete, so you need to be ready for a little bit of a wait before your new smile is revealed. If you are tired of being teased about how crooked your teeth are or want to be able to smile with ease, surgical orthodontics may be the solution you need.
What Benefits Does It Offer?
While traditional braces can effectively change a person’s teeth alignment, some situations cannot provide the results a person needs. If your dentist has told you that you need to undergo surgery to correct your jaw misalignment or if your issue with crooked teeth is more severe than average, surgical orthodontics can help solve this issue.
In summary, surgical orthodontics is a treatment that can help those who have severe misalignment issues and cannot be corrected with traditional braces. The process is relatively long and includes the removal of gum tissue, extractions of teeth, and the insertion of a stapler behind the molars. You may need it if traditional braces have not helped much. It is effective in treating severely misaligned or crooked teeth.
