James Nudera,
DDS, MS
Robert Nudera, DDS, MS
81 S. McLean Blvd. Unit B
South Elgin, Illinois 60177
TEL: 847.760.6353
Fax: 847.760.6356
nuderaorthodontics@gmail.com
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Just as orthodontics repositions teeth, surgical orthodontics
(also known as orthognathic surgery) corrects jaw irregularities
to improve the patient's ability to chew, speak, and breathe and
for improved facial appearances. In other words, surgical orthodontics
straightens your jaw. Moving the jaws also moves the teeth so
braces are always performed in conjunction with jaw correction.
This helps make sure teeth are in their proper positions after
surgery.
Your orthodontist 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, which usually lasts 6-18 months,
you wear braces and will visit your orthodontist for scheduled
adjustments to your braces. As your teeth move with the braces,
you may think that your bite is getting worse rather than better.
However, when your jaws are placed into proper alignment during
orthognathic surgery, the teeth will then fit into their proper
positions.
Surgery is performed in the hospital with an oral surgeon and
can take several hours, depending on the amount and type of surgery
needed. In lower jaw surgery, the jawbone behind the teeth is separated
and the tooth-bearing portion is moved forward or backward, as
needed. In upper jaw surgery, the jaw can be repositioned forward
or backward, or the jaw can be raised or lowered. Certain movements
may require the jaws to be separated, with bone added/removed to
achieve the proper alignment and stability. Other facial bones
that contribute to alignment may also be repositioned or augmented.
When you have completed surgery, you should be able to return
to school or work within two weeks. After the necessary healing
time (about 4-8 weeks), your orthodontist "fine-tunes" your
bite. In most cases, braces are removed within 6 to 12 months following
surgery. After your braces are removed, you will wear a retainer
to maintain your beautiful new smile.
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What is surgical orthodontics?