Even though orthodontic treatment alone can fix many cases of dental crowding and misalignment, severe cases may require jaw surgery. For some patients, jaw surgery is not just a choice but a necessity. So, who needs jaw surgery for orthodontics? What are the time and stages of the treatment? It is also possible that certain orthodontic treatments need to be done before the jaw surgery.
Why is Jaw Surgery Necessary for Orthodontics?
In some cases, dental crowding and misalignment occur because of jaw problems. Issues such as uneven jaws or one jaw being forward or backward relative to the other can, over time, lead to compensatory responses. In these responses, the body tries to resolve the problem by shifting the direction of the teeth, making it easier for the patient to chew. These patients cannot achieve proper correction with removable orthodontic devices suitable for the jaws because their bones are set in a way that cannot be moved by orthodontic force alone.
In these cases, jaw surgery becomes essential because without resolving the jaw problems, the dental issues cannot be completely corrected. Orthodontics can improve the teeth position, but it does not treat severe jaw deformities.
Stages of Jaw Surgery for Orthodontic Treatment
Jaw surgery for orthodontics often involves three stages:
- Orthodontics before jaw surgery
- Performing the jaw surgery
- Orthodontics after jaw surgery
Orthodontics Before Jaw Surgery
Before undergoing jaw surgery, patients usually need to complete a period of orthodontic treatment with an orthodontist. This helps the surgeon accurately measure the jaw discrepancies. Crowded and misaligned teeth can make it difficult to assess jaw issues precisely. The pre-surgery orthodontics can last a year or longer, depending on the patient’s condition.
Performing Jaw Surgery
The status of jaw surgery, including the duration, post-operative care, and complications, varies depending on the patient’s conditions and the complexity of the procedure. If both jaws require surgery, the operation will naturally take more time and require more specialized post-operative care.
Orthodontics After Jaw Surgery
Initial healing of the jaw after surgery usually takes about four weeks, but full recovery may take up to eight weeks. Orthodontic treatment after surgery usually begins once the initial healing has taken place (about four weeks). This stage ensures that the teeth are fully aligned and any remaining issues are corrected. It should be noted that post-surgical orthodontics also helps minimize the risk of relapse.
Did you know that by visiting the best orthodontist in a timely manner to correct jaw and tooth abnormalities, the likelihood of having to visit an oral and maxillofacial surgeon is reduced?
Is Jaw Surgery Effective Without Orthodontics?
In some special cases, a doctor may shorten the pre-surgical orthodontic phase. However, achieving accurate correction of jaw problems without orthodontics is almost impossible. As mentioned, jaw issues often lead to dental problems and vice versa. Even if jaw surgery is successful (which is too challenging) without aligning the teeth, jaw problems may relapse.
How long is the Total Duration of Jaw Surgery Treatment with Orthodontics?
The total jaw surgery duration for orthodontics varies based on individual factors, such as:
- Severity of jaw and dental malocclusions
- Patient’s cooperation
- Patient’s age
- Treatment techniques
- Success in controlling post-surgical side effects
Accordingly, the duration of each stage takes:
- Pre-surgery orthodontics: 12 to 18 months
- Post-surgery recovery: 4 to 8 weeks
- Post-surgery orthodontics: 6 to 9 months
Therefore, the minimum treatment duration is about two years, while the maximum can exceed three years. Older age, low compliance with the treatment program, and severe jaw or dental malocclusions are the main factors that may lengthen the treatment.
Results and Expectations
Successful completion of jaw surgery for orthodontics (the aforementioned three stages) provides the following results:
- Overall improvement in facial appearance
- Resolution of chewing and eating difficulties
- Better breathing and sleep
- Reduced digestive problems
- Improved speech
Final Remarks About Jaw Surgery for Orthodontics
Jaw surgery for orthodontic treatment is prescribed in severe and complex cases of dental and jaw problems. Both orthodontics and jaw surgery are necessary in this type of treatment; hence, one cannot be ignored if full correction is desired. Delaying treatment can worsen the condition and increase the severity of jaw and dental malocclusions. Patient cooperation and patience with the treatment program can significantly reduce side effects and shorten the total duration of treatment.
