Surgical Orthodontics
Find Relief for Complex Orthodontic Issues
Surgical orthodontics, or orthognathic surgery, is a type of adult orthodontic treatment we use at Murray Orthodontics to correct severe cases that include bad bites, jaw bone abnormalities and malocclusions.
Orthodontic Solutions for Adult Patients
Oral and maxillofacial surgery is one of nine recognized dental specialties which focuses on treating complex conditions involving the mouth, jaw, face and skull. Not every orthodontic patient requires surgery, but Dr. Murray is here to provide relief for those that do.
At Murray Orthodontics, we use surgical orthodontics to treat adults with improper bites or other aesthetic concerns. When jaw growth stops at age 16 for girls and age 18 for boys, you become eligible for orthognathic surgery. Orthognathic surgery can improve a patient’s ability to chew, speak, breathe, and often improves facial esthetics.
If your jaws don’t line up correctly and regular orthodontic treatment won’t be enough to correct the problem, Dr. Murray may recommend surgical orthodontics.
Talk to Dr. Murray
The best way to know if you need orthognathic surgery is to ask Dr. Murray at your next appointment or free consultation. Depending on the severity of your case and the alignment of your jaw, this route may be the best option for your smile.
How It Works
When Dr. Murray decides that orthognathic surgery is right for you, you’ll visit an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, and your surgery will take place in a hospital. Orthognathic surgery can take several hours, depending on the case. Once the surgery is complete, you can expect about a two-week rest period.
Since orthognathic surgery is a major treatment, we recommend that you schedule some time away from work and school during the healing process. After your jaw has healed, your orthodontist will once again fine-tune your bite.
After surgery, you will have to wear braces, and most braces are removed within six to 12 months following surgery. After your braces are removed, you will wear a retainer to help maintain your new smile.
Risk Factors
As with any major medical surgery, there may be certain risks of having orthognathic surgery. However, the process of orthognathic surgery is not new, and it's been performed for many years in practices and hospitals alike.
If you're concerned about an upcoming treatment with orthognathic surgery, please contact us and let us know. Your comfort is important to us, and the Murray Orthodontics team is happy to answer any questions and provide you with any additional information.