While braces or other orthodontic treatment often corrects a misaligned jaw, sometimes additional surgery is necessary when those procedures are unsuccessful. For adults who continue to experience problems biting, chewing or speaking even after other treatments, orthodontic surgery may be their next step. Here are three reasons why you may need orthodontic surgery.
Orthodontic Treatment is Unsuccessful
When braces or other orthodontic treatments may not fully correct your problem, you may consider further surgery. Often surgery is recommended in conjunction with other orthodontic treatments to achieve optimal health. Many times braces will be applied before and after surgery to ensure patients’ teeth align correctly, and two specialists will work together to execute your plan of care.
Size and Shape of Jaw Bones
Although children may require orthodontic surgery to reconstruct the jaw, adults will often need this procedure more often. Unlike children, they are no longer growing, so correcting the jaw’s size or shape can only be accomplished through orthodontic surgery Fleming Island FL. Generally, surgical procedures are only recommended and performed on adults who experience various complications due to a misaligned jaw.
Misaligned Jaw
According to the American Association of Orthodontics, orthodontic surgery may help someone whose upper and lower jaw is out of position, causing pain or harm when biting or chewing. This condition is often genetic and happens during the natural growth of your jaw. Other birth defects and injuries to the jaw may cause it to be misaligned. Additionally, surgery may be necessary when other effects of a misaligned jaw are present which include:
- Speech impediments
- TMJ pain
- Sleep apnea
- Grinding or clenching teeth
If you continue to experience problems biting or chewing even after braces, then you may consider orthodontic surgery. Those who have a misaligned upper and lower jaw may also benefit from this procedure.