For the majority of people with misaligned teeth, braces alone can’t correct the bite and align the teeth. However, a small group of people have developed a malocclusion in which the jaws aren’t aligned properly due to genetic reasons or even an accident that caused the problem. In this case, braces are only a part of the treatment. Orthognathic surgery carefully planned and combined with braces may be able to rectify the orthodontic problems.
What’s Orthognathic Surgery?
Orthognathic surgery, also known as surgical orthodontics, is a surgical procedure to correct jaw deformities by adjusting the position or length of the jaw. This will help the profile and, as a result, may improve breathing, speaking, or chewing difficulties. In most cases, orthognathic jaw surgery is performed in conjunction with braces. After aligning the jaw, the teeth need to be aligned to fit together properly
Is Orthodontic Surgery the Same as Orthognathic Surgery?
While often used interchangeably, orthodontic surgery and orthognathic surgery are not exactly the same thing. Here’s a clarification:
Orthodontic surgery:
This term typically refers to surgical procedures that are performed to correct issues related to the alignment of teeth and jaws, often in conjunction with orthodontic treatment (braces or clear aligners). Orthodontic surgery may involve procedures like:
- Exposure of impacted teeth (e.g., impacted canines or wisdom teeth)
- Removing excess bone or tissue to facilitate tooth movement
- Sectioning or repositioning of jaw segments to improve tooth alignment
- Bone grafting to support tooth movement or implant placement
These procedures are usually performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) or a periodontist and are often done in conjunction with orthodontic treatment.
Orthognathic surgery:
This term specifically refers to surgical procedures that aim to correct abnormalities of the jaw and facial structure, often to improve the function and aesthetics of the face and jaw. Orthognathic surgery may involve:
- Correcting a misaligned bite (malocclusion)
- Reshaping or repositioning the upper or lower jaw (maxilla or mandible)
- Correcting facial asymmetry or deformities
- Improving the alignment of the jaws to facilitate breathing, chewing, or speaking
Orthognathic surgery is typically performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) and may be done in conjunction with orthodontic treatment to achieve optimal results.
While there is some overlap between the two terms, orthognathic surgery tends to focus more on the correction of jaw and facial abnormalities, whereas orthodontic surgery is more focused on procedures that support orthodontic treatment.
It’s worth noting that some surgeons and orthodontists may use the terms interchangeably, but in general, orthognathic surgery implies a more comprehensive approach to correcting jaw and facial abnormalities, whereas orthodontic surgery is often a more limited procedure aimed at supporting orthodontic treatment.
Why Is Corrective
Jaw Surgery Recommended?
Corrective surgery may be recommended for different reasons. It may be indicated to improve the aesthetics of the smile and facial profile by addressing disproportions in the face. In some cases, it could help correct deficiencies in the bite, which may be causing abnormal wear and tear of the teeth, breathing, speaking, or chewing.
Is Orthodontic
Surgery Worth the Risks?
For many people, surgery is certainly worth it. In fact, many studies have shown that people who have undergone treatment are overly satisfied with the results. Similar to any other type of surgery, there are risks involved. Be sure to discuss all risks and limitations with your oral surgeon and orthodontist to understand the steps that need to be taken.
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Frequently asked questions
No, oral surgery is not considered orthodontic. Oral surgery refers to surgical procedures that involve the teeth, jaw, and surrounding tissues, whereas orthodontics specifically deals with the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities, primarily through the use of braces, aligners, and other orthodontic appliances.
Jaw surgery can be a painful procedure, with discomfort and swelling typically lasting 1-2 weeks. Patients often report a dull ache or pressure in the jaw, face, and ears, which can be managed with pain medication. The level of pain varies depending on the individual and the complexity of the surgery.
Orthodontic surgery cost in Toronto ranges from $20,000 to $50,000 CAD, depending on the complexity of the procedure and the surgeon's fees. Some insurance plans may cover a portion of the costs.
Jaw surgery helps improve facial symmetry and contouring by correcting jaw misalignment, which in turn creates more symmetrical facial features. Additionally, jaw surgery enhances the definition of the jawline, making the face more well-defined and balanced.
To allow the bone to heal properly, the jaws may be fixed together using wires and elastics. Clearly, if your jaws are fixed together, it will be difficult to swallow or talk; however, this will get better after a couple of days.
Typically, orthodontic treatment comes before orthognathic surgery. The orthodontist will first move the teeth into their optimal position, and then the oral surgeon will perform the jaw surgery to correct the underlying jaw alignment. After surgery, the orthodontist will continue to monitor and adjust the teeth to ensure proper alignment and occlusion.
You may need orthodontic surgery if you have a severe jaw misalignment or bite problem that cannot be corrected with orthodontic treatment alone. Common signs that may indicate the need for orthodontic surgery include:
- Severe overbite or underbite
- Crossbite or open bite
- Difficulty chewing or speaking
- Jaw pain or TMJ problems
- Facial asymmetry or uneven jaw alignment
A consultation with an orthodontist or oral surgeon can help determine if orthodontic surgery is necessary for your specific case.