If you have a serious bite problem or a misaligned jaw, you may be considering jaw surgery to correct it. But how do you know whether you need orthognathic surgery or orthodontic surgery? Both procedures are performed by skilled orthodontists, but they have some key differences.
What is Orthognathic Surgery?
Orthognathic surgery, also known as corrective jaw surgery, involves the orthodontist working together with an oral surgeon to significantly reconstruct the entire jaw.
Orthognathic Surgery fixes more severe bite and alignment issues that can't be corrected with braces alone.
There are a few different types of orthognathic surgery:
- Maxillary Osteotomy: The upper jawbone is cut and repositioned.
- Mandibular Osteotomy: The lower jawbone is cut and repositioned.
- Genioplasty: The chin bone is reshaped by adding or removing bone.
The surgery realigns the jaw, allowing the teeth to fit together properly for a functional bite. It also improves the appearance of the face by evening out the proportions.
Orthognathic surgery takes 2-3 hours and is done under general anesthesia. Patients will stay overnight in the hospital after surgery.
Recovery takes 6-8 weeks and involves immobilizing the jaws with elastics and transitioning to a soft food diet.
What is Orthodontic Surgery?
Orthodontic surgery is a minor surgery that is often done along with orthodontic treatment (braces).
It involves making small incisions in the gums to expose the bone underneath. The orthodontist will then reshape the bone slightly to allow teeth to shift into better alignment.
Common orthodontic surgeries include:
- Exposure to impacted or blocked-out teeth
- Removal of baby teeth to make room for permanent teeth
- Minor grafting or reshaping to reposition teeth
These procedures are quick, taking 30 minutes to an hour. Orthodontic surgery is performed under local anesthesia, so patients remain awake during the process. Recovery is fairly simple, lasting 7-10 days.
Key Differences Between Orthognathic Surgery and Orthodontic Surgery
Now that we've reviewed the basics of each procedure, let's compare orthodontic surgery vs. orthognathic surgery:
Purpose: Orthodontic surgery facilitates dental movement, while orthognathic surgery corrects skeletal jaw discrepancies.
Procedure: Orthodontic surgery is minor and performed under local anesthesia. Orthognathic surgery is major and requires general anesthesia.
Recovery: Orthodontic surgery recovery is around 1 week. Orthognathic surgery recovery lasts 6-8 weeks.
Results: Orthodontic surgery subtly improves tooth alignment. Orthognathic surgery dramatically transforms the bite and realigns the jaws.
Choosing the Right Surgery
When determining which surgery is right for your needs, an orthodontist will evaluate the severity of the bite issue, the degree of misalignment, and whether dental discrepancies are due to tooth positioning or jaw structure.
Orthodontic surgery may be recommended for simple cosmetic adjustments that braces alone can't do.
Orthognathic surgery is reserved for significant bite problems and facial imbalances requiring jaw realignment.
If you are considering any treatment for bite issues, malformed jaws, or misaligned teeth, schedule a consultation with an experienced orthodontist.
After evaluating your particular situation, they can create a personalized treatment plan that might or might not involve surgery.
With a combination of orthodontic appliances, surgical procedures, and oral rehabilitation, you can improve not just your smile but your entire facial structure, bite, and side profile. The corrective jaw surgery can be life-changing, improving both function and looks.
Don't hesitate to discuss any concerns with your orthodontist and ask about all your options. With the right care, your quality of life and confidence can increase.