Braces And Surgery, Which Is Best For Jaw Alignment?
Posted on 11/1/2023 by Dr. Shaun Rai
Numerous orthodontic patients experience the challenge of a misaligned jaw. This may lead to issues with teeth positioning and bite problems. A misaligned jaw can impact your speaking, eating, and sleeping if not treated. Various orthodontic appliances and treatments address these misalignments, restoring your confidence. Depending on the jaw misalignment severity and the individual's specific needs, you can choose one of these methods. Braces and surgery are both effective treatment options. However, they are employed in different circumstances, as discussed below:
Dental Braces
Braces are frequently employed to address mild to moderate jaw misalignments. The procedure consists of two stages. The initial stage entails attaching metal brackets to the teeth. It's followed by using a metal wire to straighten and align the teeth to their desired positions. The duration of treatment varies for each individual. It can span from several months to several years, depending on the severity of the overbite. Once the teeth are correctly aligned, the second stage commences. This phase aims to correct the overbite by incorporating coils, rubber bands, and springs. These components gradually shift the jawline into its proper position. The treatment plan for fixing the overbite and aligning the jaw may span several years.
Surgery
In instances where the braces cannot suffice in correcting teeth and jaw problems, surgery becomes necessary. Surgery is ideal for adult patients, as it can be challenging to shift their jaws after many years. Children have softer jaws that can be easily adjusted as they are still in the developmental stage. In contrast, adults are more likely to undergo a jaw procedure to address significant jaw alignment issues.
Jaw surgery is typically conducted within the mouth. This helps avoid any visible scarring on the external facial areas like the chin, jaw, and around the mouth. During orthognathic surgery, the surgeon makes incisions in the jawbone, allowing for precise repositioning to address the patient's existing issues. After properly aligning the jaw, screws, and plates are used to secure it in the new position. In some cases, additional bone may be required to be added to the jaw. Temporary wiring is used to secure the bone and the new jaw position during healing.
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Numerous orthodontic patients experience the challenge of a misaligned jaw. This may lead to issues with teeth positioning and bite problems. A misaligned jaw can impact your speaking, eating, and sleeping if not treated. Various orthodontic appliances and treatments address these misalignments, restoring your confidence. Depending on the jaw misalignment severity and the individual's specific needs, you can choose one of these methods. Braces and surgery are both effective treatment options. However, they are employed in different circumstances, as discussed below: