Surgical Orthodontics services offered in Arcadia CA
Sometimes, orthodontic appliances aren’t enough to correct issues affecting your teeth and jaws. In certain cases, more complex problems require surgical intervention. Dr. Kaitlin McClure has extensive training in surgical orthodontics and, having undergone orthognathic (jaw) surgery herself, is able to provide a unique perspective. Working alongside an oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMFS), together, they can help you achieve a healthy, functioning bite. To make an appointment to assess your jaw misalignment, call the office or request one online today.
What is surgical orthodontics?
Surgical orthodontics, or orthognathic surgery, is a corrective procedure that addresses issues with your mouth or jaw that affect the way you bite, chew, or speak. The process involves careful treatment and coordination between an orthodontist and oral surgeon to provide you with the best result combining orthodontic and surgical treatment to help you achieve optimal oral health, function, and esthetics.
Who can benefit from surgical orthodontics?
At Kaitlin McClure Orthodontics, Dr. McClure orthodontically treats her patients so that their teeth can be aligned in such a way that prepares them to have orthognathic surgery with an oral surgeon to correct issues like a malpositioned upper and/or lower jaw. If your teeth don’t come together correctly when you bite, chew, or speak, you’re more likely to experience oral health problems like tooth decay, gum disease, or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction.
Is surgical orthodontics for adults?
Yes. Orthognathic surgery is performed once the jaws have stopped growing to ensure a lasting result. In females, this is usually around the age of 17 or 18, and around the age of 19 or 20 in males.
The reason it’s important to wait to perform orthognathic surgery until the jaws have stopped growing is because if they’re not fully developed, it could change the outcome of the surgery. Therefore in order for the surgery to be stable, the jaws must be done growing so that the patient will have a lasting result. However, orthodontic treatment to prepare for orthognathic surgery can begin prior to this age to set you up for a successful surgery.
Why might I need surgical orthodontics?
At Kaitlin McClure Orthodontics, Dr. McClure may suggest orthognathic surgery to help:
- Correct how your bite fits
- Correct facial balance or asymmetry
- Improve biting, chewing, swallowing, or speech
- Minimize excessive tooth wear
- Repair facial injury or genetic abnormalities
- Provide relief for obstructive sleep apnea
You might also benefit from surgical orthodontics if you experience severe malocclusion, like an overbite, underbite, or crossbite.
To learn more about surgical orthodontics and how Dr. McClure can collaborate with your oral surgeon, call Kaitlin McClure Orthodontics or request an appointment online today.
