surgical orthodontics
We offer surgery to help correct more serious misalignments.
What is surgical orthodontics?
Surgical orthodontics (also known as orthognathic surgery) corrects irregularities of the jaw. We can use orthognathic surgery to improve your ability to chew, speak, and breathe. We can also create facial symmetry for our patients.
If we move your jaws, it will also affect your teeth, so we always perform surgical orthodontics in conjunction with braces. This way, we can ensure that your smile will be in proper alignment after surgery.
Who is it for?
Surgery could be beneficial for adult patients with improper bites and facial esthetic concerns. Your orthodontist will only consider surgical orthodontic treatment if your jaw has stopped growing, which usually stops around age 16 for girls and 18 for boys. If your jaw is still growing, we can begin pre-surgical tooth corrections one to two years prior to these ages.
How does orthognathic surgery work?
Before your surgery, we will need to start you on orthodontic treatment. We will fit you with braces which Dr. Barillas will adjust during scheduled visits to our clinic. As your teeth begin to move, you may think that your bite is getting worse rather than better. But when your jaws are placed into correct alignment during orthognathic surgery, your teeth will fit into their proper positions.
Where it will occur?
Your orthognathic surgery will be performed in a hospital with an oral surgeon, and can take several hours. The surgeon will be able to reposition your lower jaw, upper jaw, or other facial bones as needed. Certain movements may require the jaws to be separated, with bone added/removed to achieve alignment and stability.
How long is the recovery?
Most patients fully recover from surgery within 4-8 weeks, and you should be able to return to school or work within two weeks. After you have recovered, Dr. Barillas will take 6-12 months to fine-tune your bite using your braces.
Surgical orthodontics and Temporomandibular Joint Disorder
One of the common issues with can treat through surgical orthodontics is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, or TMJ. If you are experiencing jaw pain, frequent headaches, or a popping jaw joint, you may benefit from orthognathic surgery.
Not all patients who suffer from TMJ will need surgery, though. In fact, many people find relief through achieving proper tooth alignment with other orthodontic methods.
Are you experiencing issues with your jaw?
Come in for your initial consultation with us at Dental Specialists of New York to see if surgical orthodontics could be the answer.
Come visit us at the nearest location
Three convenient locations in Brooklyn and Manhattan, New York City.
Dental Specialists of New York, P.C.
address
150 East 58th Street, New York, NY 10155
telephone
Office Hours
Monday - Friday 9:00am - 5:30pm
Sunset Orthodontics
address
476 48th Street 4th Floor Brooklyn, NY 11220
telephone
Office Hours
Monday - Friday 9:00am - 5:30pm
Dumbo Smiles
address
110 York Street Brooklyn, NY 11201
telephone
Office Hours
Monday - Friday 9:00am - 5:30pm
