Jaw Surgery vs Orthodontics

Maintaining oral health can be accomplished by flossing

, teeth brushing and regular visits to the dentist. Practicing these habits will help with oral and general health overall. Although developing such habits may increase oral health, not all problems associated with jaw and oral health can be solved by habits alone. In the cases where oral care can not solve an overbite or jaw abnormality, surgery and/or orthodontic care is required.

Jaw abnormalities can be generalized by referring to any anomaly of the jaw's bone structure. These may include: asymmetrical structure, structural deficiency or excess growth. In patients that have a jaw abnormality their routine activities such as sleeping, chewing, talking and any other unconscious routine activities are adversely impacted and disrupted. In order to correct the problem various types of treatment are prescribed to the patient.

Usually the first method of treatment prescribed is orthodontics. Orthodontics is the very least invasive and has a high success rate of correction with patients having a jaw abnormality. Patients are usually required to wear orthodontics for 1-2 years. Orthodontics are more normally known as braces; describing the interaction of brackets and wires that brace against jaw growth and movement in order to place it in a desired position.

Patients obtain regular adjustments to the orthodontics and will be assessed after an allotted time has elapsed. Retainers, mouth guards, headgear or removable bite plates may be given to patients as a maintenance measure. Following the elimination of the braces, these temporary mouth pieces are usually prescribed for 6 month intervals depending on the physician's recommendation and severity of the case. It is up to the doctor's discretion as to the length of time necessary to wear the pieces depending on the severity of the case or the results of the orthodontic regiment.

In the instances where orthodontic care was not satisfactory in the reshaping of the jaw and teeth, jaw surgery is necessary to correct the abnormalities.

Due to the delicate nature of any surgical procedure, physicians are thorough and careful in their preparation. Before surgery, extensive planning sessions are scheduled for each patient. Expectations, preparation, recovery time and follow-up appointments are discussed at length. Bite impressions are taken and often study models are created based on the patient in order to properly map the surgical procedure and allow the physician to 'perform the surgery' on the test model before performing on the patient.

In many offices, the use of computerized technology has been introduced. By using digital technology a uniquely tailored treatment and recovery plan can be created for each patient. The strength and reliability of the treatment is further enhanced by the use of titanium plates and miniature screws. Recovery time is reduced as a result.

For the procedure a general anesthetic is utilized while the patient's jaw is fractured and repositioned to correct the issues. The procedure consists of fracturing and resetting of the patient's jaw to solve the problems. Generally the procedure lasts 3 to 6 hours and patients typically will be discharged within a week.

A specific recuperation plan is laid out by the oral physician after the surgery including: a prescription of antibiotics, painkillers, mouthwashes and a list of restrictions.

Though seemingly a daunting undertaking, jaw corrective surgery with the use of orthodontics has a high success rate of correction in patients with jaw abnormalities. Surgery makes it probable to enhance a patient's quality of life in daily routines, through esthetics and by eliminating other difficulties associated with having a jaw abnormality. As each case is unique, patients are handled individually and with extra care. Whether or not surgery is necessary, patients will be guided through an intensive process where they will be given the information necessary to make an intelligent decision regarding oral treatment options best for his/her case.

Jaw Surgery vs Orthodontics

By: Jose White

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