Is orthodontic treatment always required with surgical
orthodontics?
Yes.
Is orthodontic treatment always required with surgical
Is surgical orthodontics performed only on adults?
For correction of misaligned jaws and teeth that are the result of a growth problem, surgical orthodontics is performed on patients who have finished growing.
Is surgical orthodontics only necessary for jaws that are misaligned?
Surgical orthodontics is generally recommended for adults who have a severe problem with the positions of their teeth and jaws that cannot be corrected by orthodontic treatment alone. Sometimes surgical orthodontics may be needed for those whose jaws are injured in an accident, or to correct a birth defect.
Which comes first – surgery or orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontic treatment usually comes before surgical orthodontics. The purpose is to align teeth so that they fit correctly after surgery is performed. Orthodontic treatment continues for a time after surgery to bring teeth into their final, optimal positions for good functio
What causes the need for surgery?
Sometimes the root cause is genetic – as you were growing, your upper and lower jaws grew out of proportion to each other, and that can keep upper and lower teeth from meeting as they should, making it hard to bite, chew or speak. Other causes can be linked to birth defects or injuries to the jaw or environmental causes.
Who needs surgical orthodontics?
Surgical orthodontics may be necessary for someone whose upper and lower jaws, which hold the teeth, are out of position. Consequently, the upper and lower teeth don’t fit, impairing the ability to bite, chew or speak. Your orthodontist will work in conjunction with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to position your jaws and teeth for optimal function.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease is a bacterial growth in your mouth. Almost 50% of American adults have mild, moderate or severe gum disease. People may be unaware that they have gum disease because it does not hurt. The mildest form of gum disease is gingivitis. Untreated gum disease, or gingivitis, can get worse and become periodontitis as plaque spreads below the gums line. As the disease progresses, it progresses to advanced periodontitis. As unnerving as gum disease can be, it can be avoided. Teeth that are properly aligned are less prone to gum disease.
Are there other tools we can use to help with oral hygiene?
Here are three handy oral hygiene tools:
- Interproximal brushes – these are great at dislodging plaque and food particles trapped between teeth, and to clear out debris that catches on brackets and wires.
- Water irrigators – these can flush out food particles in a jif!
- Fluoride mouth rinse – whether over-the-counter or prescription strength, a daily fluoride rinse can strengthen tooth enamel and help prevent white marks (decalcification).
Your orthodontist may suggest dipping an interproximal brush in a capful of fluoride rinse to deliver fluoride protection between the teeth, or using a fluoride rinse instead of water in an irrigator.
Manual toothbrush or a power toothbrush?
Use the toothbrush that works best for you. Make sure you brush for two minutes each time you brush! Change the toothbrush or power toothbrush head at the first sign of wear, or at least every three months.
Why is all this brushing and flossing necessary?
Brushing and flossing keep teeth and gums clean by removing plaque and food debris. When plaque and trapped food are left on the teeth and around braces, the outcome can be cavities, swollen gums, bad breath and permanent white marks on the teeth. Maintaining good oral hygiene helps to minimize your time in treatment, and contributes to a healthy result.