Surgical Orthodontic Treatment

For the majority of patients at Peikidis Orthodontics, orthodontic treatment is a relatively linear process that involves moving teeth using braces or clear aligners. However, for some, particularly those with serious jaw or bite alignment issues that impact their quality of life, braces and other traditional treatment options may not be enough. If this is the case for you, you may need surgical treatment. Dr. Peikidis partners with expert oral surgeons to make sure that all of your orthodontic issues are treated and you receive the care, smile, and genuine relief that you deserve.

While the idea of oral surgery is intimidating, Dr. Peikidis will work with you to ensure that you understand the reasoning behind and positive health outcomes that will be achieved by undergoing surgical treatment. She is truly your partner in your oral health, and she will only prescribe oral surgery if she genuinely feels that you need it. If you have been told you may need surgical orthodontic treatment or have serious bite issues, call Peikidis Orthodontics, your board-certified Bellmore orthodontist at (516) 360-0520 to schedule a complimentary consultation today.

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What is surgical orthodontic treatment?

Surgical orthodontics describes a range of surgical procedures that are used as part of a treatment plan to correct the most serious issues. Orthodontic surgery works by surgically correcting the position or abnormalities within your jawbone, facial bones, and teeth. Dr. Peikidis will prescribe surgical orthodontic treatment when traditional orthodontic treatments alone will not be sufficient to correct jaw and tooth positioning.

When is surgical orthodontic treatment the right choice?

For most people, jaw bones will have reached their final position and dimensions by the age of 18. Unlike children whose jaws are still growing, adults may require surgery in order to correct misalignment of the upper and lower jaw bones. While treatment with braces can begin prior to the jawbones reaching their final position, surgical treatment cannot. Therefore, surgical orthodontic treatments will only be prescribed for adults whose jaw and facial bones have completed growing.

What issues can surgical orthodontic treatment help me with?

The bones of your face grow at different rates. This can cause issues with the alignment of the upper and lower jaws, resulting in severe issues with bite alignment as well as the structure and appearance of your face. Surgical treatment is performed to correct these issues and ensure an aesthetically pleasing, functional, and comfortable smile. Surgical orthodontic treatment can help those experiencing issues resulting from:

Sleep apnea
Narrow upper jaw causing a crossbite
Issues caused by trauma to the jaw
Joint alignment or pain issues in the jaw (TMJ)
Genetic defects or birth defects resulting in abnormal bone growth
Open bite, where the teeth do not meet, or an inability to fully close mouth
Difficulty biting, chewing, speaking, or swallowing as a result of jaw misalignment
Asymmetrical appearance of face from front or side, including receding and protruding upper and lower jawbones

Every patient and every treatment plan is unique. If you are struggling with an issue listed above, it does not necessarily mean you need orthodontic surgery to remedy the issue. The advanced technologies and techniques Dr. Peikidis uses allows her to correct many issues with less invasive treatments, even ones that would have required surgery in the past. That said, some issues can still only be resolved through surgical treatments. If you believe you are a candidate for surgical treatment, or to find out if surgical orthodontic treatment can help you gain the relief you deserve, contact Peikidis Orthodontics today to schedule your complimentary consultation.

What does the process of surgical orthodontic treatment look like?

Using the most advanced 3D digital scanning and planning technologies, Dr. Peikidis will have your entire treatment planned out well in advance of surgery. Before committing to a treatment plan, she will make sure that you are comfortable with the treatment, and she will work with you throughout the entire process so that you can be confident in your care. For most cases, surgical orthodontic treatment can be broken down into three major phases.

Pre-surgery correction

In this initial 6-to-18-month period, Dr. Peikidis will begin orthodontic correction with braces. She will prepare your teeth and bite for surgery and ensure that they are in the correct position. For some, it may feel like your bite is getting worse instead of better; keep in mind this pre-surgery treatment is setting you up for surgical success.

Orthodontic surgery

Your surgery will be performed in a hospital by an oral surgeon who has been working in close collaboration with Dr. Peikidis. Your oral surgeon will provide instructions prior to your surgery regarding the type of surgery that would be needed, what would be expected the day of the surgery, post-operative care, and healing prior to your surgery.

Post-Surgery Correction

After you have fully healed from surgery, your treatment with Dr. Peikidis will resume. In this final stage, typically lasting 6 to 12 months, your teeth will move into their permanent positions. Once this is achieved and your braces are removed, you need to make sure that you wear your retainer and enjoy your functional, healthy, and beautiful new smile!

Dr. Peikidis understands that the decision to seek out orthodontic surgery is a difficult one. She is here to support you through every step and every procedure. At no point will you feel like you have not gotten your questions answered or feel unsupported. As a partner in your oral health, she is dedicated to minimizing stress, increasing comfort, and helping you achieve your healthiest smile possible.

What are the benefits of orthodontic surgery?

The benefits that you can expect from orthodontic surgical treatment include:

Improved oral hygiene
Reduction in speech difficulties
Newfound source of self confidence
Improved ability to bite, chew, and swallow
Aesthetic improvement of smile and facial structure

In the end, the decision to seek out and invest in orthodontic surgery is a decision to invest in your health. By committing to a surgical orthodontic treatment plan, you are choosing to improve your physical, emotional, and oral health.

Is orthodontic surgery the right treatment for me?

The only way to know whether orthodontic surgery is for you is to have a comprehensive examination with Dr. Peikidis, your board-certified orthodontist. Her empathy and expertise will guide you on the most appropriate path for you. At the end of the day, she is committed to doing everything in her power to help you.

If you’re ready to commit to the beautiful, healthy smile you know you deserve, call Dr. Peikidis, your Bellmore orthodontist, today at (516) 360-0520 to schedule your complimentary consultation!