Orthodontic Surgery
Has your dentist in Carmel, IN, told you that you might need orthodontic surgery due to some concerning jaw issues? If so, don’t worry—it’s more common than you might think.
What Is Orthodontic Surgery?
Orthodontic surgery, also called orthognathic surgery, is a common surgery performed to correct jawbone irregularities.
What Does Orthodontic Surgery Correct?
Orthodontic surgery corrects jawbone irregularities, such as realigning your jaws and teeth to improve your bite. In addition, an oral surgeon in Carmel, IN, might recommend jaw surgery if you have issues that orthodontics alone can’t fix.
For example:
- Biting and chewing issues.
- Correcting a facial imbalance (underbites, overbites, crossbites, etc.)
- Relieving pain caused by TMJ disorder.
- Fixing birth defects or facial injuries.
- Relieving obstructive sleep apnea.
- Fixing speech and swallowing issues.
- Correcting jaw closure issues.
At What Age Can Jaw Surgery Be Performed?
Most dentists and oral surgeons won’t recommend jaw surgery until a child has stopped growing. This is around the ages of 14-16 for girls and 17-21 for boys. For everyone else, jaw surgery can be performed at any time.
What Happens After Jaw Surgery?
After jaw surgery, your oral surgeon will advise you on what you can and can’t eat. They will also go over your new oral hygiene routine and give you some medication to help control the pain. You will also need to avoid tobacco products and strenuous activities. In addition, you won’t be able to return to work for about one to three weeks. Your dentist will make that recommendation based on your specific situation. The complete healing of your jaw could take up to 12 weeks.
Do You Need an Oral Surgeon in Carmel, IN?
If you are experiencing jaw issues and want to have them corrected, please Contact Stuart Oral Surgery today. All it takes is just one call to help get you back on the road to a healthy smile you can be proud of.