Combining Orthodontic Treatment with Orthognathic Surgery:

Options for Bite Correction, Facial Changes, and Even Airway Improvement

Orthodontic treatment is an effective way to correct a wide range of bite and tooth-alignment issues. However, in some cases, orthognathic surgery may be needed to achieve the results a patient desires. Orthognathic surgery can be combined with orthodontic treatment to correct severe bite problems, achieve changes in certain facial features, and may also offer benefits for improving airway function and sleep. At Escott Orthodontics, our team is skilled in guiding patients through their treatment options, including treatment plans with orthognathic surgery. We also work closely with the patient’s surgeon to coordinate orthodontic treatment with orthognathic surgery.

Types of Orthodontic and Facial Problems that can Benefit from Orthognathic Surgery:

While not all orthodontic problems require orthognathic surgery, there are certain cases where it may be the best option for achieving optimal results. By repositioning the jaw and other facial bones, we can create a more harmonious and balanced appearance, improving both the profile and the overall look of the face. Some common types of orthodontic problems that may require orthognathic surgery include:

• Severe overbite or underbite: When the upper or lower jaw is significantly misaligned, orthognathic surgery may be needed to reposition the jaw and improve the bite.
• Facial asymmetry: In cases where one side of the face is noticeably different than the other, orthognathic surgery may be used to correct the underlying jaw misalignment.
• Open bite: When the upper and lower front teeth do not meet when biting down, orthognathic surgery may be used to reposition the jaws and close the open bite.

Orthognathic Surgery for Airway Improvement:

At Escott Orthodontics, we understand the important role that airway function plays in overall health and wellbeing. In some cases, orthognathic surgery may be able to improve a patient’s airway and even help alleviate sleep apnea symptoms. We team up with the patient’s physician to evaluate the airway and determine if orthognathic surgery may be a viable option for improving breathing and sleep quality. By repositioning the jaw and other facial bones with orthognathic surgery, we can create more space in the airway, reducing the risk of snoring, sleep apnea, and other breathing issues. In some cases, patients are even able to discontinue use of their CPAP machine after orthognathic surgery.

Working with the Patient’s Surgeon and Physician:

At our practice, we form a team with the patient’s surgeon and physician to ensure coordinated care. Every member of this team has important roles and responsibilities to ensure optimal results for the patient.

For patients with airway concerns, such as sleep apnea, we collaborate with the patient’s physician to evaluate the airway and determine if orthognathic surgery may offer benefits for improving breathing and sleep quality.

We also work closely with the patient’s surgeon, who will be responsible for performing the orthognathic surgery.

Together, Escott Orthodontics and your surgeon will develop a treatment plan that achieves the patient’s facial and esthetic goals, while also ensuring a beautiful smile with straight teeth and a healthy bite.

Your orthodontist at Escott Orthodontics will prepare your teeth for jaw surgery, and after the surgery, orthodontic treatment is used to fine-tune the bite and smile.

Types of Orthognathic Surgery:

• Maxillary Osteotomy: This surgery involves moving the upper jaw, usually to correct an overbite, underbite, open bite, or crossbite.
• Mandibular Osteotomy: This surgery involves moving the lower jaw, usually to correct an underbite, open bite, or crossbite.
• Genioplasty: This surgery involves moving the chin to improve facial aesthetics and balance.

Note that an orthognathic surgery can include any of the above procedures, individually or in combination, as needed to achieve the goals for an individual patient.

As we have reviewed, orthognathic surgery is not always necessary for correcting orthodontic issues, but in certain cases it can offer significant benefits for bite correction, facial changes, and even airway function. We offer a wide range of orthodontic treatments at Escott Orthodontics, including braces and Invisalign. If you have questions about orthognathic surgery or would like to schedule a consultation, please contact Escott Orthodontics. We are available to schedule your initial consultation by email, phone or text message.