Nobody wants to go through surgery, and even doctors keep it as a last resort. Generally, doctors suggest trying all the other possible treatment options before considering surgery. However, not all conditions are treatable by non-invasive and traditional methods.
When some dental issues do not respond to the traditional treatment methods, it may be time for you to start thinking about surgery. Surgical Orthodontics in Roslyn can bring back your ability to chew, speak, and breathe while giving you a smile you have always wanted.
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What is surgical orthodontics?
Surgical orthodontics is a method to fix your dental issues by combining traditional and surgical treatments. Surgical orthodontics can correct your jaw and bite abnormalities and improve your facial appearance. Going through orthodontic treatments before your surgery can speed the treatment process, decreasing the percentage of post-surgery complications.
How does surgical orthodontics work?
Before the surgery, patients receive orthodontic treatment for about 18-24 months. During this period, they wear braces and periodically visit their orthodontist for alignments. Do not worry if your bite is getting worse than better, as it is a normal experience for many. After your jaw is placed in proper alignment during the surgery, the teeth will fit perfectly.
What happens during the surgery?
After 18-24 months of orthodontic treatment, your surgery will occur in a hospital and be conducted by an oral surgeon. The doctor will give you general anesthesia, and you will be asleep during the entire surgery. Jaw surgeries typically take anywhere from two to five hours, depending on the type of surgery.
There are various kinds of jaw surgeries, and they all consist of different procedures. In all procedures, the incisions are made inside your mouth. In some cases, they may be made outside the mouth as well.
Recovery
As is assumed, you may experience discomfort, swelling, and stiffness in your mouth post-surgery. Most people prefer staying in the hospital for a few days. Before going home, your doctor will advise you on what to eat and not eat during the recovery process and what dental hygiene plan to follow.
You should be able to return to your everyday life two weeks after the surgery. If the pain and discomfort are persistent or increase with time, consult your doctor immediately. The typical healing time of surgery is four to eight weeks, after which your doctor continues to align your teeth with braces. After six to twelve months following the surgery, the doctor removes your braces and gives you a retainer to keep your teeth aligned.