Adults looking to straighten their teeth and align their jaw using orthodontics may find that the process goes faster when working with a jaw surgeon in Lee's Summit. Very often, a person's jaw is out of alignment for reasons that involve the actual structure of the jaw and not the position of the teeth.
In this scenario, orthodontics may be able to bring the jaw into alignment but this can take a significant amount of time, sometimes years. Working with a surgeon and orthodontist simultaneously can make it possible to significantly shorten the overall treatment time and get results faster.
Start the process by visiting an orthodontist
Initially, it will be important for patients to visit an orthodontist for an examination and development of a treatment plan. At that time, inform the orthodontist about any interest in jaw surgery to address issues pertaining to jaw alignment. With that knowledge, they can incorporate into the treatment plan the process of temporarily removing braces so that surgery can be completed and then replacing them once healing is complete.
Visit a jaw surgeon in Lee’s Summit
Next, visit our office for an examination and consultation. We can determine if jaw surgery would be the right solution for aligning the jaw and discuss the process that would be involved in completing the surgery and recovering from it.
Coordinating care
The orthodontist and surgeon work together and will coordinate care to ensure that the treatment is as effective as possible and produces results in the desired amount of time. Typically, the process works as follows:
1. An orthodontist will begin the treatment using braces or clear aligners
The decision for which orthodontic solution will straighten the teeth will depend on the opinion of the orthodontist and conversations with the patient.
2. Orthodontics are temporarily removed
Once teeth begin to move towards the correct position, they may need to temporarily remove the orthodontics to complete the surgery.
3. Jaw surgery is completed
A jaw surgeon in Lee's Summit can make adjustments to the jaw so that when a patient bites down or the jaw is in a resting position, the bite will be properly aligned.
4. The patient recovers
Patients will need to recover from the surgery which can take several weeks. Care instructions will be given to ensure that the recovery is as smooth and seamless as possible.
5. Orthodontics are re-attached to the teeth
An orthodontist will then re-secure the braces or have a patient begin to use their aligners again. This process will continue until teeth are straight and an orthodontist is satisfied with the end result.
By working together, an orthodontist and surgeon can help patients to have a beautiful smile and an improved facial appearance in less time.
Discuss this option in greater detail
As a surgeon, we provide a great deal of information to patients that are considering jaw surgery. We will be happy to do so after conducting an examination, discussing goals that you have for your smile and reviewing all available solutions.
To learn more about the possibility of using surgery to align your bite and shorten your total orthodontic treatment time, call us today.
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