Orthodontic treatment combined with orthognathic surgery brings dramatic positive results in patients with severe jaw problems

LAS VEGAS /PRNewswire/ — Not all bite problems are a result of improper tooth alignment. There are certain individuals who have bite problems because of misaligned jaws. In other words, the upper and lower teeth don't fit together properly. In orthodontics, this type of problem, a "skeletal discrepancy," simply means that the upper and lower jaws have not developed in harmony with each other. Typical presentations of these jaw problems include underbite, overbite, crossbite, or jaw asymmetry.

People with severe skeletal discrepancies also have poor facial balance, which negatively affects the appearance and usually is the cause of low self-esteem. Orthognathic surgery to correct the jaw position is necessary to achieve proper facial balance. Orthodontics is a crucial part of the process because the teeth must fit together perfectly when the jaw bones are reset. Therefore, every patient that needs jaw surgery will also have at least some movement of the teeth prior to the surgery being performed. This allows for a proper bite at the time of surgery. The attachments on the braces and wires allow the oral surgeon to use miniature elastics to hold the jaws closed during healing. The patient can then recover without having his or her mouth wired closed.

An oral surgeon uses plates and screws during surgery to stabilize the jaw while they are healing. This "hardware" does not need to be removed. Several months after surgery — once the bones are totally healed and the bite has completely stabilized — braces are removed. Successful treatment of severe skeletal deformities of the lower face requires a team approach and precise planning on the part of the orthodontist and the oral surgeon. Those who undergo this treatment experience the most positive dramatic improvements in facial appearance. While surgery is an amazing tool to restore harmony in jaw relationships, some bites that appear to be far off can be corrected using orthodontic treatment alone ... especially in young people. Truman Orthodontics In Las Vegas can help determine if orthognathic surgery is right for you.

About Truman Orthodontics
Dr. Mark Truman graduated with honors from dental school and pursued his specialty in orthodontics. He received his specialist certificate from UCLA in 2003 and began his practice in Las Vegas, NV. Dr. Truman is an active member of the American Association of Orthodontists and the American Dental Association. Call (702) 360-9000 or visit www.trumanorthodontics.com.