What Type of Training Does an Orthodontist Have?
After receiving their bachelor’s degree, an orthodontist heads off to dental school for four years to get a complete doctorate. They then receive two or three years of full-time specialty training at an orthodontic residency program where they attend classes and acquire a ton of clinical experience on straightening your teeth. Finally, they must successfully pass their qualifying examinations to become a certified specialist in orthodontics.
Crowding
Crowding happens when there isn’t enough space in the jaw to accommodate all of the teeth. This can make the teeth protrude or overlap. An imbalance in the jaw to tooth size relationship is a common cause. If primary teeth fall out too early and the adult teeth come in wrong, crowding can also occur.
Spacing
Spacing is the opposite of crowding. Genetics, habits like thumb sucking, teeth that are too narrow for the jaw and missing teeth can result in spacing. Unfortunately, this isn’t just an aesthetic concern. Gaps between the teeth may lead to bone loss and gum disease.
Overjet
Overjet is another term for an overbite, which is when the lower teeth are too far behind the top front teeth. This leaves the front teeth susceptible to injury and early wear.
Crossbite
There are front crossbites and back crossbites. In the case of a front crossbite, some of the front top teeth are behind the bottom teeth. In a back crossbite, the back top teeth are positioned behind the bottom teeth. Because people tend to try to compensate for the misalignment and move their jaw to one side, if not treated, a crossbite can lead to permanent changes in facial structure and jaw growth.
Underbite
In some cases, the upper jaw may grow slower than that lower jaw, resulting in an underbite. An underbite is when the bottom teeth are positioned in front of the upper teeth. Treating kids at an early age, while their jaws are still growing, can help to prevent the need for jaw surgery as an adult.
Adults with severe bite problems can achieve great smiles and functional bite by receiving orthodontic treatment combined with corrective jaw surgery. If your bite needs to be corrected with jaw surgery, your orthodontist will work with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to ensure that you receive the best care possible.
Do I need orthognathic/ jaw surgery?
Your orthodontist can tell you if jaw surgery is needed as part of your treatment. This will depend on the severity of your case and the alignment of your jaws.
How does jaw surgery work?
You will start with braces to get ready for the jaw surgery. Once you are ready for the surgery, an oral surgeon will perform your jaw surgery, either in the surgeon’s office or in a hospital. Orthognathic jaw surgery can take several hours depending the case, and you will need about a two-week rest period. After your jaw has healed, your orthodontist will continue the orthodontic treatment and “fine-tune” your bite.
What are the potential risks associated with jaw surgery?
There may be certain risks associated with having orthognathic surgery, just as there are with any surgery. However, the jaw surgery is routinely done to help patients with severe bite problems and it has been performed for many years in practices and hospitals. If you have any concern or question about surgery, please contact our office. Your comfort is very important to us!
What are the benefits of having jaw surgery?
Jaw surgery can help you achieve a beautiful, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime. The results will dramatic and it can help restore your confidence.
Have your sleep apnea treatments been unsuccessful? Are the appliances you have to wear interfering with your life? We can offer real, permanent results by combining braces or Invisalign with bimxillary advancement, a type of jaw surgery, to improve airflow. Aligning the teeth and jaws and creating space in the dental arch, affects the breathing passages to alleviate sleep apnea. Dr. Lee will go over your options at your consultation to see if you’re an ideal candidate for the procedure.