Surgical Orthodontics | Smile Worthy Orthodontics | Orland Park
Surgical Orthodontics
Learn about orthognathic (jaw) surgery and how Dr. Lisa coordinates complex surgical orthodontic cases at Smile Worthy Orthodontics in Orland Park.
Book Your Free ConsultationCorrecting Severe Skeletal Discrepancies
Surgical Orthodontics (Orthognathic Surgery)
While braces and aligners are highly effective at moving teeth, they cannot always correct severe discrepancies in the size or position of the upper and lower jaws. Surgical orthodontics, or orthognathic surgery, is a specialized treatment used to correct these severe skeletal issues—such as a pronounced underbite, severe open bite, or significantly receding chin—that cannot be fixed with orthodontics alone.
A Team Approach to Your Care
The Collaborative Process
Surgical orthodontics requires a highly coordinated team approach. Dr. Lisa works in close collaboration with a skilled oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Dr. Lisa will handle the orthodontic phases of your treatment, moving your teeth into the correct positions, while the oral surgeon will perform the actual jaw surgery to align the skeletal structures.
What to Expect During Treatment
The Treatment Timeline
The surgical orthodontic process typically involves three phases:
01
Pre-Surgical Orthodontics (12-18 months)
Dr. Lisa uses braces to align your teeth so they will fit together perfectly after the jaws are surgically repositioned.
02
The Surgery
The oral surgeon performs the procedure in a hospital setting. Recovery typically involves a few weeks of a soft-food diet.
03
Post-Surgical Orthodontics (6-12 months)
Once you have healed, Dr. Lisa will make final, fine-tuning adjustments to your bite before removing your braces.
The Life-Changing Benefits
Restoring Function and Aesthetics
While the process requires a significant commitment, the results of surgical orthodontics are truly life-changing. Beyond creating a beautiful, balanced facial profile, the surgery restores proper function—improving your ability to chew, speak, and breathe, and often alleviating chronic jaw pain or sleep apnea.
FAQs: Surgical Orthodontics
We can answer all your questions, just call and ask!
What is orthognathic (jaw) surgery?
Orthognathic surgery is a procedure performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to correct severe skeletal discrepancies — such as a pronounced underbite, severe open bite, or significantly receding chin — that cannot be corrected with orthodontics alone.
Who performs the jaw surgery itself?
The surgery is performed by a highly trained oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Dr. Lisa works in close collaboration with the surgical team to coordinate all pre-surgical and post-surgical orthodontic care, ensuring a seamless, well-managed process from start to finish.
How long is the total treatment process for surgical orthodontics?
The total treatment time, including all phases of orthodontic preparation, the surgery itself, and the post-surgical finishing phase, typically ranges from 1 to 3 years, depending on the complexity of the case.
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