Surgical orthodontics involves a team effort of the oral and maxillofacial surgeon and orthodontist in solving complex cases that require a combination of skills. The two, by coordinating their treatment, are able to treat severe jaw and tooth abnormalities that could not be treated by either specialist alone.
Problems usually corrected by surgical orthodontics include protrusive or recessive upper and/or lower jaws (an extreme overbite or underbite.)
The orthodontist's knowledge is vital to the oral and maxillofacial surgeon because of the orthodontist's special training in determining the proper placement of the teeth, the placement of the teeth with respect to facial proportions, as well as an understanding of the effect of facial muscles on new jaw relationships established through surgical orthodontics.
Extreme facial deformities can be corrected through surgical orthodontics. Results are often dramatic in terms of improved facial appearance and enhanced self-esteem.
Posted on 06/01/2016 at 08:58 AM
