The relationship between orthodontics and jaw surgery

The two treatment methods for correcting jaw abnormalities are orthodontics and jaw surgery. Some problems can be fixed with orthodontics, but some require surgery. The cost, recovery time and results of each method are different. Also, choosing an expert surgeon in this field is very important. In this article, we examine the difference between these methods and their costs. For more details, read the rest of the article from the Eastern Star Clinic. What is orthosurgery? Orthognathic surgery or corrective jaw surgery is a branch of maxillofacial surgery that is performed to treat jaw abnormalities and correct upper and lower jaw disharmony. This surgery is usually recommended for people who have severe problems of not pairing teeth. Orthodontics and jaw surgery can simultaneously improve oral function and facial beauty. Orthosurgery is performed with the help of modern methods such as 3D modeling and digital programming to make precise changes in the position of the jaw. This method not only helps to improve the function of chewing and speaking, but also affects the fit of the facial components. ### Conditions for orthosurgery (orthodontic surgery) For a person to be eligible for jaw surgery, there are certain criteria. Orthodontics and jaw surgery are prescribed when jaw problems are beyond the ability to correct with conventional orthodontics. In the following, we will examine some of the most important conditions that require this surgery. ### severe jaw and teeth abnormalities People with severe structural problems in the upper or lower jaw may need orthosurgery to restore normal jaw function. These abnormalities include retraction or protrusion of the jaw, asymmetric growth of the jaw bone, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems. ### Bite problems (improper mating of teeth) When the upper and lower teeth do not line up properly, a person may have problems chewing, speaking or even breathing. Types of bite problems that require surgery include: - **Open Bite**: when the front teeth have a gap between them when the mouth is closed. - **Deep Bite**: It is suitable for excessive overlapping of upper and lower teeth. - **Cross Bite**: a condition where some of the upper teeth are placed inside the lower teeth. ### The impossibility of treatment with conventional orthodontics In some patients, the treatment with only orthodontic braces is not enough and the position of the jaw bone must also be changed. In such cases, combined jaw surgery and orthodontics are recommended ### Aesthetic and functional problems of the jaw Sometimes the jaws are problematic in terms of appearance and the disproportion of the jaws creates an asymmetric face. This issue can greatly affect a person's self-confidence. Orthosurgery can help to correct these appearance abnormalities. ### Orthodontist or maxillofacial surgeon's recommendation Accurate diagnosis by an orthodontist and jaw surgeon is the first step in assessing the need for this surgery. Based on radiology photos and digital modeling, the doctor examines the condition of the patient's jaw and, if necessary, suggests orthosurgery. ### Completing the growth of jaw bones (usually after puberty) Jaw surgery is usually performed when the growth of the jaw bones is complete, which usually happens after 18 years of age. Performing surgery before growth is complete may cause the jaw to change position in the future and require re-surgery. For this reason, experts recommend that for orthosurgery, the patient should first reach the appropriate age and then proceed. ### The presence of breathing or speech problems caused by the structure of the jaw Some jaw abnormalities can block the airways and cause sleep apnea, in which the patient has breathing interruptions while sleeping. Also, jaw problems can affect the correct pronunciation of words and lead to speech problems such as slurred speech or mispronouncing letters. In such cases, jaw surgery can help open the airways and improve the patient's speech function. Comparison of orthodontics alone with orthodontics combined with jaw surgery Depending on the severity of the jaw and teeth problem, the treatment method can be different. In the following, we will examine the differences between normal orthodontics and orthodontics with jaw surgery. ### Typical Orthodontics This treatment method is performed to correct minor to moderate teeth irregularities without the need for jaw surgery. By using fixed or movable brackets, the teeth are gradually placed in the correct position. The length of treatment usually varies between 1 and 3 years, and depending on the severity of the problem, auxiliary tools such as orthodontic elastics may also be used. ### orthodontics combined with jaw surgery In patients with severe jaw abnormalities, only orthodontics is not enough and jaw surgery is performed to correct the bone structure. In this method, orthodontics is performed before the surgery to adjust the teeth, then jaw surgery is performed, and finally complementary orthodontics is performed for the final alignment of the teeth. ### Which one is more suitable for you? Whether orthodontics alone is sufficient or jaw surgery is also necessary depends on the examinations of the orthodontist and jaw surgeon. In many cases, the relationship between orthodontics and jaw surgery is the main determinant of the patient's treatment method. If the problem is only related to the teeth, ordinary orthodontics is enough; But if the jaw structure needs to be changed, the combination of orthodontics and jaw surgery is recommended to create a more lasting and harmonious result for the patient in addition to correcting jaw abnormalities. Is jaw surgery possible without orthodontics and when is it done? If the patient has structural abnormalities of the jaw that do not affect the arrangement of the teeth, surgery may be performed without orthodontics. However, in many cases, the combination of orthodontics and jaw surgery is recommended due to the improvement of chewing function, speech and jaw coordination; But there are some conditions where surgery can be performed without the need for orthodontics. ### jaw problems without the need to correct teeth Some jaw abnormalities are caused by congenital defects or severe injuries caused by accidents that cause changes in the jaw structure. In these cases, the position of the teeth may not need to be changed and only the bone structure of the jaw needs to be modified. For example, if a patient has a fractured or asymmetric jaw due to an accident, surgery can be performed to restore facial symmetry without the need for orthodontics. ### Treatment of severe jaw abnormalities People who have severe upper or lower jaw disorders can sometimes undergo surgery without orthodontics. This is possible when the teeth are naturally in the right position, but the overall structure of the jaw is disproportionate. For example, in patients whose jaw is too far forward or too far back but the teeth are overlapping, surgery can be performed without orthodontics. Also, in cases where the patient has severe problems in chewing, speaking or breathing, surgery may be considered as a faster and more effective solution. ### Jaw cosmetic surgeries Sometimes, patients who do not have a functional problem in the jaw but feel cosmetically dissatisfied, seek jaw surgery. Chin surgery (genioplasty), gummy smile correction, jaw angulation, and facial asymmetry correction are among the surgeries that can be performed without the need for orthodontics. These types of surgeries are mostly performed to improve the fit of facial components and increase a person's self-confidence, and depending on the desired changes, they may not require orthodontics. Finally, the decision to perform jaw surgery without orthodontics should be made with careful consideration by a jaw surgeon and orthodontic specialist. In many cases, the combination of these two methods will achieve better and more stable results, but in certain circumstances, it is possible to achieve the desired goal without orthodontics. **Comparison of orthodontics and jaw surgery methods in terms of length of treatment and cost** Orthodontics before or after surgery? Which one has priority? Choosing the correct sequence between orthodontics and jaw surgery depends on the type of jaw problem and specialist diagnosis. There are two common methods for this treatment; The standard method in which orthodontics is performed first and then jaw surgery is performed and the reverse method in which surgery is performed first and then orthodontics continues. ### standard method (first orthodontics, then jaw surgery) In most cases, the standard method is the best treatment option. In this method, first the patient undergoes orthodontic treatment so that the teeth are in the right position. Then jaw surgery is performed and finally a complementary orthodontic stage is performed to finally correct the position of the teeth. The advantages of this method are: - The teeth are placed in the best position before the surgery and the surgery is performed more precisely. - After the surgery, due to the proper position of the teeth, the process of welding and adaptation is done better. - reduces the risk of surgical results returning. ### Reverse method (surgery first, then orthodontics) –Surgery First method In the Surgery First method, jaw surgery is performed first and then orthodontics is started to complete the treatment. This method is used in special conditions and for some patients who have severe jaw problems and need quick functional or cosmetic correction. The advantages of this method are: - reduction of overall treatment time - Reducing the period of pain and discomfort caused by improper position of teeth during orthodontics - Suitable for patients with an urgent need to improve chewing function and aesthetics cost of orthodontics and jaw surgery The cost of orthodontics and jaw surgery depends on various factors. Depending on the severity of the jaw deformity, the type of surgery and the complexity of the treatment, the costs will be different. Below are the factors affecting the cost of jaw surgery and orthodontics: - **severity of the jaw abnormality** : the more complicated the jaw problem, the more difficult the surgery will be and as a result, the cost will be higher. - **Type of surgery:** Some surgeries are simpler and others, like double jaw surgery, require time and advanced techniques. - **costs of anesthesia and hospitalization:** these items also form an important part of the cost. - **Cost of orthodontics before and after surgery:** In most cases, the patient must perform orthodontics at least 9 to 18 months before surgery and 6 to 12 months after, which has a separate cost. ### cost of orthodontics before and after surgery The cost of orthodontics before surgery varies depending on the type of brackets used and the duration of the treatment. After the surgery, the patient still needs additional orthodontics, which may incur a separate cost. Furthermore, in some cases, to stabilize the results of surgery and prevent the return of the position of the teeth and jaw, it is necessary to use stabilizing mobile plates, the cost of which should also be considered in the financial planning of the treatment. What is the role of a jaw surgeon in orthosurgery? Maxillofacial surgeon has a key role in planning and performing orthosurgery. These surgeons, in cooperation with the orthodontist, choose the best treatment solution for the patient. ### maxillofacial surgeon expertise in treating jaw abnormalities Maxillofacial surgeons have received specialized training to correct jaw abnormalities, including chewing, breathing and speech problems. They can treat severe jaw deformities that cannot be corrected with orthodontics alone. ### Cooperation between jaw surgeon and orthodontic specialist The method of cooperation between jaw surgeon and orthodontic specialist is given below: - **Mandibular position adjustment**: The jaw surgeon adjusts the position of the upper and lower jaws in such a way as to improve the function of the mouth and face by carefully examining the patient's problems. These modifications can improve chewing, speech and even reduce jaw pain. - **Precise design of jaw movements based on 3D digital models**: Using 3D imaging technology, surgeons can simulate jaw movements before surgery. This technique increases surgical precision and reduces the possibility of unwanted errors. - **Using surgical splints for more accuracy in jaw changes**: Surgical splints are pieces of acrylic or special medical materials that are placed on the teeth during surgery. These tools stabilize the correct position of the jaw and increase the accuracy of the surgery. ### Choosing the best jaw surgeon for orthosurgery To choose the best jaw surgeon for orthosurgery, one should pay attention to specialized education, experience, opinions of previous patients and the ability to work as a team with orthodontists. In what environment is orthosurgery performed? Orthosurgery is usually performed in hospitals or well-equipped surgical centers. This type of surgery requires general anesthesia and after that the patient must be under special care. ### Why is orthosurgery not performed in the clinic? Jaw surgery is a complex and heavy operation that requires general anesthesia, which is why it is not possible to perform it in regular clinics. This type of surgery can be associated with complications such as bleeding and infection, which require advanced hospital equipment to control them. In addition, the patient needs special care after surgery, including close monitoring of breathing, blood pressure, and pain control, which are not available in normal clinical centers; Therefore, orthosurgery should be performed in hospitals or well-equipped surgical centers to ensure the safety of the patient during and after the operation. ### The role of the hospital and the medical team in orthosurgery In the process of orthosurgery, the hospital's medical team plays a vital role in the success of the operation and the patient's recovery. The anesthesiologist monitors the patient's condition during the surgery and ensures that the surgery goes smoothly. The surgical team and nurses are responsible for the precise implementation of the surgical procedures and the care of the patient's condition. After the operation, the patient is transferred to the intensive care unit to be monitored and avoid possible complications. ### Stages before and after surgery in the hospital environment Before and after jaw surgery, the patient must go through specific steps in the hospital environment so that the treatment process is carried out with high precision and safety. The steps before surgery are: - Medical tests and examination of the patient's general health condition - Preparation of the patient in terms of nutrition and taking essential medicines - Checking images and 3D models for detailed planning The steps after surgery are: - hospitalization for at least 24 to 48 hours to monitor the general condition - Use of prescribed drugs to reduce pain and swelling - following a soft and limited diet for faster recovery Orthosurgery is a sensitive and specialized process that requires careful cooperation between the jaw surgeon, orthodontist and the medical team of the hospital in order to achieve an ideal and stable result. Summary Orthodontics and jaw surgery are effective methods for correcting jaw and dental abnormalities. If your problems are limited to teeth, orthodontics can be the solution; But in some cases, the need for jaw surgery is unavoidable. Choosing the right method has a direct impact on the treatment results. Costs and treatment time also vary depending on the severity of the problem**.** If you are looking for more information about the treatment process, contact Setara Shargh Dental Clinic for a free consultation.