Has your orthodontist recently mentioned surgical orthodontics as a potential treatment option? While traditional braces or clear aligners can address many orthodontic issues, some conditions require a more comprehensive approach. At Kincer Orthodontics in Marietta, we believe in educating our patients about all aspects of their treatment, including when surgical intervention may be necessary for optimal results.
Surgical orthodontics, also known as orthognathic surgery, is a specialized treatment that combines orthodontic care with oral surgery to correct severe jaw and dental misalignments. Dr. Kincer works closely with skilled oral surgeons to ensure patients receive the highest standard of care throughout this process.
Let’s explore the five most common reasons why surgical orthodontics might be recommended for your specific situation.
1. Severe Skeletal Discrepancies That Exceed Orthodontic Limitations
While traditional orthodontic treatment can effectively address many dental alignment issues, there are physical limitations to what tooth movement alone can achieve. When the underlying problem involves significant skeletal discrepancies between the upper and lower jaws, surgery may be the only viable solution.
When is the jaw discrepancy too severe for orthodontics alone?
Orthodontists use what’s called an “envelope of discrepancy” to determine whether a malocclusion can be corrected with braces alone or requires surgical intervention. This assessment considers how far teeth can safely move within the bone to compensate for jaw misalignments.
For example, in cases of extreme Class III malocclusions (underbite), where the lower jaw significantly protrudes beyond the upper jaw, or severe Class II malocclusions (overbite), where the upper jaw extends too far beyond the lower jaw, the discrepancy may be too great for orthodontic movement alone. In these instances, surgical orthodontics becomes necessary to establish proper jaw alignment and create a balanced facial profile.
The goal of surgical orthodontics is not merely aesthetic—it creates functional harmony between the jaws, allowing for proper chewing, speaking, and long-term dental health.
2. Breathing and Sleep Disorders, Including Obstructive Sleep Apnea
One of the most medically significant reasons for recommending surgical orthodontics is when jaw structure contributes to breathing difficulties or sleep disorders, particularly obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
How can jaw position affect breathing?
The position of your jaws directly influences the size and shape of your airway. When jaws are significantly misaligned or underdeveloped, they can restrict the airway, making breathing more difficult, especially during sleep.
Obstructive sleep apnea is a serious condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep due to airway obstruction. In some cases, this obstruction is directly related to jaw structure—particularly a recessed lower jaw or narrow upper jaw that reduces airway space.
Research shows that orthognathic surgery can be highly effective in treating OSA. Procedures like maxillomandibular advancement, which moves both the upper and lower jaws forward, can significantly enlarge the airway space. Studies have demonstrated that these surgeries can decrease the severity of sleep apnea by 50-90% in appropriate candidates.
If you’re experiencing symptoms such as chronic snoring, witnessed breathing pauses during sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, or morning headaches, your orthodontist and physician may recommend a sleep study to determine if surgical orthodontics could address both your jaw alignment and sleep-related breathing issues.
3. Speech Impediments Caused by Jaw Structure
The position and alignment of your jaws play a crucial role in speech production. When severe jaw discrepancies exist, they can create persistent speech difficulties that may not improve with speech therapy alone.
Common speech issues related to jaw misalignment include:
- Difficulty pronouncing certain consonants, particularly sibilant sounds like “s” and “z”
- Lisping or whistling sounds during speech
- Unclear articulation due to limited tongue movement
- Voice resonance problems
These speech impediments can significantly impact communication, self-confidence, and quality of life. When orthodontic treatment alone cannot correct the underlying structural issues causing speech problems, surgical orthodontics provides a solution by physically repositioning the jaws to create proper space for normal tongue movement and airflow during speech.
For patients who have struggled with speech therapy without significant improvement, consultation between their speech pathologist, orthodontist, and oral surgeon can determine if surgical intervention would help address the structural causes of their speech difficulties.
4. Significant Facial Asymmetry and Aesthetic Concerns
While orthodontics alone can address many aesthetic concerns, some cases of facial asymmetry are too significant to be corrected without surgical intervention.
Types of facial asymmetry that may require surgical orthodontics:
- Significant chin deviation to one side
- Uneven jaw growth causing a visibly lopsided appearance
- Asymmetric development of the upper and lower jaws
- Facial imbalance resulting from prior trauma or congenital conditions
These asymmetries aren’t just cosmetic concerns—they can affect how the teeth come together, how the jaw joints function, and even create uneven muscle development and facial pain. Surgical orthodontics can reposition the jaws to create facial balance while simultaneously improving function.
For patients with these concerns, Dr. Kincer uses advanced imaging techniques to analyze facial proportions and develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses both aesthetic and functional goals. The combination of orthodontic treatment and carefully planned surgical procedures can achieve dramatic improvements in facial symmetry that would be impossible with orthodontics alone.
5. Compromised Chewing Function and TMJ Disorders
Perhaps the most fundamental function of our jaws is to allow proper chewing of food. Severe malocclusions can significantly impair this ability, making eating difficult and potentially contributing to digestive issues, nutritional deficiencies, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
Signs that chewing function may be compromised include:
- Difficulty biting into or breaking down food
- Chewing predominantly on one side
- Jaw pain during or after eating
- Chronic headaches or facial pain
- Jaw clicking, popping, or locking
- Limited jaw opening or movement
When jaw misalignment is severe enough to cause these functional problems, surgical orthodontics may be necessary to establish proper jaw relations and create a stable, comfortable bite. Repositioning the jaws through surgery, followed by fine-tuning of the bite with orthodontics, can dramatically improve chewing efficiency and often helps alleviate symptoms of TMJ disorders.
For patients with long-standing jaw pain or dysfunction, the improvement in quality of life after surgical orthodontics can be profound, allowing them to eat comfortably, speak clearly, and live without chronic pain.
The Surgical Orthodontics Process at Kincer Orthodontics
If you’re considering surgical orthodontics, understanding the process can help alleviate concerns and set realistic expectations:
- Comprehensive Evaluation: Dr. Kincer will perform a thorough assessment of your teeth, jaws, and facial structure using advanced imaging technology.
- Coordinated Treatment Planning: We work closely with oral surgeons to develop a customized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs.
- Pre-Surgical Orthodontics: Most patients require a period of orthodontic treatment before surgery to align the teeth properly in preparation for jaw repositioning.
- Surgical Phase: The oral surgeon performs the planned jaw repositioning. At Kincer Orthodontics, we use the latest in titanium fixation techniques for optimal stability and predictable results.
- Post-Surgical Orthodontics: After surgery, further orthodontic adjustments refine the bite to its ideal position.
- Retention: Once treatment is complete, retainers are essential to maintain your new smile and jaw position.
Throughout this process, our team at Kincer Orthodontics provides compassionate care and clear communication to ensure you feel confident and informed at every step.
Is Surgical Orthodontics Right for You?
Deciding whether surgical orthodontics is the appropriate treatment option requires careful consideration of both functional and aesthetic factors. At Kincer Orthodontics, we only recommend surgical approaches when the benefits substantially outweigh those of alternative treatments.
If you’re experiencing any of the issues discussed above, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kincer to explore your options. Using state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging and drawing on years of specialized experience, we can help determine if surgical orthodontics could give you the results you desire.
Remember that while the thought of jaw surgery may seem intimidating, the long-term benefits—including improved function, aesthetics, breathing, and overall quality of life—make it a worthwhile consideration for those with severe orthodontic needs.
Contact Kincer Orthodontics in Marietta today to learn more about how we can help you achieve not just a beautiful smile, but optimal jaw function and facial harmony through advanced orthodontic care.