Surgical orthodontics incorporates the coordination of an Orthodontist and Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon to correct significant bite discrepancies in adult (and some late teenager) patients. Although very few orthodontic cases require surgery, a small percentage of cases cannot be fully corrected without surgical movement of the jaws.
Treatment Options
In such cases where Orthognathic (jaw movement) surgery is required, one can either accept the bite as is and avoid surgery, or correct it with surgery. Both options usually will require orthodontic braces. There are different advantages and disadvantages for both surgical and non-surgical options and naturally, different treatment objectives and outcomes. Dr Madsen will explain all surgical orthodontic options in detail at your consultation.
Orthognathic Surgical Procedures
There are many types of jaw movements available. The more common procedures include:
- Mandibular Advancement – surgical movement of the lower jaw forward to correct
an excessively small lower jaw - Mandibular Setback – surgical movement of the lower jaw backward to correct an
excessively large lower jaw - Surgcially Assisted Rapid Maxillary Expansion – surgical widening of the upper jaw
for an excessively narrow upper jaw - Maxillary Impaction – surgical lifting of the upper jaw to correct an excessively low
upper jaw causing the front teeth not to touch (anterior open bite)
Orthoclinic is a leading specialist in providing surgical orthodontics in Canberra. Book now for an initial consultation with Dr. Madsen.