Daiysha visited Dr. Andy Frost of Frost Orthodontics for an initial consultation in August 2020. Although her smile was beautiful, it presented misalignment and an underbite. After reviewing her history, X-rays, and oral health, Dr. Frost recommended orthodontic surgery to straighten her teeth and correct her bite.
What is Orthodontic Surgery?
Orthodontic surgery is a surgical procedure that corrects misaligned teeth and jaws. It involves metal braces and archwires to move teeth into proper positions. Once the appliances have shifted the teeth, the patient will undergo surgery to fix their jaw. Following surgery, numerous patients receive metal braces again.
An oral surgeon makes small incisions in the gum line and jawbone during orthodontic surgery. Doing so allows them to manipulate the bone and tissue as necessary. In Daiysha’s case, her lower jaw needed to rest neatly behind her upper.
Candidates for Orthodontic Surgery
If you have a misaligned bite or teeth, orthodontic surgery could be the best choice, depending on your situation and your dental professional’s recommendations. An ideal candidate must possess healthy gums and bones since dental restorations and appliances must be removed before the procedure.
The Issue
Without treatment, misaligned teeth and underbites can cause a variety of issues. The most common are difficulty chewing, headaches, TMJ (temporomandibular joint) pain, and speech problems due to a lack of support from the jaw.
An improper bite can also lead to excessive wear on the teeth, eventually leading to decay and gum disease. As a result, prompt treatment was vital for Daiysha’s oral health.
The Treatment
Pre-Surgical Orthodontics
Dr. Frost placed metal braces on Daiysha’s teeth, which she had to keep for two years and four months (although cases vary). During this time, she had to follow a meticulous oral hygiene routine and attend regular checkups approximately every six weeks with her Creve Coeur orthodontist.
Dr. Frost adjusted Daiysha’s braces at each appointment to move her teeth closer to the desired position. Once the first round of treatment was complete, Dr. Frost removed her braces by cutting the brackets from the archwire, cementing them off, and filing down rough spots or edges on her teeth for a smooth finish.
Orthognathic Surgery
After Daiysha’s teeth were adequately aligned in her jaw, she underwent orthognathic surgery, which takes place in a hospital or outpatient surgery center. The maxillofacial surgeon moved her lower jaw to the correct position, with the lower jaw slightly behind the upper one. Her orthodontic treatment before the surgery ensured that her teeth and jaws fit together seamlessly.
Post-Surgical Orthodontics
During recovery, which typically lasts for approximately six to nine weeks, patients have frequent appointments with the oral surgeon to ensure their healing process is proceeding correctly. Once Daiysha fully recovered and her oral surgeon confirmed, she received a second round of orthodontic treatment.
The Result
Daiysha was thrilled with the results of her orthodontic surgery. She had a beautiful, properly aligned smile that she and Dr. Frost were proud of. Daiysha was also relieved to be free from TMJ pain and uncomfortable bite alignment. Her experience serves as an excellent example of what orthodontic surgery can achieve.
The Benefits of Orthodontic Surgery
There are numerous benefits of orthodontic surgery. The most notable include the following:
- Improved bite alignment
- Reduced risk of gum disease and tooth decay
- Improved chewing ability
- Relief from jaw pain or discomfort
- Optimal facial structure appearance
- Improved self-confidence and self-esteem
- A beautiful, straight, healthy smile
Visit Dr. Andy Frost for Orthodontic Surgery in Creve Coeur
Daiysha’s case study is a prime example of how orthodontic surgery can help correct misaligned teeth and an underbite. With the assistance of Dr. Andy Frost, she achieved a beautiful smile with improved bite alignment and self-confidence. If you’re seeking ways to improve your smile, we encourage you to contact us for an initial consultation. Dr. Frost and our team will develop a customized treatment plan. Request an appointment today for the best orthodontics in St. Louis!