Surgical Orthodontic TreatmentDublin 6
What is Corrective Jaw Surgery?
Corrective jaw surgery, known as orthognathic surgery, focuses on addressing skeletal and dental anomalies by realigning the jaws and teeth. This surgery aims to improve functional abilities like chewing and speaking, and can also make positive changes to facial aesthetics. Often, such an intervention is recommended when traditional orthodontic treatments are inadequate for resolving deeper skeletal issues.
Most skeletal discrepancies do not require orthognathic surgery since minor problems can typically be corrected with orthodontic treatments alone. During your initial consultation, Dr. O’Connor will assess whether jaw surgery is necessary or if orthodontics can resolve your condition. Utilising the most recent orthodontic technologies, Terenure Orthodontics demonstrates the potential functional and aesthetic enhancements from jaw surgery.
How Does Corrective Jaw Surgery Work?
Corrective jaw surgery involves the precise cutting and repositioning of jawbones to achieve proper alignment. Surgeons may insert, remove, or contour bone within the jaw, securing the new alignment with screws, plates, or wires. This procedure aims to enhance jaw function, appearance, and alignment. It is typically performed alongside or following orthodontic treatment to ensure that the teeth are correctly aligned post-surgery. Not far from Terenure Orthodontics, Dublin 6 residents find it convenient to seek such specialised treatments.
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Take advantage of free on-street parking on Fortfield Drive, ensuring our patients can easily secure a parking space. Terenure, Dublin 6 is served by many bus routes north and south of the city, offering a practical public transport option to visit the clinic.
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The Process
This appointment is to discuss your goals with one of our specialist orthodontists. It may also involve your dental and medical history, a physical examination of your teeth and jaw, X-rays, and possibly impressions of your teeth to create models.
The orthodontist will review the X-rays, photos, and examination results to devise a specific plan for moving your teeth into the correct position. This plan will include the estimated length of treatment, cost of treatment and any preparatory work needed.
This might involve dental cleaning, addressing any existing dental issues like cavities, and possibly extracting teeth to create space for adjustments. Once these issues have been adressed, it's time to move onto the next phase!
The orthodontist places attachments onto your teeth to help the aligner grip your teeth. The first course of aligners are then given to you. We ensure that the aligners fit appropriotely at this point and explain everything you need to know to start your journey.
You will have regular appointments (usually every 8-10) for progress checks. During these visits, the orthodontist will check the fit of your aligners and may advise that a new set of aligners are ordered.
The attachments and wires are carefully removed, and any adhesive is cleaned off your teeth. This is usually a quick and painless process.
To keep your teeth in their new position after the braces are removed, most patients will need to wear a retainer full time for a period following the removal of braces, transitioning to night-time wear to ensure teeth do not shift back to their original positions. Read more here.
Book a Free Consultation
Discuss your goals with one of our specialist orthodontists to find out what treatment option suits you best.
FAQs
Jaw surgery can involve discomfort, managed effectively with pain management techniques and medications. Patients report discomfort rather than severe pain, decreasing during the healing process.
The initial healing period is around 6 weeks, with complete healing up to 12 months. Healing time can vary based on surgery complexity, patient health, and adherence to care instructions.
Jaw surgery is a major procedure, involving changes to jaw bone structure and requiring experienced surgical execution. It underscores the importance of a skilled surgical team.
Corrective jaw surgery can significantly improve jaw function, appearance, and quality of life, often recommended for severe misalignments not correctable with orthodontics alone.
Surgery duration varies, typically 3 to 5 hours, depending on complexity and goals. More complicated procedures may take longer.
Jaw surgery carries risks like infection, bleeding, and nerve damage, but risks are minimized with skilled surgeons. Discuss potential risks and benefits with your surgeon.
Downsides include a lengthy recovery, risk of complications, temporary changes in eating and speaking, and the need for pre- and post-surgery orthodontic treatments.
Surgery is typically performed on adults after jaw growth stops, around age 18 for males and 16 for females, depending on individual growth patterns and orthodontic/surgical needs.
Begin Your Journey
Discuss your goals with one of our specialist orthodontists to find out what treatment option suits you best. We offer complimentary online consultations for all patients.