Surgical Orthodontic TreatmentRanelagh
Understanding Corrective Jaw Surgery
Orthognathic surgery, commonly known as corrective jaw surgery, aims to mend skeletal and dental anomalies by realigning the jaws and teeth. This procedure enhances functions such as chewing and speaking and can also improve facial aesthetics. When skeletal issues are too complex for orthodontic treatments alone to resolve, surgery becomes a viable option.
Most skeletal discrepancies can be managed with orthodontic treatments, eliminating the need for orthognathic surgery. At your initial consultation, Dr. O’Connor will determine if jaw surgery is necessary for your specific condition or if orthodontic solutions alone will suffice. Ranelagh is located a short distance from Terenure Orthodontics, which utilises state-of-the-art orthodontic technology to demonstrate the functional and aesthetic benefits achievable through jaw surgery.
Mechanics of Corrective Jaw Surgery
Corrective jaw surgery involves surgically adjusting and repositioning the jawbones to achieve proper alignment. The surgery may include adding, removing, or reshaping bone, and securing the corrected position using screws, plates, or wires. This procedure's primary goal is to enhance jaw function, appearance, and alignment, often in combination with orthodontic treatments to ensure that the teeth meet correctly after surgery. Terenure Orthodontics, easily accessible from nearby Ranelagh, offers consultations to showcase the potential improvements through this advanced surgical intervention.
Parking & Public Transport
We offer free on-street parking along Fortfield Drive, making it hassle-free for our patients to park. There are direct and regular bus routes between Ranelagh and Terenure, making public transport an accessible way to reach our 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 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.
Surgery duration varies, typically 3 to 5 hours, depending on complexity and goals. More complicated procedures may take longer.
Downsides include a lengthy recovery, risk of complications, temporary changes in eating and speaking, and the need for pre- and post-surgery orthodontic treatments. Our specialists will discuss these risks in detail with you so that you are fully informed.
To find out more, Book a Consultation.
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.