Surgical OrthodonticsIn Hillsboro, IL
Dr. Edwards works alongside a team of skilled oral surgeons on very complex surgical orthodontic cases. Imagine a treatment that doesn't just straighten your teeth, but completely transforms your smile and facial profile. This team-based approach combines cutting-edge orthodontic techniques with precision jaw surgery to tackle even the most challenging bite issues. It's all about boosting your confidence, enhancing your oral health, and potentially changing the way you see yourself in the mirror.
Do I Need Orthodontic Surgery?
You might need orthodontic surgery if you have severe jaw misalignment that makes it hard to bite, chew, or speak properly. This treatment is often recommended for adults whose jaws have finished growing and can't be fixed with just braces. A severe overbite or underbite might indicate that you need orthodontic surgery. Other signs include facial features that look out of balance, trouble closing your lips comfortably, or ongoing jaw pain. Keep in mind that only a thorough check-up with an experienced orthodontist can determine if you truly need surgery. We’ll always look at non-surgical options first and only suggest surgery when it's the best way to get the results you need.
The Benefits of Orthodontic Surgery
Improves Your Facial Balance
Orthodontic surgery can significantly change how your face looks. It creates better harmony between your facial features, which often leads to a more attractive appearance and boosts your confidence.
Speak and Eat with Ease
By fixing jaw misalignment, surgical orthodontics can make it much easier for you to bite, chew, and talk. Many patients find relief from chronic jaw pain and notice their overall oral health improves.
Enjoy Results That Last
Combining orthodontic treatment with jaw surgery often leads to more stable, long-lasting results than braces alone, especially for severe cases. This approach fixes both teeth and jaw issues, improving how your mouth works and looks for years to come.
Keeping care affordable
Free Consultation
We accept insurance
Honest treatment recommendations
Options for every budget
We know orthodontic surgery is a big investment in your health. We believe that everyone deserves a chance at a healthy smile, and that’s why we do everything we can to make paying for dental care as easy as possible.
The Orthodontic Surgery Treatment Process
Complimentary Consultation and Planning
Your journey starts with a thorough examination. We'll take X-rays, photos, and digital impressions of your teeth to create a detailed treatment plan. During this stage, we'll discuss your goals, explain the procedure, and answer any questions you might have. This is also when we'll coordinate with any additional specialists to ensure everyone's on the same page.
Pre-Surgical Orthodontics
Before surgery, you'll wear braces or aligners for several months to a year. During this time, we'll move your teeth into specific positions that prepare them for your jaw's new alignment after surgery. Your bite may feel different as we make these adjustments, but this is a normal part of the process. This careful preparation ensures that when your jaws are repositioned during surgery, your teeth will fit together correctly, giving you the best possible result.
The Surgery and Recovery
When the time is right, your oral surgery team will perform the procedure. The procedure typically takes several hours. Recovery at home usually takes 2-4 weeks. During this time, we'll monitor your healing closely and guide you through the recovery process, including dietary recommendations and oral care instructions.
What makes us different
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out these frequently asked questions, or call us to speak with our team.
The entire process of surgical orthodontics typically takes 18-24 months. This includes about 6-18 months of pre-surgical orthodontics, the surgery itself, and 6-12 months of post-surgical orthodontics. However, every case is unique, and your treatment time may vary based on the complexity of your specific situation.
While orthodontic surgery may be required to achieve certain results, ultimately it is an elective procedure for most people. It is more akin to cosmetic surgery than say...having your appendix removed. Many patients do decline this option and are still able to achieve a smile they love while being aware of certain limitations. Each patient is unique, we can talk about it!
There's no upper age limit for orthodontic surgery, as long as you're in good general health. For younger patients, we typically wait until jaw growth is complete before considering surgery. This usually means waiting until at least age 16 for girls and 18 for boys, but it can vary from person to person. During your consultation, we'll evaluate your growth and development to determine the best timing for your treatment.
