Orthognathics
Orthognathics utilises a precise surgical methodology to correct severe skeletal dysplasias and thereby restore proper facial proportions. Sometimes the discrepancy between the jaws is so severe that orthodontic treatment needs to be combined with surgery to correct that imbalance. This approach provides the very best of facial harmony whilst providing a highly functional occlusion with excellent dental aesthetics. It is usually reserved for the treatment of adults for whom there is no adolescent growth left to modify or redirect.
To prepare for this treatment, accurate records are used to plan individual tooth positioning as well as the final jaw movements required at the time of surgery. Other factors considered during the planning stage are the type of malocclusion being corrected as well as the long term stability of the proposed jaw movements. Full braces are then used to move the teeth into pre-planned positions in both arches. The next stage requires an Oral-MaxilloFacial Surgeon to surgically align either one or both jaws using the previously established bite as a template to guide their exact placement.
After surgery the braces remain in place whilst the bite is detailed and finalised over a period of 6-12 months. After this time the braces are removed and retainers are issued to maintain the corrected position of the teeth.