Orthodontic surgery may be required to prepare for orthodontic treatment. Whether it’s to expand crowded teeth, realign your bite, remove teeth, or expose impacted teeth, orthodontic surgery can help ensure you achieve a healthy, beautifully aligned smile.
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Why should I choose orthodontic surgery?
In certain situations, orthodontics may require a surgical treatment to either begin, progress, or finish their treatment. This is to ensure their teeth are capable and prepared to go through the orthodontic process. If you have an impacted tooth, tooth crowding, or jaw misalignment, it may stop you from being a candidate for braces or clear aligner therapy. Consequently, orthodontic surgery will ultimately prepare you for the best orthodontic results.
Did you know…
The second most common teeth to be impacted are the upper canines.
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Impacted Canines
Canines are important when it comes to your oral health and orthodontic treatment. But sometimes, canines can become impacted which can damage nearby teeth. Luckily, Dr. Bell is skilled in canine tooth exposure. Get your oral health on track with expert surgical care.
Gingival Recontouring
Some patients have a "gummy smile" that may be treated by simply exposing more of the teeth from underneath the gums. It's a quick and minimally invasive procedure that can give patients a serious confidence boost!
Sedation Options
We offer a variety of sedation options, so every patient can rest easy knowing that they’ll be completely comfortable during treatment.
Complete Care
We're proud to provide orthodontic and oral surgery care under one roof. Not only does this create a better outcome, but it also makes the process as seamless as possible.
Tooth Crowding
Patients who have severe malocclusions or significant crowding may benefit from orthodontic extractions. By removing as few as one to two teeth, your doctor can make more room in your mouth to prepare you for your orthodontic treatment. As with basic extractions, orthodontic extractions will only be performed when absolutely necessary.
Frenectomy & Frenotomy
Tongue and lip-ties occur when the band of tissue (called a frenulum or frenum) that connects the tongue to the mouth or the upper lip to the gums is too short, tight, or thick, resulting in hindered movement and other issues. Frenectomies and frenotomies are procedures that release this band of tissue to restore movement or prepare for orthodontic treatment.
Keeping Care Accessible
Everyone deserves to love their smile. That’s why we make it easy to pay for your treatment in a way that fits your budget and lifestyle.
The Benefits of Orthodontic Surgery
Ensure Proper Alignment
If your doctor refers you to get a few teeth removed or your jaw corrected, it’s often necessary to properly align your teeth during orthodontics. Orthodontic surgery may sound intimidating, but a straight smile is right around the corner!
Improve Your Oral Hygiene
Misalignment in the mouth or crowded teeth can make brushing and flossing more difficult, increasing your risk for gum disease. Orthodontic surgery is not only necessary before orthodontic treatment but a necessary procedure to improve your oral health.
Relieves Pain & Tension
Tooth crowding, impacted teeth, and misalignments of the teeth and jaw can cause discomfort and pain. Orthodontic surgery can relieve the discomfort and help you feel empowered in your smile.
The Orthodontic Surgery Process
Consultation & Treatment Planning
First, you’ll visit us for a comprehensive exam after your orthodontic consultation. We will evaluate your bite, as well as the health of your teeth and gums, and keep a lookout for any occlusal (bite) issues that may need to be addressed before or during your orthodontic treatment. Our Alpharetta dentist will come up with a treatment plan that is tailored to your unique needs and budget to prepare you for orthodontics.
Treatment
If it’s decided that you will require orthodontic surgery, your doctor may explore sedation options with you. In addition to general anesthesia, sedation can help you stay calm and comfortable throughout your treatment, so you won’t feel pain or discomfort. The procedures will vary based on your own plan, but we will let you know what to expect during your initial appointment.
Healing & Recovery
Every surgery is different, so your doctor will provide you with aftercare instructions specific to your case. However, with most orthodontic surgeries, it’s normal to experience swelling or discomfort for a few days after the procedure. You can use ice packs to reduce swelling and take any medications as directed by your doctor to mitigate your discomfort. Also, it’s important to stick to a soft food diet, or any other recommended diet, for the first 48 hours after surgery.
Before & Afters
A smile is worth 1,000 words.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does orthodontic surgery hurt?
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No! You’ll be entirely numb during your procedure, and sedation options can further enhance your comfort. It is normal to experience some discomfort after your surgery is complete, but it can be managed with cold compresses, as well as medications as recommended by your doctor.
Is orthodontic surgery covered by insurance?
In some cases, your insurance provider may cover all or a portion of your treatment. This depends on your policy’s coverage. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about your dental insurance plan, but we recommend that you get in touch with your insurance provider to see if your recommended oral surgery, extraction, or other treatment is covered. It may also be a good idea to file your claim with both your dental insurance provider and your medical insurance provider, as the surgery may qualify as a medically necessary procedure.
What is orthognathic surgery?
Orthognathic surgery is a corrective procedure that shifts a misaligned jaw bone into the proper position. This promotes good oral health as well as whole-body health. After undergoing corrective jaw surgery, patients are able to speak, breathe, chew, and bite properly. During the procedure, your doctor will make incisions behind your molars to create more mobility. From there, they will move your jaw into the proper position. Biocompatible plates and screws may be placed to ensure your jaw stays in the new placement and promote proper healing.
