Surgical Orthodontics, also often known as Orthognathic Surgery, is surgery to correct the positioning of one or both of the jaws. Incorrect positioning and misalignment of the jaws can cause a range of both minor and major difficulties, as well as affect your facial esthetic.
Surgical orthodontics aims to correct and reposition the jaws. Depending on the issues, it can be a multi-stage process. Orthodontic work is usually a crucial part of the Surgical Orthodontics process, because moving the jaws naturally displaces the teeth from where they had settled.
There are a range of reasons why a patient might require Surgical Orthodontics and your dentist will usually alert you to some of the reasons why you are a candidate. Problems caused by issues requiring surgery might include:
Treatment will usually begin with visits to Redwood Shores Orthodontics, to move your teeth into the right position, ready for jaw alignment surgery. This process can take from 6-18 months and will include regular orthodontic evaluation from Dr. Wu and his expert team.
After your surgery, you will usually need further assessment and evaluation to make those final tweaks to your new, amazing smile. You may need to continue to wear braces after surgery for another 6-12 months, but this will depend entirely on your progress and what work was needed.
The surgery can take from 1 to 2 hours and, in the majority of cases, there will be no external scars as all work takes place inside the mouth. Surgery can affect your outward appearance, which might take you and your friends and family a little time to get used to. Patients are usually very pleasantly surprised by the difference in their facial esthetics, as well as their newly aligned jaw and increased ability to enjoy food once again.
The initial healing process is usually fast and you can go back to your normal activities quickly. Most people return to work or school within two weeks. Longer-term healing can take up to 12 months, with regular evaluation from your oral and maxillofacial surgeon as well as Dr. Wu and the team here at Redwood Shores Orthodontics.
To understand more about the process of Surgical Orthodontics, please book a consultation. An In-Practice consultation is recommended to get a full understanding of your needs and understanding the extent of required work.
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It was a great experience to receive the help that I got when going through getting braces. A treatment coordinator named Josie was very kind and friendly. An RDA named Kim helped me throughout the time I had braces making sure I knew what to do and what to look out for. Assisting in making sure that I got my braces off as soon as possible while getting the best results. The staff were very friendly and Dr. Wu was supportive and happy to see good results. All in all it was an amazing experience. Dr. Wu gave the best option for me to straighten my teeth the fastest.
Nathan
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My first visit was all positive. Everyone made me feel extremely comfortable and seemed like they really cared about my teeth and the treatment I needed. The staff were all wonderful. I would highly recommend this orthodontist office of Dr. Wu and his staff.
John Moyer
1741210002
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