Transform Your Smile with Surgical Orthodontic Treatment in San Jose, CA: What to Expect

Achieving a healthy, aligned smile often requires a tailored approach, especially when complex jaw or bite issues are present. Surgical Orthodontic Treatment in San Jose, CA, can provide life-changing results for individuals facing significant jaw misalignment or bite irregularities. This treatment, also known as orthognathic surgery, combines traditional orthodontics with surgical adjustments to the jaw, delivering both functional and aesthetic benefits. Working with an experienced Dentist in San Jose, CA, and an oral surgeon ensures you receive specialized, compassionate care that aligns with your unique needs.

What Is Surgical Orthodontic Treatment?

Surgical orthodontic treatment, or orthognathic surgery, combines surgical and orthodontic interventions to correct jaw and bite irregularities. This treatment is ideal for patients whose dental alignment issues stem from a mismatch between the upper and lower jaw rather than tooth alignment alone. By repositioning the jaw, patients achieve a better-looking smile and improve chewing, breathing, and speech functions.

Orthognathic surgery is commonly recommended for conditions like:

• Severe Overbites or Underbites: Jaw discrepancies can lead to significant overbites that impact appearance and function.
• Open Bites: An open bite can prevent the teeth from meeting properly when the mouth is closed, impacting chewing and speech.
• Facial Asymmetry: Surgical orthodontics can balance the facial structure for individuals with facial asymmetry due to jaw misalignment.
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): For patients with OSA caused by structural issues in the jaw, surgery can open up airways and improve sleep quality.

If you are suffering from any of the above-mentioned conditions, contact us at Rafati Orthodontics for the best surgical orthodontic treatment.

Who Needs Surgical Orthodontic Treatment?

Not every orthodontic case requires surgery. A Dentist in San Jose, CA, will typically recommend surgical orthodontics for patients:

• Over Age 18: Surgery is best suited for adults or older teens who have completed their growth, as jaw alignment in growing patients can change.
• With Severe Jaw Misalignment: Patients with significant discrepancies between the upper and lower jaw often benefit from surgery, as braces alone cannot address these structural issues.
• Experiencing Functional Limitations: If bite issues are causing difficulty in chewing, speaking, or breathing, surgery may be necessary to improve quality of life.

How Surgical Orthodontics Works: A Step-by-Step Process

Surgical orthodontic treatment in San Jose, CA, is a multi-phase process that requires careful planning and collaboration between your orthodontist and an oral surgeon. Here’s what to expect:

Initial Consultation and Assessment

Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation to determine the extent of your jaw misalignment and whether surgical orthodontics is the right solution. During this phase:

• Digital Imaging: Your jaw and tooth structure will be assessed in detail using X-rays, 3D scans, and photos.
• Customized Treatment Plan: Your dentist or orthodontist will create a tailored plan that outlines the process, expected results, and time frame.
• Surgical Consultation: Your Dentist in San Jose, CA, will collaborate with an oral surgeon who will review your surgical needs and assess your health for surgery suitability.

Pre-Surgical Orthodontics

The first step in surgical orthodontics usually involves preparing your teeth for the surgery through orthodontic treatment, typically using braces or clear aligners. This process can last 12 to 18 months and involves:

• Aligning Teeth: Braces or aligners will help ensure that your teeth are aligned properly, preparing them to fit correctly once the jaw is repositioned.
• Regular Adjustments: Periodic adjustments will guide your teeth into the correct position over time.

This phase helps create an optimal foundation for the jaw surgery and ensures that the teeth will align correctly once the surgery is completed.

The Surgical Procedure

Orthognathic surgery is performed under general anesthesia in a hospital or specialized surgical center. Your oral surgeon will reposition the jaw bones as needed to correct misalignment. The main types of jaw surgery include:

• Upper Jaw Surgery (Maxillary Osteotomy) corrects issues with the upper jaw, such as open bite, overbite, or midface deficiencies.
• Lower Jaw Surgery (Mandibular Osteotomy): This procedure repositions the lower jaw for patients with underbites or lower jaw asymmetry.
• Chin Surgery (Genioplasty): Often combined with jaw surgery, genioplasty reshapes or repositions the chin for facial harmony.

After repositioning, plates and screws are used to stabilize the jaw in its new alignment. The surgery may last several hours, and you’ll spend time in recovery before going home.

Post-Surgical Recovery and Care

After surgery, you’ll experience some swelling and discomfort, and a soft-food diet will be necessary as you heal. A typical recovery timeline includes:

• First Week: Swelling and discomfort peak within the first week and are managed by prescribed medications. Most patients need rest and should avoid strenuous activity.
• One to Two Months: Swelling gradually reduces, and you’ll have follow-up appointments with your oral surgeon and dentist to monitor healing.
• Orthodontic Adjustments: Your orthodontist will begin adjusting to align your teeth precisely in the new jaw position.

Most patients can return to normal eating and daily routines within two to three months, though complete healing and final adjustments may take up to a year.

Benefits of Surgical Orthodontic Treatment

Surgical orthodontics offers transformative benefits for patients dealing with jaw misalignment issues. Advantages include:

• Improved Aesthetics: Correcting jaw misalignment enhances the facial profile, often leading to a more balanced and symmetrical appearance.
• Better Functionality: Bite correction improves chewing efficiency, reduces wear on teeth, and addresses speech impediments associated with jaw issues.
• Alleviates Pain and Discomfort: Many patients find relief from chronic pain associated with jaw misalignment, such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) discomfort.
• Improved Breathing: For patients with sleep apnea, surgical repositioning can expand the airway, leading to better sleep quality and reduced apnea episodes.
• Enhanced Confidence: Beyond functional improvements, many patients experience increased self-confidence from having a balanced and attractive smile.

Choosing the Right Dentist and Surgical Team in San Jose, CA

Given the complexity of surgical orthodontics, selecting a qualified and experienced team is crucial. Your Dentist in San Jose, CA, will be key in coordinating care with an oral surgeon and orthodontist. When choosing a provider:

• Check Credentials: Ensure your orthodontist and oral surgeon are board-certified with specialized training in surgical orthodontics.
• Experience and Reputation: Look for a team with extensive experience and positive patient reviews in handling complex cases.
• Consultation and Communication: An ideal provider takes the time to understand your goals, answer questions, and clearly explain the steps involved in the treatment process.

Post-Treatment Care and Maintenance

Once the surgical and orthodontic phases are complete, maintaining the results requires a focus on oral hygiene and regular dental visits. Here are some tips to preserve the benefits of your surgical orthodontic treatment in San Jose, CA:

1. Follow-Up Visits: Regular check-ups with your dentist and orthodontist will help ensure the alignment remains stable and healthy.
2. Retainers: Your orthodontist will likely recommend a retainer to prevent teeth from shifting after removing braces.
3. Healthy Diet: Avoid hard, sticky foods that strain or damage your teeth and jaw alignment.
4. Oral Hygiene: Keep up with brushing, flossing, and routine cleanings to maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.

Final Thoughts on Surgical Orthodontic Treatment in San Jose, CA

If jaw misalignment or bite issues affect your quality of life, Surgical Orthodontic Treatment in San Jose, CA, offers a transformative solution. This treatment, overseen by a skilled Dentist in San Jose, CA, can significantly improve your dental health and appearance. With advancements in surgical techniques and orthodontics, patients can access safe, effective, and lasting solutions. By working closely with a dedicated dental team, you can look forward to a future of improved function, comfort, and confidence in your smile.

To schedule an appointment with us at Rafati Orthodontics located at 827 Blossom Hill Rd., Suite E2, San Jose, CA 95123. Call or text us at (408) 226-1234 for bookings and consultations. Please visit our official website today to learn more about the various services provided to us today.