Orthodontic needs are often solved by skilled use of braces. There will still be times where the assistance of a maxillofacial surgeon is required, to achieve a successful, lasting outcome.
Our teeth truly blossom and sit naturally when our jaw, or the tissues surrounding them are in good order. If there are anomalies, your orthodontist may suggest an appointment with a maxillofacial consultant.
This will be with a permanent member of staff at our Harley Street clinic, who are available to help in three main areas.
Orthognathic Surgery
Alongside trauma, a need for orthognathic surgery can arise through nature. Where there is an imbalance between your upper and lower jaw, a misalignment.
A specialist surgeon can correct this, giving you a better bite and improved facial appearance. Achieving symmetry may not be possible with braces alone, they can manage discrepancies, although not always in the jaw.
There is rarely a clinical requirement for orthognathic surgery. The procedure can still be part of effective orthodontic care, to create a foundation for a smile which will look as you wish.
Dentoalveolar Surgery
The alveolar is the bone which surrounds and holds our teeth. Dentoalveolar surgery offers specialist treatment of this area, for a number of conditions.
There could be a need to remove bony spikes, or lesions from your jaw. A tooth which needs to go could be impacted, or complex to remove, or an unerupted tooth might require surgical guidance, to reach the right position.
Abnormal tissue growth may need removing, or reconstruction of bone, or tissue be required. As with changes to your jaw, the consultant surgeon will work closely with your orthodontist, to achieve the best outcome.
Other Jaw Disorders
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) is perhaps the best known, where the small joint by the front of your ear has problems which impinge on lower jaw movement.
Orthodontics can have a positive effect, by creating a proper bite, which helps your jaw move freely, rather than compensating for misaligned teeth. The joint, or nearby cartilage and muscle could also require care from a maxillofacial consultant.
Their remit extends beyond surgery, in a field of medicine dedicated to the facial area. As with orthodontists, they are experts in planning change, through x-rays, other modern imaging techniques, computer analysis and their experience.
We believe that having leading orthodontic and maxillofacial specialists under one roof makes sense. To give our patients every option they should have and make the treatment they sought truly life changing.
If you would like to learn more about the way our specialists work together for you, please get in touch at any time.
