Find Surgical Orthodontics in Arlington, VA
Severe orthodontic cases, including bad bites, jaw bone abnormalities and malocclusion, can affect the confidence of individuals who live with them. Surgical orthodontics, also known as orthognathic surgery, is a type of orthodontic treatment used to correct these severe cases.
Oral and maxillofacial surgery is one of the nine recognized dental specialties, and it focuses on treating complex cases that involve the mouth, jaw, face, and skull.
If you need surgical orthodontics, our expert doctors at Iverson and Wahab Orthodontics will work with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to ensure that you receive the best care possible.
When Might Surgical Orthodontics Be Needed?
Surgical orthodontics is commonly used to treat adults with improper bites or other aesthetic concerns. It’s important to understand that in order to receive orthognathic surgery, the jaw must have completed growing. Typically, jaw growth stops by age 16 in females and 18 in males.
When orthodontic treatments, like braces or clear aligners, aren’t enough to correct bad bites, there may be a need for orthognathic surgery, which will help properly align the jaw. Then, orthodontic braces or Invisalign will be used to move the teeth into their proper position.
How Do I Know if I Need Orthognathic Surgery?
Dr. Iverson and Dr. Wahab are expert orthodontists, who have treated a wide variety of cases.
When you consult with either of them, they will explain whether orthognathic surgery is needed as part of your treatment.
What Is the Orthodontic Surgery Process, and Where Does Surgical Orthodontics Come In?
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon will be responsible for performing your orthognathic surgery, which will be conducted at a hospital. The duration of the surgery can vary depending on each individual case and may last several hours. After the surgery, it is recommended that you allow yourself a rest period of approximately two weeks.
Your surgeon will explain your recovery process to you in detail. Generally, you should stick to a liquid diet during the first two weeks of recovery. Since orthognathic surgery is a significant procedure, we advise you to plan some time off from work or school to help with the healing process.
Once your jaw has fully healed, your orthodontist will make further adjustments to perfect your bite. This means braces will need to be worn after your surgery. Most patients have their braces removed within 6 to 12 months following their surgery. After you complete your orthodontic treatment, you’ll need to wear a retainer in order to maintain your new smile.
What Are the Risks Associated With Orthodontic Surgery?
The process of orthognathic surgery is not new; it has been performed for many years in practices and hospitals.
However, as with any major medical surgery, there are certain risks to be aware of. These risks include:
- Damage to your teeth.
- Some of your bones may not heal properly.
- Problems may arise, or persist, with your jaw joint.
- Numbness in your cheeks and lower lip after surgery.
- Scars may remain.
- Additional surgery may be necessary to fix what the first surgery didn’t.
- Your original bite issue may come back.
Please contact our practice if you have any concerns about an upcoming orthognathic surgery.
We are happy to answer any questions that you may have, and provide you with any additional information.
Your comfort is important to us!
What Are the Rewards of Having Orthodontic Surgery?
For many patients, the most important reward of having orthognathic surgery is achieving a beautiful, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime. Beyond this invaluable reward, correcting the alignment of the jaw and teeth with surgery has proven to result in:
- A balanced appearance of your lower face.
- An improved bite.
- Improved sleep, breathing, chewing and swallowing.
- An improvement in speech impairments
- An improvement in self-esteem
Whether you need surgical orthodontics to correct a bad bite, malocclusion, or jaw abnormality, orthodontic surgery can help restore your confidence and leave you smiling with confidence for many years to come.
Get Premier Surgical Orthodontic Treatment with Iverson & Wahab Orthodontics in Arlington, VA
We understand that having a healthy, beautiful smile can significantly improve an individual’s confidence within many areas of their life. If you’ve been struggling with a severe orthodontic issue, surgical orthodontics may be what you need to improve your quality of life.
Throughout your orthodontic journey, you can rest assured that the Iverson and Wahab family will be with you every step of the way. We provide the highest quality orthodontic treatment available, while making each patient feel valued by treating them with fairness, kindness, and professionalism.
Schedule your consultation today, and take your first step toward achieving the healthy smile you’ve always wanted.
Come See Why Iverson and Wahab Orthodontics in Arlington, VA is the Perfect Fit for You
We understand how orthodontic treatment can change your life for the better. At Iverson and Wahab we work hard so every patient gets the care they deserve. Whether you’re looking for braces, clear aligners, or just looking for an expert opinion, we’re here to help. We proudly offer flexible hours and ample free parking for all of our patients. Plus, as a single-location orthodontic practice we are always available to the patients in our Arlington community. Schedule a complimentary consultation to get started today!
