Although most conditions can be corrected with a full treatment of braces or Invisalign®, cases that are more severe or further progressed may require surgical orthodontic treatment.
This is why we recommend that you bring your child in for their first orthodontic exam around the age of 7 (as recommended by the AAO). While the teeth and jaw bones are still developing, Dr. Senties can treat most conditions efficiently with an appliance, a type of braces, an appliance with braces, or Invisalign.
In severe cases, when the jaw bones are done developing in the adult years, braces or Invisalign alone may not be the most effective route. This is when surgical orthodontics (also called orthognathic surgery and corrective jaw surgery) may be necessary.
When a patient experiences trauma to the face, oral and maxillofacial surgery may be required to reconstruct the face, jaw, oral cavity, head or neck.
Corrective jaw surgery is effective for treating irregularities, deformities or severe misalignments of the jaw bones.
The best way to tell whether you need surgical orthodontic treatment is by scheduling your free exam with Dr. Senties. Every case is different, so the best treatment method for you will depend on your diagnosis.
Dr. Senties provides free consultations for this reason! You can find out if surgical orthodontics would improve your quality of life with no-risk, no-obligation and no initial cost.
If you experience any of the following conditions, this may indicate the need for orthodontics. Whether your case requires surgical orthodontics or braces will depend on your specific condition.
Once Dr. Senties completes your exam, he’ll determine whether surgical orthodontic treatment is right for you. If so, he will refer you to an experienced oral surgeon to perform the procedure.
Dr. Senties will work closely with the oral surgeon to coordinate your treatment, provide you with all of the information you need to prepare, and discuss what to expect during recovery.
Your comfort is incredibly important to us! If you require surgical orthodontics, we’ll discuss everything you need to know in detail, and we’ll support you along your process to make your experience as comfortable and convenient as possible.
Not necessarily. A concern with your bite or jaw alignment does not automatically mean surgery is required. I’ll first evaluate your teeth, bite, jaw relationship, and overall facial development to determine what is causing the problem. In some cases, orthodontic treatment alone may be appropriate. If I believe corrective jaw surgery would provide a better result, I’ll explain why and discuss your options with you.
It depends on the specific problem and whether your jaws are still developing. Some orthodontic issues can be treated effectively with braces, clear aligners like Invisalign or Angel Aligner, or orthopedic appliances. Once the jaw bones have finished developing, however, orthodontic appliances can move the teeth but cannot change the underlying position or size of the jaw bones. I’ll evaluate your individual case and let you know whether orthodontic treatment alone can provide the result you need.
If you are a candidate for surgical orthodontics, I will refer you to an experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon to perform the surgical portion of your treatment. My role is to manage your orthodontic treatment and work closely with the surgeon to coordinate the overall plan. You won’t be navigating the process alone—we’ll make sure you understand what to expect before, during, and after surgery.
In many cases, orthodontic treatment is an important part of preparing for and completing corrective jaw surgery. Braces may be used to position the teeth properly before surgery and then continue afterward to fine-tune your bite. The exact sequence depends on your individual diagnosis and treatment plan. I’ll coordinate with your oral surgeon so your orthodontic and surgical treatments work together.
If you have a significant jaw discrepancy that affects your bite, facial balance, chewing, speech, or overall quality of life, it may be worth having an orthodontic evaluation. Signs can include a significantly protruding or recessed jaw, difficulty getting your lips or teeth to meet properly, or a severe bite problem. I’ll look at the full picture rather than recommending surgery based on appearance alone and will explain whether surgical orthodontics could meaningfully improve your function and long-term result.
Absolutely. An evaluation does not commit you to having surgery. My goal during your consultation is to determine what is causing your orthodontic problem and explain all of your treatment options. If surgery is recommended, I’ll walk you through why it may be beneficial, how orthodontics and surgery work together, and what you can expect throughout the process. Having a clear diagnosis and understanding your options can make the decision much less overwhelming.
We’re here to answer your questions, and we want you to know your options! Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at any time.
Dr. Senties and our experienced team are here to help guide you throughout your treatment process, from your first visit to your last visit.
Ready to begin your smile transformation process? Let’s get started with your complimentary exam at our convenient San Antonio location!
