When Braces Aren’t Enough
If you need surgical orthodontics, Dr. Ken Dillehay or Dr. JK Dillehay will work with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to ensure you receive the best care possible.
When Do I Need Surgical Orthodontics?
Surgical orthodontics, or orthognathic surgery, is a type of orthodontic treatment used to correct severe cases, including bad bites, jaw bone abnormalities, and malocclusion.
Oral and maxillofacial surgery is one of the nine recognized dental specialties, and it focuses on treating complex craniofacial cases that involve the mouth, jaw, face, and skull.
Surgical orthodontics treats adults with improper bites or other aesthetic concerns. Your jaw needs to be done growing before any kind of orthognathic surgery. Typically, jaw growth stops by age 16 in females and 18 in males.
Orthodontic treatment isn’t always enough to correct certain bite issues, so Dr. Ken Dillehay or Dr. JK Dillehay may recommend orthognathic surgery. Surgical treatment can align your jaw before using braces to straighten your teeth.
How Does Orthodontic Surgery Work?
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon will perform your orthodontic surgery in a hospital.
Orthognathic surgery can take several hours, depending on each unique case. Once the surgery is complete, you’ll have a two-week rest period.
Since orthodontic surgery is a major treatment, we recommend scheduling some time away from work and school during the healing process. After your jaw has healed, Dr. Ken Dillehay or Dr. JK Dillehay will “fine-tune” your bite with braces.
You’ll have to wear braces for 6-12 months, and after your braces are removed, you’ll wear a retainer to help maintain your new smile.
Risks and Rewards
While there are risks associated with orthognathic surgery, just like any major surgery, Wichita practices and hospitals have performed it for many, many years.
If you’re concerned about an upcoming surgery, please contact Dillehay Orthodontics and let us know. We’re happy to answer any questions that you may have and help ease your mind.
For many of Dr. Ken Dillehay and Dr. JK Dillehay’s patients, the most important reward of surgical orthodontics is a beautiful, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime.
Whether you need orthodontic treatment to correct a bad bite, malocclusion, or jaw abnormality, orthognathic surgery around the Wichita area can help restore your confidence and leave you smiling with confidence for many years to come.