3 Common Procedures Used in Surgically Assisted Orthodontics

Surgically assisted orthodontics combines orthodontic treatment with oral surgery to address tooth and jaw concerns that braces or aligners may be unable to correct on their own. An oral surgeon can work with an orthodontist to create space, guide teeth into better positions, or improve jaw alignment. Learning about the most common procedures used in surgically assisted orthodontics can make the whole process feel more familiar.

How surgically assisted orthodontics supports treatment

Orthodontic appliances move teeth by applying controlled pressure over time. Unfortunately, there can be problems with the jawbone, tooth position, or the amount of space available in the mouth. In those cases, an oral surgeon can perform a procedure that supports the orthodontist’s treatment plan. Also known as surgically assisted orthodontics, this approach may include several procedures. The goal of each is to help orthodontic treatment progress when conventional tooth movement has limitations.

Treatment planning usually begins with an evaluation of the teeth, jaws, bite, and facial structure. The surgeon and orthodontist may review X-rays, scans, photographs, and other records before deciding whether surgery should become part of treatment.

3 Procedures used in surgically assisted orthodontics

1. Surgical exposure of an impacted tooth

An impacted tooth remains trapped beneath the gum tissue or bone instead of erupting into its expected position. Canine teeth commonly become impacted, although other teeth can also have difficulty erupting. When the tooth has a reasonable path into the dental arch, an oral surgeon may expose it so the orthodontist can gradually guide it into place.

During the procedure, the surgeon creates access to the impacted tooth and may attach a small orthodontic bracket or chain. The orthodontist later uses gentle force to move the tooth toward its intended position. This process occurs gradually, allowing the surrounding tissues to adapt as the tooth moves.

2. Surgically assisted jaw expansion

Some patients have an upper jaw that is too narrow for proper tooth alignment or bite function. Younger patients may respond to an orthodontic expander alone because the upper jaw is still developing. In adults or patients with more mature facial bones, an oral surgeon may assist the expansion process.

Surgically assisted expansion creates controlled areas of release in the upper jaw, allowing an orthodontic appliance to widen it more effectively. The orthodontist then manages the expansion in accordance with the treatment plan. Adding width can provide more room for crowded teeth and improve the fit of the upper and lower teeth.

3. Orthognathic surgery

Braces or clear aligners can move the teeth, but they cannot reposition an adult jawbone. Orthognathic surgery, also called corrective jaw surgery, can help patients with significant underbites, overbites, open bites, or jaw asymmetry when skeletal development contributes to the problem.

An oral surgeon repositions the jaw according to a plan developed with the orthodontist. Orthodontic treatment often precedes surgery to position the teeth where they need to be for the new jaw position. After healing begins, the orthodontist can make final adjustments to create a more balanced bite.

Learn more about surgically assisted orthodontics

Complex tooth and jaw alignment concerns do not always mean that orthodontic treatment has limited options. An oral surgeon can evaluate the jaws and teeth and coordinate with the orthodontist. Call our office for more information today.

Request an appointment here: https://stamford.premieroralsurgeryct.com or call Premier Oral Surgery & Implantology Center at (203) 347-4046 for an appointment in our Stamford office.

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