Jaw Surgery By Your Bellingham & Anacortes Orthodontist
At Derek Damon Orthodontics, our mission is to create beautiful smiles through quality education in orthodontics and by staying on the brink of technological advances so we can provide you and your family with the best possible care. We do this by evaluating each individual patient’s needs and then developing a treatment plan that can include a variety of orthodontic treatments such as ceramic or metal braces, Invisalign and, when needed, corrective jaw surgery. Our commitment to comprehensive care in a comfortable office environment is why so many Bellingham and Anacortes area residents come to Dr. Derek Damon when in search of a highly-skilled orthodontist.
What Is Jaw Surgery?
Corrective jaw surgery, also called orthognathic (or-thog-NATH-ik) surgery, straightens and realigns irregularities of the jawbones. This can improve the way the jawbones work and can enhance your overall facial profile. Often, these abnormalities cause difficulty with chewing, talking, sleeping and other routine activities. Jaw surgery may be a corrective option if you have jaw problems that can’t be resolved with other orthodontic treatments and can give you a lifetime of healthy jaw function and beautiful smiles. Jaw surgery is not usually recommended until after your jaws stop growing, usually around ages 14 to 16 years for females and ages 17 to 21 years for males. Dr. Damon uses the latest digital imaging technology to minimize treatment and recovery time, and maximize the effectiveness of jaw surgery for his patients. This gives our patients the chance to return to their normal routines shortly after their jaw surgery.
Types Of Jaw Surgery Offered At Derek Damon Orthodontics
After many years of development and additional refinement, jaw surgery today is considered predictable, safe & routine. Dr. Damon will work with your orthognathic surgeon to develop a plan that places the jaws in virtually any three-dimensional relationship needed to establish proper jaw function and good facial balance. The following are common jaw surgery procedures:
- Mandibular Setback – This type of orthodontic surgery corrects a proceeding lower jaw. Your surgeon will make cuts behind the molars so that the jaw can be moved to its new position.
- Maxillary Impaction Gummy Smile – This type of orthodontic surgery is performed on the upper jaw to correct too much of your teeth or gums showing.
- Mandibular Advancement Lips Closed – This type of orthodontic surgery is done on the lower jaw to correct a receding lower jaw and open bite. Our orthodontist will cut behind the molars to move the jaw into its new position.
- Maxillary Advancement With Mandibular Setbacks – This type of orthodontic surgery is a two-step procedure to correct a receding lower jaw and upper jaw.
After jaw surgery, our orthodontic team will provide you with care instructions about what you can eat, oral hygiene, your level of strenuous activity, and when to return to school or work. Generally, initial jaw healing is completed within six weeks after surgery but can take up to 12 weeks.
Benefits of Jaw Surgery
Jaw surgery can correct a wide range of dental and skeletal asymmetries. Correcting the alignment of the jaw with jaw surgery can include the following benefits:
- Improved functionality of your teeth.
- Enhanced chewing function.
- Better overall sleeping patterns.
- Ability to breathe better.
- Improvements in speech impediments.
- Overall better, balanced appearance of your face.
Schedule An Appointment at Derek Damon Orthodontics Today!
When braces or Invisalign treatments aren’t enough, you can count on your local orthodontist at Derek Damon Orthodontics to provide you with the latest technologies in jaw surgery treatments to create the healthy, beautiful smile you deserve. Find out more about jaw surgery or any of the orthodontic treatments we offer by contacting us or filling out an appointment request form online. Our friendly team welcomes you to our Bellingham and Anacortes offices, and we look forward to serving you in any way we can.