Surgical Orthodontic TreatmentSouth Dublin
What is Corrective Jaw Surgery?
Orthognathic surgery, commonly known as corrective jaw surgery, addresses both skeletal and dental irregularities by realigning the jaws and teeth. The goal of this procedure is to improve functionality, such as speaking and chewing, and to enhance the facial aesthetics. It is typically recommended when orthodontic treatments alone are insufficient to correct significant skeletal issues.
For most individuals, skeletal discrepancies can be corrected without the need for orthognathic surgery; minor issues are often resolved with orthodontic interventions alone. During your initial consultation at Terenure Orthodontics, Dr. O’Connor will determine if jaw surgery is necessary for your specific case or if orthodontic treatment can adequately address your needs. South Dublin residents will find it easy to access Terenure Orthodontics, where we use the latest orthodontic technologies to illustrate the potential functional and aesthetic enhancements achievable through jaw surgery.
How does Corrective Jaw Surgery work?
Corrective jaw surgery entails the cutting and repositioning of jawbones to achieve proper alignment. Surgeons may need to add, remove, or reshape bone in the jaw, securing the new positions with screws, plates, or wires. This surgical process aims to improve alignment, functionality, and appearance of the jaws, often in conjunction with orthodontic treatments to ensure the teeth align correctly post-surgery.
Parking & Public Transport
We are delighted to provide complimentary on-street parking along Fortfield Drive, ensuring our patients can easily find a spot without any trouble. Convenient, frequent bus services run between most South Dublin locatoins and Terenure, making public transport a viable option for visiting the clinic.
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The Process
This appointment is to discuss your goals with one of our specialist orthodontists. It may also involve your dental and medical history, a physical examination of your teeth and jaw, X-rays, and possibly impressions of your teeth to create models.
The orthodontist will review the X-rays, photos, and examination results to devise a specific plan for moving your teeth into the correct position. This plan will include the estimated length of treatment, cost of treatment and any preparatory work needed.
This might involve dental cleaning, addressing any existing dental issues like cavities, and possibly extracting teeth to create space for adjustments. Once these issues have been adressed, it's time to move onto the next phase!
The orthodontist places attachments onto your teeth to help the aligner grip your teeth. The first course of aligners are then given to you. We ensure that the aligners fit appropriotely at this point and explain everything you need to know to start your journey.
You will have regular appointments (usually every 8-10) for progress checks. During these visits, the orthodontist will check the fit of your aligners and may advise that a new set of aligners are ordered.
The attachments and wires are carefully removed, and any adhesive is cleaned off your teeth. This is usually a quick and painless process.
To keep your teeth in their new position after the braces are removed, most patients will need to wear a retainer full time for a period following the removal of braces, transitioning to night-time wear to ensure teeth do not shift back to their original positions. Read more here.
Book a Consultation
Discuss your goals with one of our specialist orthodontists to find out what treatment option suits you best.
FAQs
Jaw surgery can involve discomfort, managed effectively with pain management techniques and medications. Patients report discomfort rather than severe pain, decreasing during the healing process.
The initial healing period is around 6 weeks, with complete healing up to 12 months. Healing time can vary based on surgery complexity, patient health, and adherence to care instructions.
Surgery duration varies, typically 3 to 5 hours, depending on complexity and goals. More complicated procedures may take longer.
Downsides include a lengthy recovery, risk of complications, temporary changes in eating and speaking, and the need for pre- and post-surgery orthodontic treatments. Our specialists will discuss these risks in detail with you so that you are fully informed.
To find out more, Book a Consultation.
Surgery is typically performed on adults after jaw growth stops, around age 18 for males and 16 for females, depending on individual growth patterns and orthodontic/surgical needs.
Begin Your Journey
Discuss your goals with one of our specialist orthodontists to find out what treatment option suits you best. We offer complimentary online consultations for all patients.