Surgical Orthodontics

Highly trained orthodontist and oral surgeon Hoss Abar, DDS, MSD, and the team at Abar Orthodontics develop customized surgical treatment plans to correct a wide range of issues at their office in Pinole, California. To find out if surgical orthodontics is right for you, call Abar Orthodontics or book an appointment online today.

Surgical Orthodontics Q & A

What is surgical orthodontics?

Surgical orthodontics, also known as orthognathic surgery, is an orthodontic treatment that corrects severe irregularities in your jaw. These irregularities can cause extreme bite misalignment and negatively affect various functions such as speaking and chewing.

Since altering the shape of your jaw also shifts your teeth, the team at Abar Orthodontics always uses braces in combination with jaw modification surgery. This ensures the proper alignment of your jaws and teeth after surgery.

How do I know if I need surgical orthodontics?

The only way to know for sure if you need orthognathic surgery is to schedule an appointment at Abar Orthodontics. Dr. Abar and his expert team carefully evaluate your jaw and bite alignment before recommending the best course of treatment.

Dr. Abar only recommends orthognathic surgery to adults who are finished growing. Jawbone growth usually concludes around age 16 for females and age 18 for males, though stages of development can vary.

If you’re a mature adult who’s finished growing and suffer from an extreme bite misalignment or aesthetic concerns due to an abnormal jawbone, you might be a candidate for orthognathic surgery.

What should I expect from surgical orthodontics?

During your initial consultation, Dr. Abar thoroughly examines your jaw. He listens attentively as you discuss your concerns and treatment goals and he may take X-rays or dental impressions to evaluate your oral structures.

Then, Dr. Abar discusses the best course of treatment for your particular needs. You may need up to a year of standard orthodontic modifications, such as braces, before surgery.

The surgical procedure itself happens at the hospital and may take several hours, depending on your needs. Since every case is unique, it’s impossible to make a general time estimate.

After orthognathic surgery, you can return to work or school within a couple of weeks. Once you heal (about four to eight weeks), Dr. Abar checks your bite and makes adjustments as necessary. Most patients need to continue wearing braces for about six to 12 months after surgery.

To find out if surgical orthodontics is right for you, call Abar Orthodontics or book a consultation online today.