How Do I Know If I Need Jaw Surgery Before Getting Braces?

If you’re considering getting braces, you may wonder if you need jaw surgery before starting treatment. While not everyone requires surgery before braces, it’s important to understand when it might be necessary.

What is Jaw Surgery?

First, it’s important to understand jaw surgery and why it might be needed. Jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, is a procedure that corrects abnormalities or irregularities in the jawbone. This can include correcting an overbite, underbite, or crossbite and improving the alignment of the teeth and jaw.

So how do you know if you need jaw surgery before getting braces? The answer lies in a thorough evaluation by an experienced orthodontist like Dr. Neil Uffner at Broad Street Braces in Philadelphia.

During your consultation, he will examine your teeth, jaw and bite to determine if surgery is necessary before proceeding with orthodontic treatment.

Dr. Neil works with several teams of orthognathic surgeons in the Philadelphia area, including those at the University of Pennsylvania, Jefferson Hospital and Temple University Hospital. He and your maxillofacial surgeon coordinate a treatment plan that may include you wearing braces for some time to prepare for surgery.

Signs You May Need Jaw Surgery

Some of the signs that may indicate the need for jaw surgery include:

• Difficulty eating or speaking due to a severe overbite or underbite.
• Chronic jaw pain or headaches.
• An asymmetrical face or jaw.
• Difficulty breathing due to a narrow airway.
• Noises when moving your jaw.
• Uneven teeth wear.
• Problems with chewing.
• Overbite or underbite that may affect how you speak.
• A crossbite.
• Facial injuries.
• Congenital conditions affecting the jaw or bite.

If your Dr. Neil determines that jaw surgery is necessary, he will share the exact nature of your orthodontic problems and how he recommends treating them. Orthodontic surgery can correct the underlying structural issues with your jaw, which will then allow for more effective and efficient orthodontic treatment.

It’s important to note that not everyone who needs braces will require jaw surgery. In fact, the majority of patients are able to achieve excellent results with braces alone. However, if you do require surgery, Dr. Neil can help you choose an experienced and skilled orthognathic surgeon.

Philadelphia Orthodontic Treatment

If you’re considering getting braces, it’s important to understand when jaw surgery may be necessary. While not everyone requires surgery, certain conditions may indicate the need for orthognathic surgery. If you require surgery, Dr. Neil and his team at Broad Street Braces will coordinate your care with a leading area orthognathic surgeon to formulate the best treatment plan to achieve the beautiful, healthy smile you’ve always wanted.

Contact us today by phone or request a consultation online and take the first step toward a straighter, healthier and more beautiful smile.