Tooth crowding creates an unattractive smile, and in order to fix this problem, patients may need to undergo oral surgery. Different surgical procedures may be used, depending on the issue causing the crowding. In such cases, an oral surgeon will often collaborate with an orthodontist to implement the treatment plan and help the patient achieve the ideal results.
Surgical Solutions For Crowding Problems
In many cases, the initial approach to create more space in a crowded mouth is to pursue surgical extractions of certain teeth. An oral surgeon can provide this intervention when the upper or lower jaw is too small to accommodate all of the teeth.
Oral surgery can be instrumental in helping patients achieve their orthodontic treatment goals…
Similarly, impacted wisdom teeth may also contribute to crowding after orthodontic treatment has been completed. Patients may also consult with an oral surgeon to have these teeth removed. Ideally, this intervention will take place before the point at which crowding becomes so severe that a second round of orthodontic treatment is needed.
Sometimes, a more involved procedure is needed to address jaw malformations that contribute to crowding and other orthodontic issues. Orthognathic surgery can be used to create optimal alignment for both the jaws and the teeth.
When Specialists Collaborate On Treatment Plans
Oral surgery can be instrumental in helping patients achieve their orthodontic treatment goals and improve the long-term results of such treatment. If surgery is indicated in your case, your orthodontist will refer you for an oral surgery consult. This will usually happen early in the treatment process. When working together, the orthodontist and the surgeon will communicate regularly about treatment progress, as well as the timing of different interventions.
For example, tooth extraction typically happens prior to orthodontic treatment, but orthognathic surgery may be scheduled at some point in the middle of treatment after the teeth have been moved initially to a desired point. Then, after the patient has healed from the surgery, repositioning of the teeth through orthodontic treatment can continue.
If oral surgery will benefit your orthodontic treatment, schedule an evaluation at Commonwealth Oral & Facial Surgery to learn more about this aspect of the treatment process.