Surgical Orthodontics
Expert Surgical Orthodontic Care in Woodbury, MN
Horton Orthodontics is pleased to provide individualized orthodontic care for all patients, including those with more complex needs. Some bite problems necessitate correction via a combination of orthodontic treatment and orthognathic surgery. Others may need surgical intervention for impacted teeth. Dr. Horton works collaboratively with oral maxillofacial surgeons to create a tailored treatment plan to ensure success.
What Is Orthognathic Surgery?
Also known as jaw surgery, orthognathic surgery combines the use of braces or aligners with surgical procedures that aim to improve oral function, facial symmetry and restore balance to the size or position of the jaws. The goal of orthognathic surgery is to enable the patient to chew, speak, swallow, and breathe more efficiently and effectively throughout their lifetime.
Am I A Candidate for Surgical Orthodontics?
Most orthodontic issues can be corrected using only braces or aligners. Surgical orthodontics is reserved for patients who have more complicated cases of malocclusion that relate to jaw growth discrepancy, facial asymmetry or who may have sustained an injury to the face or jaw that requires surgical intervention. There are a few reasons that we may recommend corrective jaw surgery:
Surgical Orthodontics For Treating Impacted Canines and Other Teeth In Woodbury, MN
Impacted teeth are teeth that are unable to emerge because they are trapped, stuck or blocked under the gumline. The most common teeth to be impacted (besides wisdom teeth) are canines! This can be caused by:
Impacted canines can lead to various complications, including misalignment, crowding and even damage to adjacent teeth. Addressing the condition often requires a combination of diagnostic imaging, orthodontic techniques and sometimes surgical intervention. We strive for early diagnosis in these cases, which is imperative in preventing further complications, such as extractions, as well as establishing optimal oral health in the long term. If we start monitoring a child by age 7, we can often prevent impacted canines and the need for surgical intervention in the future.
A Collaborative Approach For Optimal Outcomes
Treating impacted teeth typically involves a comprehensive approach that varies depending on the severity of the impaction and individual patient factors. Orthodontic treatment often plays a central role in treating impacted canines, providing braces or custom clear aligners to create space and guide the tooth into its correct position. Occasionally, a simple surgical procedure may be necessary to expose the impacted tooth and attach a button or small bracket to the tooth so Dr. Horton can then utilize that to gently move the tooth into its proper place.
Individualized Treatment For All In Woodbury, MN
When surgical orthodontics is necessary, Dr. Horton works with oral maxillofacial surgeons to carefully plan and execute a tailored treatment approach to restore both function and aesthetics to the patient’s smile. Our goal is to provide the highest level of care for our patients at Horton Orthodontics, with the aim of creating a beautiful smile and helping you achieve optimal oral health and function for the future. To learn more about surgical orthodontics, contact Horton Orthodontics today.
Locally Owned and Smiles That Are Locally Grown
Individualized Orthodontic Care In Woodbury, Minnesota
Dr. Horton is a board certified orthodontist with years of experience and expertise in her field. She is proud to provide a locally owned and operated practice that offers a welcoming environment and cutting-edge orthodontic technology for all patients. Get started with the smile of your dreams today!
