Because an adult's facial bones are no longer growing, certain corrections cannot be accomplished with braces alone. These skeletal problems are usually brought about by inherited factors such as chronic mouth-breathing due to an airway obstruction. They often result in a discrepancy in size and shape between the upper jaw bone (maxilla) and the lower jaw bone (mandible). However, this should not discourage the patient. Through careful planning and the combined efforts of the orthodontist and the oral surgeon dramatic and beneficial changes can be achieved.
First, orthodontic treatment is required to align the teeth within the individual jaw bone. The surgical procedure is usually done after this initial alignment has occurred. The orthodontic appliance will remain on throughout this procedure and will be needed to accomplish any final tooth positioning following surgery.
We recommend the patient meet the oral surgeon as soon as possible so that all questions and details concerning this procedure can be fully understood.
