Surgical orthodontics can correct jaw misalignments and related problems that don’t respond to traditional orthodontic treatment. At Torok Orthodontics, the caring team provides surgical orthodontics consultations for people of all ages at two convenient locations in Santa Monica and the Westchester neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. To schedule your appointment, call the office nearest you or book online today.

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What is surgical orthodontics?

Surgical orthodontics, or orthognathic surgery, is a group of procedures used to correct problems that affect the face and jaw. If you have misaligned teeth or jaws and they don’t respond to traditional orthodontic treatment like braces, you may have problems biting and chewing. These issues also increase your risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Surgical orthodontics provides a safe and effective treatment that lowers your risk of future complications.

Why would I need surgical orthodontics?

Surgical orthodontics works to address common alignment issues and health problems that affect adults. After the age of 18, your jaws and facial bones stop growing. As a result, the only way to physically modify them is through surgery. You might also need surgical orthodontics if you suffer a traumatic facial injury as a result of an automobile accident or work-related injury. 

What is the surgical orthodontics treatment process?

The team at Torok Orthodontics doesn’t conduct surgical orthodontics on-site. Instead, they refer treatment to orthognathic surgeons in the Los Angeles area. 

Treatment begins with a consultation. During this appointment, Dr. Torok conducts an oral exam, reviews your oral health history, and asks you questions about your goals for treatment. Next, she takes a series of digital impressions and X-rays with the cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) system to map out a custom care plan. After this initial work, Dr. Torok refers you to a surgeon.

Following surgery, you return to Torok Orthodontics, and Dr. Torok conducts a post-operative check. This includes recommendations to speed up your body’s healing process as well as a treatment plan for the future. 

Depending on your individual needs, this might include facially driven orthodontics or growth modification techniques. Facially driven orthodontics uses 3D imaging and photographs to develop a custom treatment plan that complements your facial structure. Growth modification techniques change the size and position of your jaws by taking advantage of any remaining growth. This type of orthodontic treatment is ideal for children and teens.

Do I need orthodontic treatment prior to surgery?

The team at Torok Orthodontics usually recommends orthodontic treatment prior to surgery. This helps to align your teeth so that they’re straight following your operation. Properly aligned teeth can also speed up the recovery process. You still need to wear braces following surgery, but it’s important to establish a foundation beforehand.

To learn more about the benefits of surgical orthodontics, schedule an appointment at Torok Orthodontics. Call the office nearest you or book online today.