Surgical Orthodontics Specialist

Freedom Orthodontics

Brendan D. Smith, DDS, MS

Trusted Orthodontist serving Cedar Park, TX and Leander, TX

If your orthodontic condition is particularly severe or complex, you might need surgery. Brendan Smith, DDS, MS, is a highly-skilled orthodontist providing exceptional surgical orthodontics at Freedom Orthodontics in Cedar Park, Texas. Schedule a visit with Dr. Smith today by calling the office or booking online, and learn more about how surgical orthodontics can benefit you.

512-200-7032

Surgical Orthodontics Q&A

What is surgical orthodontics?

Surgical orthodontics is a treatment method to address advanced skeletal problems that interfere with your ability to properly speak, bite, and chew. It’s typically reserved for more complex or severe orthodontic conditions and is also medically known as orthognathic surgery.

When would I need surgical orthodontics?

Dr. Smith most frequently uses surgical orthodontics to treat asymmetrical growth of the upper and lower jaw. Such asymmetry can result in malocclusions, or jaw misalignments, which can make it so that your upper and lower teeth don’t fit together properly when you close your mouth.

Am I a candidate for surgical orthodontics?

To determine whether you’re a candidate for surgical orthodontics, Dr. Smith performs a thorough examination of your mouth. Surgical orthodontics is typically reserved for people with conditions that can’t be treated with traditional orthodontics alone.

One of the requirements for jaw surgery is that your jaw must be done growing. This typically happens by age 18 in males and age 16 in females.

What does surgical orthodontics entail?

Dr. Smith typically performs surgical orthodontics in a hospital setting and under general anesthesia.

Once you’ve been sedated, Dr. Smith makes precise cuts in your jawbone. He then repositions it to create a better overall alignment.

Finally, he secures the pieces together using screws, wires, metal plates, or rubber bands. This helps to keep your jaw in its proper place as you heal, ensuring that your new alignment is preserved.

What is the recovery from surgical orthodontics like?

There is usually some downtime after having a surgical orthodontics procedure, and you should be prepared to take some time off of work or school while you recover. The initial healing phase takes about six weeks, but full healing of your jaw can take 9-12 months.

Dr. Smith begins fine tuning your treatment with braces or Invisalign® 4-8 weeks after your procedure. That secondary phase of orthodontic treatment typically lasts 2-6 months but can vary depending on your particular needs and condition.

To learn more about how Dr. Smith can use surgical orthodontics to improve your smile and overall oral health, schedule a consultation at Freedom Orthodontics today by phone or book your appointment online.

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