Are Braces Necessary for Jaw Surgery?

Posted on 3/1/2024 by Weo Admin

Braces are only mandatory for patients with teeth misalignment issues. Well-aligned teeth do not require braces.

What Conditions Require Mandatory Braces?

Not every orthognathic surgery patient requires braces. Braces are mandatory only for issues of horizontal jaw deformity, such as teeth crowding and tilting. This includes overbite, underbite, and crowded teeth. In cases of horizontal teeth misalignment, braces are necessary to realign the teeth before undergoing surgery to correct other skeletal imbalances in the jaw. In this initial stage of treatment, patients may use braces for up to 18 months.

What Conditions Do Not Require Braces?

Any person with perfectly aligned teeth does not require braces for jaw surgery. This is because the primary purpose of braces is teeth alignment. Patients with deformities in the vertical plane, commonly referred to as Vertical Maxillary Excess (VME), do not require braces. The main cause of vertical excess is overgrowth of the teeth in a part of the jaw, typically the front. Often, it is the front teeth that overgrow and protrude, giving the patient the appearance of having bunny bug teeth.

The standard surgical procedure in most cases of VME involves the orthognathic surgeon removing one or both pairs of the premolars to create more space for the protruding front teeth. Other conditions that do not require braces include a receding chin, gummy smile, open bite, and Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD).

Why Should I Consider Braces for Jaw Surgery?

Whether you have perfectly aligned teeth or not, considering braces for jaw surgery is beneficial for two reasons. First, a perfect dental structure is rare, and most people have some degree of teeth misalignment. With braces, attaining that perfect smile and optimal aesthetic function might be easy. Secondly, braces automatically correct positional change problems with any loose teeth after jaw surgery. Teeth that have previously been exposed to the force of braces are less likely to change position post-surgery before complete healing. Thus, having braces before surgery is always a good idea.

Closing Remarks

You can have jaw surgery with or without braces, depending on the nature of your deformity. However, you should seek advice from an orthodontist, orthognathic surgeon, or an oral and maxillofacial surgery expert for proper assessment and advice.

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Pacific Maxillofacial Center, 1060 Young Street #312, Honolulu, HI 96814 ~ 808-585-8455 ~ pacificmaxcenter.com ~ 10/5/2024 ~ Page Terms:Dental Implants Honolulu ~