Surgical Orthodontics
in Eastern Missouri

Demko Orthodontics offers surgical orthodontics in eastern Missouri. Contact us to make an appointment or learn more about our services.

Surgical orthodontics involves performing orthognathic or jaw surgery utilizing various orthodontic modalities. Typically surgery is discussed as an option when there are skeletal abnormalities between upper jaw and lower jaws. This treatment option often helps improve appearance and  function as well as speech, breathing, and joint health. These surgical treatments often happen alongside traditional braces. On occasion, Invisalign can also be utilized for some of the treatment plan, if not all of it. We work closely with oral surgeons to create individualized and detailed treatment plans to insure optimal results with the least amount of down time.

Surgical orthodontics may treat any of the following conditions:

• Receded or protruding jaws
• Crossbite
• Open bite
• Too little or too much tooth surface showing

The following are standard procedures in surgical orthodontics:

Osteotomy

The oral surgeon cuts the jawbone and moves it into the proper position. After moving the jaw, the surgeon secures it with tiny plates, wires, screws, or rubber bands. The oral surgeon may perform this procedure on the jaws or chin.

Bone Grafts

Frequently, the oral surgeon needs to place bone grafts to help the jaws grow correctly. This bone may come from elsewhere in the body or from a donor.

Distraction Osteogenesis

This procedure involves the use of a device called a distractor. This device pulls two pieces of cut bone apart slowly and allows new growth in between.

When the jaws are abnormally shaped or misaligned, the patient frequently has trouble speaking, eating, breathing, and chewing. In addition to these significant medical benefits, orthognathic surgery can improve the patient's appearance and facial symmetry.

Typically, patients who need surgical orthodontics have severe alignment or jaw issues. For milder skeletal issues or breathing concerns, many others can benefit from surgery though may have more options available to them. Your orthodontist and oral surgeon will work together to determine whether you or your child are a good candidate for this type of surgery. Overall, patients should be past the age where they will grow any further to receive surgical orthodontic procedures.

We provide technically advanced orthodontic care to patients of all ages. We work closely with only the best oral surgeon’s to create treatment plans for patients with severe orthodontic issues needing surgery. We have created a warm, friendly office environment where all patients feel welcome.

Minor dental surgery, like tooth extraction, is performed in the oral surgeon's office as an outpatient procedure, but significant surgery, like osteotomy, takes place in the hospital under general anesthesia. You may stay in the hospital for a few days to recover.

After jaw surgery, it may take a few weeks to return to your normal activities. You may have facial swelling and discomfort. However, you will soon make a full recovery.

Most patients with this surgery report that it is no more painful than wearing standard braces.

If you have significant orthodontic issues, you may need surgery to correct them. To learn more, contact us today to schedule an appointment.