Surgical orthodontics combines braces and surgery to treat severe malocclusions. This treatment is particularly useful when teeth or jaws cannot be realigned with conventional appliances alone.
Dr Gabriel Bendahan, orthodontist in Paris 17accompanies his patients through this process, aiming to improve both masticatory function and facial aesthetics.
What is surgical orthodontics?
Surgical orthodontics combines braces with surgery to correct severe malocclusions or jaw imbalances. This treatment is essential when conventional appliances fail to realign teeth and jaws properly. The aim is to improve chewing and speech, and achieve a more harmonious face.
Dr Gabriel Bendahan, Paris 17, assesses your situation and helps you determine whether surgical orthodontics is the ideal solution.
Why choose surgical orthodontics?
Surgical orthodontics becomes necessary in the following cases:
- Severe malocclusions: when teeth don’t align properly and conventional braces can’t restore a good bite.
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders: when pain or blockages in the jaw disrupt the patient’s quality of life.
- Jaw imbalances : when the upper and lower jaws are out of proportion, creating functional or aesthetic problems.
- Mastication or breathing problems: When malocclusion prevents efficient chewing or impairs breathing.
At our office in Paris 17, we carry out a complete check-up to assess whether surgical orthodontics is right for you.
Treatment stages in surgical orthodontics
Surgical orthodontic treatment is divided into three key phases: orthodontic preparation, surgical intervention and post-operative follow-up. Each phase is essential to the success of the treatment.
Preparation with braces
Before surgery, the teeth must be prepared with braces. This phase generally lasts between 12 and 18 months. It allows the teeth to be moved into a more favorable position, simplifying the surgical procedure. Dr. Gabriel Bendahan provides regular follow-up to monitor progress and adjust the appliance if necessary.
Surgery: readjustment of the jaws
Once the preparation phase is complete, surgery can take place. It is performed under general anaesthetic. The operation involves repositioning the upper or lower jaw, or both, to restore a proper bite. The surgery also aims to improve tooth alignment and facial appearance. Dr. Gabriel Bendahan ensures that everything goes smoothly and guides you through the post-surgical phase.
Post-surgical follow-up and tooth readjustment
After surgery, it’s crucial to undergo a phase of readjustment with braces to stabilize the results. This phase generally lasts between 6 and 12 months. Dr. Gabriel Bendahan provides rigorous follow-up care to ensure proper healing and successful treatment.
Techniques used in surgical orthodontics
Techniques vary according to the nature of the problem to be treated. Here are some of the most common procedures:
Upper jaw surgery
When the upper jaw is too far forward or too far back, surgery can reposition it to restore correct alignment. This surgery can also improve chewing function.
Lower jaw surgery
If the lower jaw is too large or too small in relation to the upper jaw, an operation can realign it. This ensures a better bite and improves the appearance of the face.
Surgery on both jaws
In the most complex cases, surgery on both jaws may be required. This bimaxillary procedure corrects severe malocclusions by adjusting both jaws simultaneously.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) surgery
Temporomandibular joint disorders can also be treated surgically. The aim is to restore normal joint function and relieve associated pain.
Why choose surgical orthodontics?
Surgical orthodontics has many advantages for patients:
- Improved chewing function: After surgery, chewing becomes easier and more pleasant.
- Aesthetic enhancement: Better jaw position makes the face more balanced and improves facial features.
- Pain reduction: Surgery corrects TMJ disorders and severe malocclusions, relieving pain and muscle tension.
- Lasting results: If post-operative follow-up is respected, results are generally permanent.
Frequently asked questions
How long does surgical orthodontic treatment last?
Treatment generally takes between 18 and 24 months, depending on the complexity of the case. This includes orthodontic preparation, surgery and post-operative follow-up.
Is surgical orthodontics painful?
Surgery is performed under general anesthesia, so there is no pain during the operation. After the operation, slight discomfort or pain may occur, but this is usually well controlled with medication.
Who can benefit from surgical orthodontics?
Adults or adolescents who have completed their growth can benefit from this treatment. Dr. Gabriel Bendahan performs a thorough evaluation to determine if surgical orthodontics is right for each patient.
What are the risks of surgical orthodontics?
Like all surgery, surgical orthodontics presents risks, albeit small ones. Possible complications include infections or healing problems. However, these risks are kept under control by careful monitoring before and after the operation.
Can I resume a normal life after the operation?
After the operation, rest is recommended for a few days. It’s best to avoid strenuous physical activity for a while. Most patients are able to resume normal activity after a few days, depending on the progress of healing.
Are the results of surgical orthodontics permanent?
Results are generally permanent, provided you follow Dr. Gabriel Bendahan’s instructions during post-operative follow-up. Regular follow-up ensures that results are stable over the long term.
What types of braces are used before surgery?
Braces used prior to surgery can be fixed or removable. Dr. Gabriel Bendahan determines which type of appliance is best for each patient.
Is surgical orthodontics covered by social security?
Social security partially covers the cost of surgical orthodontics, especially in serious cases. Dr Gabriel Bendahan will explain the coverage according to your situation.
Regular appointments with your orthodontist
Surgical orthodontics offers an effective solution for correcting severe malocclusions and improving masticatory function. It can also restore facial aesthetics and relieve pain associated with jaw disorders. To find out more, or to book an appointment, please contact Dr Gabriel Bendahan in Paris 17 will guide you through the process.
Also worth discovering: functional orthodontics