Surgical Orthodontics in Thornton, CO

Surgical orthodontics is the combination of orthognathic surgery, the technical term for corrective jaw surgery, and orthodontic treatment. Orthognathic surgery is performed by an oral surgeon to reposition the jaws when patients have a severe bite imbalance. Since when the jaws move, the teeth move as well, prior to corrective jaw surgery, patients must receive orthodontic treatment. Straightening the teeth first ensures everything fits together properly when the jaws are repositioned. To learn more about your options for orthognathic surgery in Thornton, CO, schedule a free consultation with Dr. Brandon Scheer by calling us at 303-452-7777.

How Does Surgical Orthodontics Work?

Many people have a slight degree of jaw imbalance, which can be corrected with orthodontic treatment alone. However, there are rare instances when the jaws are too misaligned, making it impossible to get a good result without orthognathic surgery. If this is the case, orthodontic decompensation is required prior to the surgery.

Decompensation refers to the process of straightening the teeth and putting them all in the correct orientation within the jawbones. After the orthodontic decompensation, the patient is referred to an oral surgeon to reposition the jaws. Then, after a healing period, Dr. Scheer makes the final adjustments to create a perfect-fitting bite.

Who Can Benefit From Orthognathic Surgery?

Orthognathic surgery is reserved for adult patients who are done growing. People often seek orthognathic surgery to improve the aesthetics of their face, as well as to correct their bite. Patients may benefit from corrective jaw surgery in the following instances:

  • Deficient growth of the lower jaw, causing a deficient chin and excessive convexity to the person’s face
  • Deficient growth of the upper jaw, causing an underbite and a concave look to the person’s face
  • Excessive vertical growth of the jaws, causing a long-face appearance
  • Crossbites in adults. In children, we can expand the upper jaw to correct crossbites, but we lose the ability to do this as a person gets older
  • Airway and sleep-disordered breathing problems. Surgically repositioning the jaws can open the airway and correct airway and breathing problems without the need for a CPAP or dental splint

To find out if you’re a candidate for orthognathic surgery, schedule a complimentary consultation at Shine Orthodontics by calling us at 303-452-7777.

What to Expect from Shine Orthodontics

My First Visit

Visiting Shine Orthodontics for the first time? Find out what you can expect from our Thornton orthodontist and team!

Meet the Doctor

Our caring, knowledgeable Colorado orthodontist in Thornton is dedicated to your oral health and smile. Call today to make an appointment with Dr. Brandon Scheer!

Updated Technology

We use the latest orthodontic technologies to ensure precise, comfortable treatment. Contact us today to learn more!

Insurance Options

We accept all dental insurance providers at our Thornton orthodontics office!

Call Us: 303-452-7777

Shine Orthodontics

11989 Holly Street
Thornton, CO 80233

Hours

Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm
Saturday 8:00am-12:00pm