|
What are fixed orthodontic appliances (braces)?
Teeth in your upper and lower jaws form two arches, which can
form an 'even curve' or can be outside the average/normal alignment.
The fixed appliances that your orthodontist attaches to your
teeth allow gentle but continuous forces to be applied to the
teeth to move them into or along the arch. The aim of their use
is to achieve better positions of the teeth.
How long will I have to wear a fixed appliance?
Your orthodontist will be able to advise you of how long it
will take to move your teeth into the best alignment. This will
depend on the type of treatment and also how quickly your teeth
move. It is not a good idea to move them too fast - this can damage
your teeth. Often, people wear appliances for between one and
two years.
Why do I need jaw surgery combined with orthodontics?
Orthodontics aims to correct the alignment of the teeth to improve
the function of the teeth and jaws as a chewing system and also
to improve the general facial appearance. This straightening of
your teeth is, however, sometimes limited by the (size and) position
of the jaws in which the teeth lie.
When the teeth cannot be aligned by orthodontics alone, you might
be offered orthognathic surgery, which is the correction of one
or both jaws by surgery. This has the aim of changing the (size
and) alignment of the jaws, which can allow the teeth to be positioned
better.
If this type of surgery is likely to benefit you, your dentist/oral
surgeon will discuss the options that are available.
FAQs about orthognathic surgery
|
