Surgical Orthodontics In Lawrence, Brockton, and Lynn

“I love this place! Dr. Small is my children’s favorite. I have three kids. The practice is very, very, efficient so we are never there more than an hour. Most of the dental assistants are very nice and the dentists are great. One of my children did not want Novocain, so they were wonderful in taking care of her.”

Sometimes, if patients have severe dental problems such as bad overbites/ underbites, jaw bone abnormalities or aren’t aligned properly (malocclusion). 

Our oral and maxillofacial surgeon has extensive training in treating these complicated cases that involve the mouth, jaw, face and skull. 

When is surgical orthodontics needed?

If you have an improper bite or an aesthetic concern, you may need orthodontic surgery. In order to receive surgery, your jaw must stop growing---typically this happens by age 16 in females and 18 in males. If the jaws don’t line up correctly, surgery will help align the jaw. Afterwards braces will be used to move the teeth into the proper position. 

How will I know if I need surgery?

Your orthodontist will let you know and review every aspect of your care plan with you. Depending upon the severity of your case, you may not need surgery at all. 

Where will I have surgery?

Typically an oral and maxillofacial surgery will perform your surgery in a hospital. Depending upon each individual case, the surgery can take several hours. Once completed you’ll need to rest for two weeks.  Because surgery involves extensive treatment, we recommend scheduling time away from work or school.

Will I have to wear braces afterwards?

Yes, and typically braces are removed within six to twelve months. After that, you will need to wear a retainer to keep your new smile.

Is orthognathic surgery risky?

While there are always risks with any type of surgery, orthognathic surgery is a fairly common procedure that has been around for decades. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons have received extensive training, including an additional 4 to 6 years of residency after 4 years of dental school. 

Do you need oral surgery? Schedule an appointment with us for more information.