Surgical Orthodontic (Orthognathic) Treatment

Orthognathic surgery is concerned with the correction of dento-facial deformity. It involves fixed orthodontic braces and surgery to one or both of the top/bottom jaws. In order to correct the position of the teeth and provide a functioning bite, the supporting bones of the jaws must be in the correct position. If this is not the case, orthodontics alone will not correct the bite. Surgery will be required to move the jaws into the proper position so the teeth will then meet correctly.

This is a highly complex treatment, lasting between 3 to 3.5 years. The fixed orthodontic braces remain in place for the duration of this time, with the surgery taking place two thirds of the way through the treatment.

Although at UHNS we have many patients each year undergoing this type of treatment, it is not something to be undertaken without a great deal of thought. This is why we spend a number of appointments, including a JOINT CLINIC appointment, to ensure that each individual case is properly assessed and planned.

Information leaflet on orthognathic surgery coming soon. Click here to visit our facebook page.

Joint clinic 

Consultant Maxillofacial Surgeon(s), Consultant Orthodontist(s),Specialist Registrars in Orthodontics and an Orthognathic Nurse will be in attendance at the joint clinic. There may be as many as five or six clinicians in the room. This is important to formulate a treatment plan which will give you, the patient, the best possible functional and aesthetic result.

Because of the complex nature of the planning of surgical orthodontic treatments, joint clinics often run a little late. We will always inform you of any delay to the clinic, but please be patient if we are unable to see you on time.

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