Posted on 12/2/2024 by Surf City Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
When it comes to achieving a healthy, beautiful smile, many people think of orthodontists as the go-to specialists.
While it's true that orthodontists play a crucial role in straightening teeth and correcting bite problems, there's another important player in the world of dental care who can offer valuable assistance: the oral surgeon.
Oral surgeons are specialized dentists with extensive training in treating complex dental issues, including those that can impact orthodontic treatment.
They possess the surgical skills and expertise to address underlying problems that might hinder the success of braces or other orthodontic appliances.
Here are some specific ways an oral surgeon can aid in achieving your perfect smile:
1. Removing Teeth for Orthodontic Treatment: Sometimes, there simply isn't enough space in the jaw to accommodate all the teeth properly. This can lead to crowding, misalignment, and other issues that can affect both the appearance and function of your smile. In such cases, an oral surgeon may recommend extracting one or more teeth to create the necessary space for proper tooth movement during orthodontic treatment.
2. Exposing Impacted Teeth: Impacted teeth are teeth that remain trapped beneath the gum line or bone, failing to erupt into their proper position. This can occur with wisdom teeth, but other teeth can be impacted as well. Impacted teeth can cause pain, infection, and other complications, and they can also interfere with orthodontic treatment. An oral surgeon can surgically expose and reposition impacted teeth, allowing them to be incorporated into the orthodontic plan.
3. Addressing Underlying Jaw Issues: In some cases, jaw misalignment or other structural problems may be contributing to bite issues and hindering orthodontic treatment. An oral surgeon can perform corrective jaw surgery to reposition the jaw and create a more balanced and functional bite. This can significantly improve both the aesthetics and function of your smile.
4. Bone Grafting and Other Procedures: If your jawbone is insufficient or improperly shaped, it may not provide adequate support for dental implants or other orthodontic procedures. Oral surgeons can perform bone grafting and other surgical procedures to augment the jawbone, ensuring the success of your orthodontic treatment and the long-term stability of your smile.
5. Treating Gum Disease and Other Oral Health Issues: Gum disease and other oral health problems can compromise the health of your teeth and gums, making them more susceptible to complications during orthodontic treatment. An oral surgeon can treat gum disease and other oral health issues, ensuring a healthy foundation for your orthodontic journey.
6. Working with Your Orthodontist for a Comprehensive Approach: Oral surgeons work closely with orthodontists to develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your individual needs. They can provide valuable insights and expertise throughout the entire orthodontic process, ensuring that you achieve the best possible results.
Ultimately, collaboration between oral surgeons and orthodontists plays a vital role in achieving optimal results for patients seeking a healthy and beautiful smile. By working together, these specialists can ensure that your orthodontic treatment is safe, effective, and addresses all aspects of your oral health.
Surf City Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 17822 Beach Boulevard, Suite 342, Huntington Beach, CA 92647; 657-384-2787; surfcityoms.com; 12/15/2024; Page Terms:dental implants Huntington Beach CA;
When it comes to achieving a healthy, beautiful smile, many people think of orthodontists as the go-to specialists.