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What is Orthodontic Surgery?

Orthodontic and Orthognathic Surgery goes beyond appearance.

Conditions like overbites, underbites, lead to more than just aesthetic issues, facial asymmetry can lead to significant functional issues, like Sleep Apnea. Orthodontic surgery is aimed at correcting skeletal and dental irregularities, particularly focusing on jaw misalignment (Orthognathic Surgery) and the movement of impacted teeth such as canines. 

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Orthognathic Jaw surgery patient

Our Multidisciplinary Approach

Collaboration improves Orthodontic surgery outcomes.

Recognizing the complexities of the mouth and jaw, Dr. Charugundla employs a multidisciplinary approach. By collaborating with allied health professionals, we ensure comprehensive care that emphasizes the connection between oral health and the rest of the body.

Our team works closely together before and after surgery to enhance treatment effectiveness, facilitate recovery, and improve functional outcomes.

Treatment Philosphy

Physical Therapists

Assist with improving jaw mobility, reducing stiffness, and alleviating muscle tension through targeted exercises.

Myofunctional Therapists

Focus on retraining the tongue, lips, and facial muscles for proper posture and function.

Speech Language Pathologists​

Provide exercises to reduce snoring, improve breathing patterns and tongue posture.

Orthodontists

We work with Orthodontists create a comprehensive treatment plan that aligns surgical and orthodontic goals.

Dentists

Dentists work collaborative with Orthodontists and us to address any underlying dental issues that may impact the surgery.

Custom Surgical Guide Manufacturers

Utilizing 3D printing technology for precise surgical guides to optimize positioning.

Common Orthodontic Surgeries

When canines or molars (impacted canines and molars) do not erupt properly, they can become impacted, causing pain and misalignment. Surgical intervention can help remove or reposition gum tissue to expose these teeth, allowing orthodontic treatment to guide them into the correct position.

In certain cases, overcrowding may necessitate the extraction of one or more teeth to create sufficient space for the remaining teeth to align correctly. This is often part of a comprehensive orthodontic plan.

Wilckodontics combines orthodontics with a specialized surgical procedure that enhances the movement of teeth. This approach allows for faster orthodontic treatment times and improved stability of the teeth post-treatment.

During this procedure, an impacted tooth is exposed, and an orthodontic bracket is bonded to it. A chain is then attached to the bracket, enabling the orthodontist to apply gentle forces to guide the tooth into its correct position. This method effectively facilitates the alignment of impacted teeth, ensuring a smoother orthodontic treatment process.

In certain situations, it may be possible to transplant a tooth from one site in the mouth to another. This procedure can be particularly useful in cases of severe tooth loss or impaction.

This procedure involves repositioning a tilted or impacted tooth to its proper vertical alignment. Surgical uprighting can improve the aesthetic and functional outcomes of orthodontic treatment.

Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery)

Significant jaw discrepancies or narrow palates can lead to functional and aesthetic concerns, including breathing difficulties, dental crowding, and facial imbalance. Causes may include genetics and tongue posture.

Orthognathic Surgery realigns the upper jaw (maxilla), lower jaw (mandible), or both to improve bite function, facial harmony, and airway health. For narrow palates, treatments like palatal expansion can address issues such as nasal passage restriction and hindered development.

Orthognathic jaw surgery patient before and after

A non-surgical technique using mini-screws to widen the palate gradually and improve airway function.

A specialized appliance that anchors into the bone to achieve effective palatal expansion, often used in adults and older teens.

A procedure combining skeletal anchorage and expansion for enhanced nasal airflow and palate widening.

A surgical approach for adults where the upper jaw is carefully expanded to correct significant palatal constriction.

The Benefits of Custom Surgical Guides for Corrective Jaw Surgery

Surgical guides in orthognathic surgery are specialized tools designed to enhance the precision and effectiveness of surgical procedures involving the jaw and facial structures. Custom surgical guides are transforming the landscape of orthognathic surgery, offering significant advantages that enhance both the precision and outcomes of surgical procedures. 

Custom surgical guides are tailored specifically to your unique anatomy, based on detailed imaging and planning. This personalization allows for more accurate placement of the jaw segments during surgery, minimizing the risk of misalignment and ensuring that the desired outcomes are achieved.

With a well-designed surgical guide, the surgical team can perform procedures more efficiently. The guide provides a clear roadmap for Dr. Charugundla, reducing the time spent on adjustments during the operation. This efficiency not only helps to streamline the surgical process but also minimizes the duration of anesthesia, which can enhance your safety.

By using custom surgical guides, Dr. Charugundla can better predict and plan for the final aesthetic and functional results of the surgery. This predictability is crucial in Orthognathic Surgery, where precise adjustments can significantly affect both appearance and function, such as bite alignment and facial symmetry.

Custom guides can contribute to less invasive surgical techniques. By providing accurate placement, they can minimize the need for extensive tissue manipulation, which can lead to faster recovery times and reduced post-operative discomfort.

The use of custom surgical guides encourages collaboration between orthodontists and oral surgeons like Dr. Charugundla. These guides are often created through a comprehensive treatment plan that involves input from both specialists, ensuring that the surgical procedure aligns seamlessly with orthodontic goals.

Custom surgical guides also facilitate the development of tailored post-operative care plans. With a clearer understanding of the surgical outcomes and adjustments made during the procedure, the Summit Oral Surgery team can provide more personalized recommendations for rehabilitation and recovery.

The cost of jaw surgery varies based on individual needs. We provide clear, upfront self-pay pricing for most procedures, and if your specific surgery isn’t listed, we’ll gladly offer a detailed cost estimate. For insured patients, we’re committed to the same level of transparency and clarity regarding costs. Pricing & Accepted Insurance >

Yes, depending on your health and the type of surgery, some procedures are performed in-office, while others take place at Legacy Emanuel to ensure the highest standards of safety and care. Sedation & Pain Relief Options >

Dr. Charugundla looks forward to meeting you to discuss your hopes regarding your jaw surgery or orthodontic outcomes. Surgery will be scheduled following your consultation. Your First Appointment >