Minor oral surgery for orthodontic reasons

Oral surgery may be part of your orthodontic treatment plan, coordinated between your specialist orthodontist and Oral & Maxillofacial surgeon.  This sort of surgery would be undertaken to eliminate crowding of your teeth, assist impacted teeth to be ‘pulled’ into the bite or removed, and to assist in the movement of teeth in ways that cannot be achieved with orthodontics alone.

Occasionally, teeth other than wisdom teeth may become impacted or additional supernumerary teeth may hinder orthodontic alignment.  Early intervention in growing patients may enable the patient to maintain and use these teeth.  Your orthodontist may recommend a procedure called an exposure which your surgeon will perform to encourage the tooth to erupt. This may or may not involve a small metal bracket and chain being secured to the tooth to guide it into its desired position.

Some cases may involve the placement of what is termed skeletal anchorage, or small metal plates or screws which are secured next to the teeth so that the specialist orthodontist can attached elastic chains to these plates to perform movements on teeth not otherwise possible.

These forms of surgery are typically minor day surgery procedures and will occur at the start of your orthodontic plan.  Recovery is usually within several days although long term review is required to ensure the intended outcome is achieved.

Your surgeon will explain the proposed surgery at your consultation with the benefit of your x-rays.  Sometimes 3D imaging is required to locate where the impacted tooth is located and your specialist will arrange this. They will discuss the expected post-operative course of treatment and then coordinate the care and follow-up.