A beautiful smile is an essential part of our appearance, but it is also a sign of good oral health. However, not all smiles are perfect. Some people have misaligned, crooked or crowded teeth, or a malocclusion where the upper and lower teeth do not meet properly when the mouth is closed. Orthodontic surgery can improve the alignment of the teeth and the bite.
What you need to know about improving the alignment of your teeth
Misaligned teeth and a poor bite are quite common and can affect oral health and, consequently, the quality of life of those affected. These problems are caused by a variety of factors. Genetic inheritance may play a part, but so too can abnormal jaw development or bad habits in childhood, such as excessive thumb-sucking or prolonged use of a dummy.
In any case, when teeth are not correctly aligned or the bite does not fit properly, a number of problems tend to arise. Malocclusion can cause difficulties with speaking and chewing, as well as jaw pain or frequent headaches, and abnormal wear of the teeth.
Furthermore, it may also contribute to the development of periodontal problems, including gingivitis and periodontitis. This is due to poor oral hygiene resulting from the difficulty in cleaning misaligned teeth properly.
It is only natural that, to a greater or lesser extent and depending on the individual, all these problems affect self-esteem and self-confidence. Many women and men feel self-conscious about smiling or speaking in public for fear of revealing misaligned teeth that spoil their smile.
Fortunately, there are several treatment options available to correct both misaligned teeth and malocclusion. Whilst orthodontics and the use of braces or clear aligners is a popular and effective option, it is not always sufficient. In certain cases, particularly severe ones, orthognathic surgery is required to correct skeletal problems in the lower or upper jaw. In any event, it will always be the maxillofacial surgeon who decides which type of treatment or procedure is best for each patient.
In any case, it is important to address these issues as soon as possible, as they tend to worsen over time, further negatively affecting oral health. Consulting an orthodontist or a maxillofacial surgeon is the first step towards assessing the situation and determining the best course of action. At Clínica Birbe, we are specialists with extensive experience.
Surgery may be the solution
Orthognathic surgery is designed, amongst other things, to correct serious dental and skeletal alignment problems in the lower and upper jaws.
The process does not begin in the operating theatre, but at your first visit to the clinic. The first step is for the surgeon to carry out a thorough assessment and analysis of your case, including 3D scans that will provide a detailed understanding of your bone and dental structure, as each patient’s is unique.
Once the surgeon has established that orthognathic surgery is genuinely necessary and beneficial, they will plan a personalised treatment programme. The procedure involves making precise incisions in the jawbone, the upper jaw, or both, so that they can be moved – always with the utmost care – into their correct positions. The final stage involves fitting plates and screws to stabilise the bones.
Recovery from orthognathic surgery can take several weeks, but it shouldn’t cause any complications provided you follow your surgeon’s instructions and attend your follow-up appointments. This is essential to ensure you get through the post-operative period as quickly and smoothly as possible.
With orthognathic surgery, you will achieve perfect alignment and a perfect fit of your teeth, and your chewing and breathing functions will improve considerably. It will benefit your physical and emotional wellbeing, and you will have a beautiful, natural smile. You can call us on 34 932 124 737, send us a WhatsApp message on 34 626852363 or email us at clinica@birbe.org.
Article written by the Birbe Editorial Committee
