Orthodontic treatments work by moving the teeth to their properly aligned positions, delivering reliable results followed by significant functional and aesthetic improvements to the smile. However, there are instances when additional steps are required before and even during the orthodontic treatment to ensure that the desired results are achieved without any complications. Pre-orthodontic surgical treatments may be necessary to aid the orthodontic treatment’s guaranteed success.
Pre-orthodontic surgical treatment can involve a variety of procedures, including:
Exposure of impacted teeth (canine): Tooth exposure for orthodontic reason is a joint task between the orthodontist and the oral surgeon. When teeth are trapped beneath the gum line, surgical exposure can be performed to help guide the tooth into its proper position with the use of orthodontic treatment. The oral surgeon exposing the impacted tooth by lifting the gum first to gain access to the tooth. The orthodontist then places the orthodontic braces on the exposed tooth and neighbouring teeth to proceed with the orthodontic treatment.
Frenectomy : A frenum is a small fold of tissue that attaches the lips or tongue to the gums or floor of the mouth. If the frenum is too large or positioned in a way that interferes with proper dental alignment, a frenectomy can be performed to remove the excess tissue. A frenectomy may be done prior to the placement of braces, but it can also be done when the orthodontic appliance is already in place. By surgically removing the frenum, the risk of the front teeth going back to their gapped position will be eliminated to ensure the success of the orthodontic treatment.
Orthognathic surgery: In some cases, orthodontic treatment alone is not enough to correct jaw misalignments or severe skeletal discrepancies. Orthognathic surgery, which involves repositioning the jaws, may be necessary to create a stable foundation for orthodontic treatment.
It’s important to note that not all orthodontic cases require pre-surgical treatment, if you have any queries you can book your consultation with our oral surgeon consultant.
