Surgical Orthodontics in Ithaca and Auburn, NY

Surgical orthodontics, also known as orthognathic surgery, is a type of orthodontic treatment used to correct severe cases that include bad bites, jaw bone abnormalities, and malocclusion. Oral and maxillofacial surgery is one of the nine recognized dental specialties, and it focuses on treating complex craniofacial cases that involve the mouth, jaw, face, and skull. If you need surgical orthodontics, your orthodontist will work with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to ensure that you receive the best care possible.

Surgical orthodontics may be used to treat adults with improper bites or other aesthetic concerns. Typically, jaw growth stops by age 16 in females and 18 in males. In order to receive orthognathic surgery, the jaw must be done growing. The need for surgical orthodontics occurs when the jaws do not line up correctly, and a proper bite cannot be achieved with orthodontic treatment alone. Orthognathic surgery will help properly align the jaw, and orthodontic braces will then be used to move the teeth into their proper position.

How do I know if I need orthognathic surgery?

Your orthodontist can tell you if orthognathic surgery is needed as part of your treatment. Depending on the severity of your case and the alignment of your jaw, you may or may not need surgery.

An oral and maxillofacial surgeon will perform your orthognathic surgery, and the surgery will take place in a hospital. Orthognathic surgery can take several hours depending on each individual case. Once the surgery is complete, you will have about a two-week rest period. Since orthognathic surgery is a major treatment, we recommend that you schedule some time away from work and school during the healing process. After your jaw has healed, your orthodontist will once again “fine-tune” your bite. After surgery, you will have to wear braces, and most braces are removed within six to 12 months following surgery. After your braces are removed, you will wear a retainer to help maintain your new smile.

We’ve always had good experiences with Duthie Orthodontics!

A.V. Google

My daughter has been a patient with Duthie for over a year and we could not be more grateful for the support and respect that we feel each and every time we visit for care.

N.B. Google

My son is being treated at Duthie and has been seen with multiple different doctors over the course of his treatment. We are now seeing Dr Young and after what seemed like a long pause in any type of progress with prior provider we we finally seem to be moving forward. We have seen Cary multiple times and she is so good with my son. She has offered ideas and thoughts which have significantly helped with breaking brackets and preventing further delays in treatment. Everyone in the office is upbeat and kind and responsive to my questions or concerns. What used to be a dreaded appt for my son has slowly gotten more enjoyable and more importantly for a 16 year old who has had braces for much longer than we expected there is finally an end in sight. We’re happy we continued and are looking forward to seeing the end result.

J.P. Google

Shelly and Dr. Young are simply the best!! We love the kindness and outstanding care we always receive!!!

T.W. Google

We have had a wonderful experience with everyone at Duthie especially Dr. Young and Summer. They have made the whole process smooth and always made my daughter feel comfortable. We would highly recommend them and will definitely bring our younger daughter when she’s ready!

D.G. Google

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As with any major medical surgery, there may be certain risks of having orthognathic surgery. However, the process of orthognathic surgery is not new, and it has been performed for many years in practices and hospitals. If you're concerned about an upcoming treatment with orthognathic surgery, please contact our practice and let us know. We are happy to answer any questions that you may have, and provide you with any additional information. Your comfort is important to us.

For many patients, the most important reward of having orthognathic surgery is achieving a beautiful, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime. Whether you need orthodontic treatment to correct a bad bite, malocclusion, or jaw abnormality, orthognathic surgery can help restore your confidence and leave you smiling with confidence for many years to come.

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