Bite & Jaw Correction
The way your teeth come together affects the way you perform many everyday tasks—like smiling, speaking, and chewing food. Koga Orthodontics provides a variety of potential solutions for correcting bite and jaw alignment problems so you can enjoy your daily activities comfortably again.
How Do You Correct Bite & Jaw Problems?
Changing the way a person’s jaw opens and closes is an extremely delicate and personal process, so there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach. At Koga Orthodontics, we’ll perform a detailed assessment of your jaw and recommend a custom treatment plan to address your needs.
Some methods that might be used to correct your bite issues include:
- Braces: traditional braces are bonded to the teeth and use rubber bands to hold the wire inside the bracket, which can be tightened at specific points to slowly change the alignment of your teeth. Braces are available for people of all ages.
- Clear aligners: these aligners are transparent and removable, fulfilling a similar function as braces while having less of an impact on your comfort and appearance.
- Palatal expanders: this device is used for children whose adult teeth don’t have room to grow in. It slowly pushes apart the teeth already in the mouth to create space for the new ones.
- Herbst appliances: a metal device attached to rings on the upper and lower teeth that slowly adjusts the jaw’s alignment over time; often used in conjunction with braces.
- Cosmetic dentistry: some cosmetic procedures, such as veneers and dental bonding, can improve minor alignment issues with teeth. Koga Orthodontics does not offer cosmetic dentistry, but we can consult with you and your dentist to provide guidance on how these procedures might affect your bite. Note: veneers and dental bonding will not affect the alignment of your jaw.
- Surgery: in cases where your teeth or jaw are severely misaligned and other treatment options are not viable, we may recommend orthodontic surgery.
At Koga Orthodontics, we’re dedicated to providing the most comfortable and effective solutions for your bite and jaw alignment issues. Trust our team to present you with the best possible options for your needs.
Why Choose Us
Cost-Effective
We accept insurance from a broad network of providers and use current technology to correct your bite and jaw alignment problems efficiently. Count on our team for effective solutions with no unnecessary costs.
Minimally-Invasive
We look for the simplest way to correct your bite and jaw issues first—and only recommend surgery when other methods are not an option. At Koga Orthodontics we always put your comfort and well-being first.
Personalized Treatments
Our experienced team applies over a decade of experience to your individual needs. We don’t treat from a textbook; we look for the best way to solve your specific jaw and bite problems.
It’s Time to Smile Again
Frequently Asked Questions about Bite & Jaw Correction
How Expensive Is Bite & Jaw Correction?
The costs involved with correcting bite and jaw issues depend on how severely they are misaligned and what procedure is required. Generally, the less invasive a treatment is, the less it costs. For example, palatal expanders and traditional braces are considerably less expensive than orthognathic surgery, which involves making small incisions in the jawbones to alter the way they close.
The best way to find out how much your bite or jaw correction will cost is to contact our practice. We’ll perform a thorough assessment of your bite and jaw issues to create a custom treatment plan and provide you with an estimate.
Do I Need Surgery to Correct My Jaw Alignment?
Most cases of bite and jaw misalignment do not require surgery. Before recommending surgery for our patients, we consider all other available orthodontic treatments to see if we can solve your issues with a less-invasive option.
How Long Does Bite & Jaw Realignment Take?
The length of time it takes to realign your teeth and jaws depends on the type of treatment you need. Traditional braces must often be worn for 1-3 years, whereas recovering from orthognathic surgery typically takes 2-3 weeks. However, preparing for surgery can take up to one and a half years, during which we will have to level your teeth to reduce crowding and improper angulation.
During the recovery process for surgery, it is also difficult to perform everyday tasks like speaking or chewing. In addition to being more affordable, non-surgical solutions are less disruptive for patients.
How Does Jaw Realignment Surgery Work?
If you require jaw surgery to correct your alignment issues, Koga Orthodontics will consult with you to ensure that you are a strong candidate and refer you to a qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeon who can perform the procedure.
If you decide to proceed, your surgeon will perform a thorough analysis of the way your jaw is structured, and your orthodontist will work with you to adjust the alignment of your teeth before your jaw surgery is scheduled.
During the operation itself, you’ll be placed under general anesthesia. Your surgeon will then perform small incisions in your jaw bones and install custom bone plates with screws to secure your jaws in their new position. You’ll need to stay in the hospital for 1-2 nights after the operation and will likely need to wear special braces for several weeks afterward to reduce jaw movement during healing.
Who Is a Candidate for Jaw Realignment Surgery?
Candidates for jaw surgery should be old enough that their jaws have stopped growing. This generally occurs around age 16 for girls and around age 18 for boys, although every patient is different.
It’s also important to have relatively healthy teeth and gums before undergoing jaw surgery. A history of smoking, bone loss, or gum disease can all impact your ability to undergo jaw surgery successfully. We’ll discuss these factors and others during your consultation.
What Bite & Jaw Problems Can Koga Orthodontics Solve?
At Koga Orthodontics, we commonly deal with the following bite and jaw alignment problems:
- Open bite: the upper and lower front teeth are unable to meet when the jaw closes.
- Crossbite: some of the lower teeth come outside of the upper teeth during jaw closure.
- Overbite: the upper teeth sit too far down in front of the lower teeth when the jaw closes.
- Underbite: the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth during jaw closure.
To find out more about how we can help with your specific bite and jaw problems, contact our practice. We’ll be happy to book an appointment for you where we can learn more about your issue and create a personalized solution.
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