Surgical Orthodontics In Jacksonville Beach

In Jacksonville Beach, surgical orthodontics offers a solution for severe jaw misalignments and bite problems. Through a combination of orthodontic treatment and corrective jaw surgery, patients gain improved function, facial harmony, and a confident, lasting smile.

When traditional orthodontic treatment alone cannot fully correct severe jaw misalignment, surgical orthodontics offers a comprehensive solution that transforms both function and appearance. This specialized approach combines the expertise of orthodontists and oral surgeons to address complex cases where there are significant discrepancies in the size, position, or upper and lower jaw alignment.

At Lazzara Orthodontics, we understand that considering surgical orthodontics represents a significant decision in your smile journey. Our orthodontic team works closely with trusted oral surgeons throughout the Jacksonville Beach area to ensure you receive coordinated, comprehensive care. With over two decades of experience and advanced training beyond dental school, Dr. Lazzara and Dr. Poblenz bring the specialized expertise necessary to guide you through this transformative process with confidence and compassion.

Understanding Surgical Orthodontics

Surgical orthodontics addresses skeletal irregularities that affect jaw function, facial appearance, and overall oral health. This treatment becomes necessary when jaw discrepancies are too severe for braces or clear aligners alone to correct effectively.

The process begins with a thorough evaluation using advanced imaging technology to assess the relationship between your jaws, teeth, and facial structures. During this comprehensive assessment, we examine how your bite functions, evaluate any difficulties with chewing or speaking, and discuss your aesthetic concerns. This detailed analysis helps determine whether surgical orthodontics offers the best path to achieving your treatment goals.

Common conditions that benefit from surgical orthodontics include severe overbites, where the upper jaw extends too far forward, underbites, where the lower jaw protrudes beyond the upper jaw, and crossbites that affect the width of the jaw. Open bites, where teeth don’t meet properly when jaws close, and facial asymmetry also respond well to this combined approach.

The Treatment Process

The surgical orthodontic journey typically unfolds in three phases, each playing a crucial role in achieving optimal results. This helps patients prepare for their transformation with realistic expectations and confidence, ultimately enhancing their experience.

Pre-Surgical Orthodontics

The first phase involves wearing braces for 9 to 12 months before surgery. During this time, we align your teeth within each jaw, preparing them for their new positions after surgery. This preparation phase may temporarily worsen your bite appearance, but it ensures ideal alignment once the jaws are surgically repositioned.

Surgical Phase

Once teeth are properly aligned, the oral surgeon performs the procedure in a hospital setting. Modern techniques allow surgeons to reposition the jaws through incisions inside the mouth, avoiding scarring. The surgery itself typically takes several hours, followed by a brief hospital stay for monitoring and initial recovery.

Post-Surgical Orthodontics

After a healing period of about six weeks, orthodontic treatment resumes to fine-tune your bite and ensure teeth fit together perfectly in their new positions. This final phase usually lasts 6 to 12 months, resulting in a beautifully aligned smile and properly functioning bite.

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Benefits of Surgical Orthodontics

The transformation achieved through surgical orthodontics extends far beyond aesthetic improvements, though the visual results often prove dramatic. Patients experience enhanced facial balance and symmetry that brings newfound confidence in social and professional settings.

Functional improvements include easier chewing, improved digestion, clearer speech patterns, and reduced strain on the jaw joints. Many patients have relief from chronic jaw pain, headaches, and TMJ symptoms they’ve endured for years. The corrected bite also promotes better long-term oral health by distributing chewing forces evenly across all teeth.

Sleep quality often improves significantly, particularly for patients whose jaw positions contributed to breathing difficulties. The expanded airway that results from proper jaw alignment can reduce snoring and symptoms of sleep apnea.

Recovery and Results

Recovery from orthognathic surgery requires patience and commitment, but most patients find the results well worth the journey. Initial swelling peaks around day three and gradually subsides over several weeks. During the first six weeks, a modified diet helps protect the healing jaw while ensuring proper nutrition.

Our team provides complete support throughout the recovery process, coordinating closely with your surgeon to monitor your healing progress. We offer detailed guidance on pain management, oral hygiene techniques for healing tissues, and dietary recommendations that promote optimal recovery.

Long-term results from surgical orthodontics remain stable when patients follow post-treatment recommendations, including wearing retainers as prescribed. The skeletal changes achieved through surgery provide a solid foundation for lasting improvement in both function and appearance.

Ideal Candidates

Surgical orthodontics typically suits patients who have completed facial growth, usually around age 16 for females and 18 for males. Ideal candidates demonstrate good overall health, realistic expectations about the process and results, and commitment to the full treatment timeline.

During your consultation, we thoroughly evaluate your specific needs and discuss how surgical orthodontics can address your concerns. We believe in transparent communication about the process, timeline, and expected outcomes, ensuring you feel fully informed and confident in your decision.

Transform Your Smile at Lazzara Orthodontics

Choosing surgical orthodontics represents an investment in your long-term health, function, and confidence. At Lazzara Orthodontics, we combine advanced orthodontic expertise with compassionate, personalized care to guide you through this life-changing journey. Our established relationships with Jacksonville’s leading oral surgeons ensure seamless coordination throughout your treatment.

If severe jaw misalignment significantly impacts your quality of life, surgical orthodontics may provide the comprehensive solution you’ve been seeking. Contact our Jacksonville Beach office at (904) 270-8750 or submit our online form to schedule your consultation. Together, we’ll explore whether surgical orthodontics can help you get the healthy, beautiful smile you deserve.

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We’re conveniently located in Jacksonville Beach, FL, at 436 Jacksonville Drive, just minutes from the ocean. Enjoy our modern, comfortable office with ample parking available, and easy access from throughout Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, and Neptune Beach for a stress-free orthodontic visit.