Presurgical orthodontics
The specializations of modern orthodontics are varied and one of them is presurgical orthodontics, with the aim of correctly aligning the dental arches before proceeding with orthognatic surgery. These are cases in which maxillofacial surgery is necessary, and therefore have a certain severity.
In particular, in the specific case of children, a precise orthognathic pathway is created in which certain therapies are offered at an early age, and others in the following years. Of course, this programming is personalized according to the characteristics of the patient.
At Mercuri Orthodontie, we are specialists in the treatment of various orthodontic problems, using the most modern technologies capable of allowing us to obtain high-level results.
So let's see what presurgical orthodontics is, what are the advantages and possible shortcomings, and how we implement it.
What does presurgical orthodontics consist of?
Not all malocclusions are treatable with orthodontic treatment alone. There are cases in which it is necessary to resort to surgery. Presurgical orthodontics plays a fundamental role in this, to create a kind of preparation of the dental arch. For these reasons, it precedes the actual intervention.
For example, if we have to move the jaws, to correctly treat the malocclusion, it is better if the dental arches are aligned. The goal is to achieve a good intercuspation which makes it possible to simplify the surgical intervention.
It is therefore in fact preparatory orthodontics, which often uses fixed appliances. In this way, we will proceed in a simpler way.
We must keep in mind that the resolution of a malocclusion has a dual aesthetic and functional value. Taking care of the smile of your children is of fundamental importance for a functional speech (chewing, breathing, phonation), and it is also to be comfortable with oneself and with others. Being able to smile casually has psychological implications that are not trivial.
We, specialists, therefore ensure that this can be implemented naturally and simply, by involving the pediatric patient in the curative process to be undertaken.
Patients who are not too young, that is, those who have completed the developmental phase, can do this type of treatment. In addition, this therapeutic approach is also indicated for dentoalveolar or skeletal problems in adults.
Advantages and disadvantages of presurgical orthodontics
The implementation of presurgical orthodontic therapy inevitably lengthens the orthodontic treatment of the patient. In order to achieve visible results, at least 6 to 12 months must pass. Once this time has elapsed, the actual intervention can be performed. This is only apparently a flaw, as it will not be in the long run. So you have to be patient to get results at a certain level.
Another positive aspect concerns the postoperative finishing phase which will be much shorter. Finally, the end result will be aesthetically and functionally remarkable.
How we perform presurgical orthodontic treatment
Presurgical orthodontic treatment is usually preceded by several stages. The first of these is the first orthodontic visit.
We also perform a frontal and lateral aesthetic evaluation of the face. We then proceed to the examination of the oral cavity and the occlusion. The temporomandibular joints are also evaluated.
In the time between the first and second visit, we study the patterns detected through the impressions, and we perform aesthetic analyzes of the patient through photographs and x-rays.
It is thus possible to establish the patient's therapeutic path to be proposed during the second visit. Thanks to morphing technology, we can show the changes that the face will undergo. This is not a secondary aspect, because it is necessary to involve the patient as the protagonist of a process which actively concerns him. This applies to patients of all ages.
During surgery, when the time comes, the patient should continue to hold the device stationary to aid in the finishing process.
Pre-surgical orthodontics therefore represent an important dental approach, to achieve the primary objective of patient health.
