How We Work For You

Drs. Kirkpatrick and Lai are not your average orthodontists. They also specialize in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. Many people have heard of orthodontics but do not know exactly what “Dentofacial Orthopedics” means. So let’s start from the beginning!

Every orthodontist must begin in dental school. Once they complete dental school, some graduates will immediately begin to practice as dentists. Other graduates will choose to pursue a dental specialty. This usually requires additional schooling alongside of a 2-3 year residency program. The American Dental Association sanctions nine specialties, one of which being “orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics.” Most know that orthodontists straighten teeth, but most don’t know what dentofacial orthopedics means. Essentially, dentofacial involves the guidance of facial growth and development, usually during childhood.

In most cases, appliances are used –braces are the most well-known- depending upon what issues or abnormalities are present. Sometimes orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics can occur simultaneously. For example, this happens if the child is treated with braces and an expander. Because Drs. Kirkpatrick and Lai are experienced in both areas, they have the ability to diagnose any misalignments in the teeth and jaw, in addition to, in the facial structure. They can devise a treatment plan that integrates both orthodontic and dentofacial orthopedic treatments.

Surgical Orthodontics

What Is Surgical Orthodontics?

Surgical orthodontics corrects jaw irregularities to improve the patient’s ability to chew, speak, and breathe. This also helps for an improved facial appearance. Essentially, surgical orthodontics straightens the jaw.

Who Needs Surgical Orthodontics?

Non-growing adult patients are typically who is considered for surgical orthodontic treatment. These patients will usually have improper bites, as well as, other facial aesthetic concerns. Jaw growth is typically completed for girls at age 16 and for boys at age 18. Jaw growth must have stopped in order for surgery to be performed.

How Does It Work?

For pre-surgical orthodontic treatment, the patient will wear braces and visit the orthodontist for scheduled appointments. This usually lasts 6 to 18 months. Sometimes, as the jaw is being moved to its proper alignment, it might seem that the patient’s bite is getting worse. However, during surgery, when the jaws are placed into their proper alignment, the teeth will fit into their proper positions.

The surgery is performed in the hospital by an oral surgeon and can take several hours depending upon the amount of surgery that is to be performed. In surgery, the jaw behind the teeth is separated and the tooth-bearing portion is moved to its correct position. This can be forward or backward, as well as, raised or lowered. Certain movements may require the jaws to be separated and bone could be added or removed to achieve the proper alignment.

After the surgery is complete, the patient will be able to return to school or work within 2 weeks. The orthodontist will “fine-tune” the bite after the necessary healing time. This is typically 4 to 8 weeks. In most cases, the braces are removed 6 to 12 months following the surgery. A retainer will need to be worn after the braces are removed in order to maintain the patient’s new smile.