Surgery is a broad term, and in orthodontic, typically refers to jaw surgery. It can also refer to placing mini-implants, or temporary anchorage devices (TADs), which is another surgical procedure.
 

Mini-implants

Most people are familiar with dental implants. They are implanted into the dentoalveolar bone and support a dental crown. These stay in indefinitely and osseointegrate into the surrounding bone. Mini-implants, or TADs, are a similar material but have a different shape and purpose. TADs consist of a screw that is inserted into the bone and a head that is attached to orthodontic appliances. TADs do not osseointegrate with the bone but are retained through mechanical retention. They are useful in orthodontic treatment because they provide additional anchorage. Certain movements are not possible without TADs  so their development has advanced the field of orthodontics. We place TADs at Pittman Family Orthodontics when necessary for an ideal result.

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Jaw Surgery

Patients with severe jaw misalignment are candidates for jaw surgery during orthodontic treatment. Jaw surgery involves surgically repositioning the maxilla (upper jaw) or mandible (lower jaw). Another type of surgery is a SARPE, or surgically-assisted rapid palatal expansion. Fortunately not many patients require a surgery for a great result, but in situations where indicated, the results can be life-changing.

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Patients that require jaw surgery are managed by the orthodontist and referred during orthodontic treatment to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for surgery. The type of jaw misalignment will determine the surgical approach. The surgeon places plates to fix the bone in its aligned position and the patient wears rubber bands after surgery so the bone heals in an ideal position.

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Often patients that are candidates for surgery can choose between a surgical option and non-surgical option. The surgical option typically gives the most ideal result, but the treatment is more extensive. As patients consider their options, we are happy to answer questions or refer patients to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to get additional information.