Orthodontic braces are a common treatment to straighten misaligned teeth — we all know that. What you may not know, however, is that orthodontic surgery can often be a beneficial way to prepare the jaw to receive an orthodontic treatment, like braces. A variety of orthodontic surgeries are available to enhance the success of the orthodontics as well as the overall oral health of the patient. Read more to learn a little bit about the most common types of orthodontic oral surgery offered by Dr. Koo, your Houston oral surgeon at Piney Point Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
Common Orthodontic Surgeries Available at Piney Point OMS
Tooth Extraction
Sometimes primary teeth (or baby teeth) interfere with the proper eruption of permanent teeth. If that’s the case in a child’s mouth, we’ll often choose to remove the offending teeth to ensure there’s enough space for the new teeth when they’re ready to come in. Additionally, permanent premolars may be removed when risk of impaction is present.
Corrective Surgery of Jaw
Orthodontic braces help to properly align teeth, but if the jaw doesn’t fit together correctly, corrective surgery becomes necessary to increase the success of orthodontic braces.
Exposing Canines
Sometimes the canine teeth have experienced delayed eruption or have only emerged halfway. Exposing these teeth allows brackets to be placed for braces so the teeth can eventually be drawn out fully.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Orthodontists may recommend the extraction of wisdom teeth that negatively impact the mouth’s bite.
Tooth Replacement
When one or more missing teeth aren’t replaced, other teeth nearby can begin to drift into the space left by the tooth, affecting the teeth’s alignment. If this is the case, an orthodontist will recommend a tooth replacement.
Anchorage Devices
Anchorage devices are relatively simple to place and are used to better align the teeth during orthodontic treatment. These devices can greatly improve the orthodontist’s control over the bite.
Houston Orthodontic Oral Surgeons You Can Trust
If you’re in need of an orthodontic oral surgery in preparation for orthodontic treatment, contact Piney Point OMS to schedule your consultation today. Our dentists, Dr. Koo and Dr. Weil, are equipped with the education, skills, experience, and special training necessary to perform oral surgery procedures, including those listed above — and more. We proudly serve patients and their families in areas throughout Houston and the greater Memorial area, including Katy, Bellaire, Galleria, Stafford, and Bunker Hill Village, TX.