THE RISKS OF UNDERBITE CORRECTION SURGERY

There are many people who suffer from a condition known as mandibular prognathism. Also, known as an underbite, this condition results in the appearance of a prominent chin and bite relationship where the lower teeth are in front of the upper teeth when the jaw is closed. The technical term for this condition is called a Class III Malocclusion.

To repair Class III Malocclusion the patient must go through a procedure known as orthognathic surgery. It is an intense procedure performed by an oral surgeon.  The surgeon will cut into the mandible and maxillary bone (the upper and lower jaw), and alter the bones to realign the space where the upper and lower teeth meet. This arduous surgery requires large amounts of time, and can cause ongoing health risks. However, this procedure is absolutely necessary for people who suffer from a severe Class III malocclusion.

The patient should consult with his or her dentist to see whether the severity of their malocclusion is worth the risks associated with correction. The most common concern that deters people from orthognathic surgery is the cost.

The initial surgery ranges between 30,000 and 50,000 dollars, and more often than not insurance companies place strict regulations on coverage. Insurance companies will not even consider a patient for surgery if it is not included in their medical package. They often require an orthodontic surgeon to validate the severity of the malocclusion with dental and medical records.  In the case were a patient is able to get coverage for orthognathic surgery, it is common that the insurance company will only cover half the payment and the patient is still liable for the other portion. In what is called a “co pay”.

In addition, to finding coverage for orthognathic surgery, there are expenses for post surgical orthodontic treatment. The combinations of both these procedures make the overall cost of the corrections prohibitive.

The healing process of orthognathic surgery also has drawbacks, because it requires that the patient have their mouth wired closed for a period of time. This is the only way for the jaw to heal properly. The problem with this is that the patient is put on a liquid diet, and depending on the time it takes for the mouth to be unwired causes weight loss and atrophy in the stomach.

The effects of orthognathic surgery have caused many patients to seek out an alternative. The most popular procedure that people often choose is a restorative technique including veneers and crowns. With veneers and crowns, an advanced dentist can raise the bite and add porcelain facings to the teeth bringing them forward and creating the illusion of connected teeth.

Don’t Feel Bad About Your “Gummy Smile” Anymore

 

Don’t Feel Bad About Your “Gummy Smile” Anymore

 

Do you suffer from big gums that make your smile look awkward? You may have what is called a “Gummy Smile”. A “Gummy Smile” is a hereditary disfigurement, that make the gums look large and protruding while making the teeth appear small and or misshapen. It is common for people with a “Gummy Smile” to feel self conscious, because in comparison to someone with a correct smile theirs appear to be unattractive.

 

 

 

Smiling is contributed to various health benefits. It is a known fact that smiling relaxes the body, because it releases endorphins and serotonin, this lowers blood pressure and boost the body’s immune system.

 

In social situations smiling more can make a person more approachable and easy going. It shows off confident and good genetics, and it accentuates a good bones structure that naturally makes a person look more attractive.

 

If you are a person with a “Gummy Smile” you understand that correcting this problem will improve your self esteem.  Luckily, there are a variety of “Gummy Smile” correction surgeries that can be performed by a cosmetic dentist. If you feel like your “Gummy Smile” is affecting your overall health, consider getting “Gummy Smile” surgery.

 

In cases of a mild “Gummy Smile”, dental gum surgery is in order with a procedure known as a Gingivectomy.  During a Gingivectomy a cosmetic dentist will use a dental laser to remove small amounts of gum tissue. The procedure is painless and it takes only two weeks for the gums to heal.

 

When it comes to more advanced cases of “Gummy Smile” a cosmetic dentist will perform Crown Lengthening surgery. Here, the cosmetic dentist will lift the gum off the bone and form it around each tooth. Then they will place the gum in a higher position to match the new gum level. If additional treatment is necessary the cosmetic dentist will use porcelain veneers or porcelain crowns to fix the smile. This is completed in only two visits.

 

So no matter severity of “Gummy Smile” there are surgeries to accommodate. Consult a cosmetic dentist about the best procedure for “Gummy Smile” correction. For more information, visit www.gummysmilecorrection.com