Orthognathic Surgery In Beverly Hills
When the upper and lower teeth do not fit together comfortably or functionally, it is the result of a misaligned jaw. The impact of a misaligned jaw can take a toll on you physically and emotionally. If the condition is severe enough, it can interfere with the way you eat, speak, breathe, and sleep. Some patients even experience discomfort or pain when their jaw is not in motion. The joint which is responsible for the function of your jaw, the temporomandibular joint, acts like a sliding hinge that connects your jawbone to your skull. This system of connective ligaments, muscles, discs, and bone is incredibly complex, and mismatched bites are a common occurrence.
There are several types of misalignments, and Dr. Rifkin offers a wide range of treatment options to correct each condition. Our goal is to help you achieve a beautiful smile and significantly improve your oral health. Once such treatment is known as orthognathic surgery.
In orthodontia and general dentistry, we refer to a mismatched bite as a “malocclusion.” There are three classifications of malocclusion:
An overbite is one is the most common form of malocclusion. An overbite is caused by the shape and size of the jaw or teeth. This could be you have too much room in the jaw, or not enough to accommodate all your teeth. Infants may develop an overbite with habits like thumb-sucking, overuse of a bottle, and consistent pacifier use. For older children, chronic nail biting and chewing on hard objects can also lead to an overbite. Other causes of an overbite include bruxism (teeth grinding), genetics, and temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ).
An underbite occurs when the lower jaw protrudes beyond the upper teeth, causing the bottom teeth to sit in a forward position when the mouth is closed. Underbites are much less common than overbites, affecting only five to ten percent of the population. A perfectly aligned bite occurs when the top front teeth slightly overlap the bottom teeth. An underbite is the exact opposite of perfect alignment. Although the extent of an underbite can vary from slight to severe, even a slight underbite can cause significant problems. If you or your child suffers from an underbite, we highly suggest you correct the alignment as soon as possible.
A crossbite occurs when one or more of your upper teeth rest inside the lower teeth when your mouth is closed. It can occur in the front teeth (anterior crossbite), the back teeth (posterior crossbite), or both. The majority of crossbites are hereditary, although there are other causes that can accelerate the development of a crossbite, including prolonged pacifier use, delayed loss of primary teeth, oversized tonsils, and mouth-breathing. Severe crossbites will negatively impact routine functions, such as chewing and talking. Like all malocclusions and jaw misalignments, early detection and treatment are key. While a child is still developing, their mouth and jaws are especially responsive to orthodontic treatment. You should strive to get immediate treatment once you detect that you or your child has a crossbite.
As the name suggests, an open bite occurs when the upper and lower teeth do not come together when the mouth is closed. An open bite is not only esthetically-displeasing, but it can also cause difficulties with speaking, often times leading to a lisp or other type of speech impediment. There are three major factors that generally contribute to an open bite: skeletal issues, dental issues, or detrimental oral habits. When a crossbite is genetic it involves skeletal issues, meaning the molars or jawbones grow away from each other. A “simple” open bite is the result of dental issues, meaning a child had a mixture of both primary and permanent teeth. Like the other malocclusions, thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, and other habits are also contributing factors.
If jaw misalignment is severe, we may recommend orthognathic surgery. Orthognathic surgery involves straightening and realigning the jaws using surgical plates, templates, screws, and wires. Usually, you have to wear braces for nine to 18 months before the surgery. After your teeth are in the proper position, Dr. Rifkin will proceed with the rest of the treatment and remove the braces. Orthognathic surgery can be a serious undertaking, but it may be the only way to eliminate temporomandibular joint pain, headaches, and severe malocclusions that make it very difficult to chew, speak, and sleep. If you do need orthognathic surgery, you’ve come to the right place. Dr. Rifkin has been in practice for over thirty years, meaning he’s seen and treated just about every oral health problem. We offer orthognathic surgery because we have the experience and skills to properly perform the procedure. Don’t put your oral health in the hands of someone who doesn’t the same reputation as ours!
To learn more about orthognathic surgery click here, or call (310) 205-5300 to schedule your consultation with the leading cosmetic dentist in Beverly Hills.
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