Orthoganthic Surgery or Braces for Gummy Smile and Overbite? Dentist Answers, Tips
Orthognathic Surgery: Q&A
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Orthoganthic Surgery or Braces for Gummy Smile and Overbite?

I am getting braces, lingual on the top and regular on the bottom. Some doctors have said I need orthognathic surgery but I've also had a few tell me that if I had 4 extractions and TAD's placed that it would be enough to pull back my overbite and reduce gummy smile.

I have X-rays I can show to anyone needing to see. The other question I have is if I get just the extractions, how long will it take to have the gaps closed as I need the bottom braces off ASAP for my acting career. Thanks.

4 Doctor Answers | Asked by sashadiscover in Washington, D.C.
+2

Orthognathic Jaw Surgery For Gummy Smile and overbite

Every case is different, but your problem seems to be what we call a "skeletal deformity" and not just a dental deformity. Exstractio of teeth and TADs can help by Masking the skeletal deformity by just moving your teeth. Unfortunatley this will not help the "retruded" appearance your lower jaw has compared to your upper jaw. Also you will still have your gummy smile. Some dentists will recommend you have gum surgery to remove gum tissue for this, but... more
+2

Orthognathic surgery vs. TADs

It is hard to say which option would be better for you as a full set of records are needed to make a full diagnosis. Here are general things to think about. If you ask 10 orthodontists how to treat a case, it is possible that you will get 10 different answers and they all may be "right". I would suggest that you feel comfortable with the doctor you are choosing and that you ask him/her the pros and cons of each treatment and its outcome and your expectations (as esthetics and... more
+1

Complex Ortho

It sounds like you have a complex case with very difficult parameters to work around (your career). I would try to avoid extractions if possible. TADS (temporary anchorage devices or mini temporary implants) are great. What can also help and should be something you should investigate is periodontally accelerated osteogenic orthodontics (PAOO). This technique moves teeth much faster and gets a better result (wider arch). IT is also called Wilckodontics.... more

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+1

Each case is unique

Each patient is different, there are many  orthodontists and surgeons who work together. The end result should consider your profile, and a gummy smile can also be corrected by a periodontist after the work is completed.
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