Surgery and Orthodontic Treatment: Which one should come first?

“Traditionally”, patients should wear braces for 2 – 12 months before surgery. During the period of pre-surgery orthodontic treatment, patients’ occlusal function and appearance are worsened. Besides, they have to tolerate with various inconveniences in daily life and receive another orthodontic treatment for 3 – 6 months after the surgery. Therefore, the overall treatment duration is relatively longer (approximately 1.5 – 2 years).

Currently, Dr. Hsieh adopts the treatment approach by surgery before orthodontic treatment in approximately 70-80% of the patients. This type of approach can greatly reduce the treatment duration. After the surgery, facial profile will immediately improve. Subsequently, teeth alignment can be corrected by orthodontic treatment (approximately 6 – 12 months). In most cases, the whole process of “surgical – orthodontic treatment” is completed within 6 months. Hence, the various inconveniences and discomforts experienced by the patients in daily life can be greatly minimized. Moreover, some foreign and oversea customers are not able to stay in Taiwan or Taipei in a long period. Therefore, most of these customers prefer the treatment approach of surgical – orthodontic treatment. However, this treatment approach may not be suitable for all patients. Dr. Hsieh will assist you in making the best decision according to your situation.