"Accelerated Orthodontics"

"How much longer before my braces come off?" is one of the most commonly asked questions of any orthodontist.  The Accelerated Osteogenic OrthodonticsTM (AOOTM) procedure, allows most patients to finish their treatment in 3-8 months. It's true!  With the AOOTM procedure most orthodontic cases in both adolescents and adults can be completed 3 to 4 times faster than would be possible with conventional orthodontics. This is accomplished by combining efficient orthodontic mechanics and time-tested alveolar decortication and augmentation techniques. The end result is straight teeth, a structurally sound periodontium, and patients that are extremely grateful.

Patients begin by having braces placed first, before having the Wilckodontics procedure performed.  They are then required to have appointments every two weeks, instead of every two months - it is imperative that patients are seen at these frequent intervals in order to obtain success.  For more information regarding the Wilckodontics procedure, call our office or visit the Wilckodontics website, http://www.wilckodontics.com/    

Dr. Diers' patient - treated with Wilckodontics procedure       

                 Total Treatment time - 8 months!                                               

  Spaces intentionally left between the teeth for placement of bondings.     

              _____Orthognathic Surgery 

Corrective jaw, or orthognathic, surgery is performed by Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons to correct a wide range of minor and major skeletal and dental irregularities, including the misalignment of jaws and teeth, which, in turn, can improve chewing, speaking and breathing. While the patient's appearance may be dramatically enhanced as a result of their surgery, orthognathic surgery is performed to correct functional problems.  Most often, patients undergoing orthognathic surgery also wear braces before and after the surgery.  Dr. Diers works with your surgeon every step of the way to assure the best results.

Following are some of the conditions that may indicate the need for corrective jaw surgery: difficulty chewing, or biting food difficulty swallowing chronic jaw or jaw joint (TMJ) pain and headache excessive wear of the teeth open bite (space between the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed) unbalanced facial appearance from the front, or side facial injury or birth defects receding chin protruding jaw inability to make the lips meet without straining chronic mouth breathing and dry mouth sleep apnea (breathing problems when sleeping, including snoring)

Who Needs Corrective Jaw Surgery?

People who may benefit from corrective jaw surgery include those with an improper bite resulting from misaligned teeth and/or jaws. In some cases, the upper and lower jaws may grow at different rates. Injuries and birth defects may also affect jaw alignment. While orthodontics can usually correct bite, or "occlusion," problems when only the teeth are misaligned, corrective jaw surgery may be necessary to correct misalignment of the jaws.

Evaluating Your Need for Corrective Jaw Surgery

Dr. Diers and your Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon will work together to determine whether you are a candidate for corrective jaw, or orthognathic, surgery. The Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon determines which corrective jaw surgical procedure is appropriate and performs the actual surgery. Your Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon and Dr. Diers understand that this is a long-term commitment for you and your family.  They will try to realistically estimate the time required for your treatment.

Corrective jaw surgery may reposition all or part of the upper jaw, lower jaw and chin. When you are fully informed about your case and your treatment options, you and Dr. Diers will determine the course of treatment that is best for you.

Common dentofacial problems include an open bite (a), a prognathic, or protruding, lower jaw-underbite (b) and a retrognathic, or receding, lower jaw-overbite (c).