Surgical Orthodontics

Surgical orthodontics, also known as orthognathic surgery, is a type of orthodontic treatment used to correct severe cases that include bad bites, jawbone abnormalities, and malocclusion. Oral and maxillofacial surgery is one of the nine recognized dental specialties, and it focuses on treating complex craniofacial cases that involve the mouth, jaw, face, and skull. If you need surgical orthodontics, your orthodontist will work with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to ensure that you receive the best care possible.

When Might Surgical Orthodontics be Needed?

Surgical orthodontics may be used to treat adults with improper bites or other aesthetic concerns. Typically, jaw growth stops by age 16 in females and 18 in males. In order to receive orthognathic surgery, the jaw must be finished growing. The need for surgical orthodontics occurs when the jaws do not line up correctly, and a proper bite cannot be achieved with orthodontic treatment alone. Orthognathic surgery will help properly align the jaw, and orthodontic braces will then be used to move the teeth into their proper position.

How do I Know if I Need Orthognathic Surgery?

Your orthodontist can tell you if orthognathic surgery is needed as part of your treatment. Depending on the severity of your case and the alignment of your jaw, you may or may not need surgery.

How does Orthognathic Surgery Work?

An oral and maxillofacial surgeon will perform your orthognathic surgery, and the surgery will take place in a hospital. Orthognathic surgery can take several hours depending on each individual case. Once the surgery is complete, you will have about a two-week rest period. Since orthognathic surgery is a major treatment, we recommend that you schedule some time away from work and school during the healing process. After your jaw has healed, your orthodontist will once again “fine-tune” your bite. After surgery, you will have to wear braces, and most braces are removed within six to 12 months following surgery. After your braces are removed, you will wear a retainer to help maintain your new smile.

As with any major medical surgery, there may be certain risks of having orthognathic surgery. However, the process of orthognathic surgery is not new, and it has been performed for many years in practices and hospitals. If you’re concerned about an upcoming treatment with orthognathic surgery, please contact our team and let us know. We are happy to answer any questions that you may have and provide you with any additional information. Your comfort is important to us.

For many patients, the most important benefit of having orthognathic surgery is achieving a beautiful, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime. Whether you need orthodontic treatment to correct a bad bite, malocclusion, or jaw abnormality, orthognathic surgery can help restore your confidence and leave you smiling with confidence for many years to come.

Teeth Whitening

A radiant smile is not only a sign of good oral health, but it can also boost your confidence and enhance your overall appearance. At Peluso Orthodontics, we believe everyone deserves a bright, beautiful smile. That’s why we’re proud to offer Opalescence teeth whitening — a professional-grade, safe, and effective solution to help you achieve the dazzling smile you’ve always wanted.

Opalescence is a trusted name in professional teeth whitening. Its unique formula is designed to maximize your comfort while providing noticeable results. Whether your teeth are stained from food, drink, medication, or simply due to natural aging, Opalescence can help you regain a whiter, brighter smile.

Why Choose Opalescence Teeth Whitening?

  • Professional-Grade Results Opalescence offers a level of whitening that over-the-counter products simply can’t match. From the comfort of our office, we can help you achieve significant color improvement in your teeth.
  • Customized Treatment At Peluso Orthodontics, we understand that every smile is unique. We’ll work with you to create a personalized whitening plan based on your specific needs and goals.
  • Safe & Comfortable Opalescence is formulated with a unique blend of ingredients that not only whiten your teeth but also help to reduce sensitivity and protect your enamel, making the treatment both safe and comfortable.
  • Long-Lasting Results With proper care and occasional touch-ups, the effects of your Opalescence teeth whitening treatment can last for many years.

Teeth whitening is a simple, non-invasive dental treatment that can greatly enhance your smile and boost your self-confidence. At Peluso Orthodontics, we strive to provide our patients with the highest quality of care in a comfortable, friendly environment. Our team is here to guide you through every step of your teeth-whitening journey, answering any questions you may have along the way.

If you’re ready to discover the difference that a brighter smile can make, contact us today to request a consultation for Opalescence teeth whitening. Let us help you achieve the radiant smile you deserve.

Diode Laser Treatment

Diode laser treatment provides several benefits for patients receiving orthodontic care. By using a specialized diode laser, we are able to safely and effectively remove excess gum tissue in order to expose more of the tooth’s surface for better aesthetics and function. Your gum tissue serves as a “frame” for your teeth; orthodontic lasers are used to sculpt the gums around the teeth in a way that helps improve the overall appearance of your smile. The best part of laser treatment? In most cases, there is no need for needles! We simply apply a topical anesthetic to the gum tissue being treated so all you feel is the slight movement of the laser tip.

Ideal Bracket Placement

If your gums haven’t receded properly, or if a tooth is erupting slower than expected, a laser can be used to remove excess tissue and reveal enough tooth surface to place a bracket. This can also be used to place TADs as an alternative to headgear.

Impacted Teeth

Impactions refer to teeth that haven’t erupted properly through the gums. By using laser treatment, we can assist with a tooth’s eruption without the need to wait months for the tooth to erupt on its own, or to refer to an expensive surgical procedure.

Aesthetic Gingival Recontouring

Following the removal of your braces, your orthodontist may recommend recontouring your gum line to maximize the aesthetics of your smile. Aesthetic gingival recontouring is a procedure to reshape the gum line to improve the aesthetics of your smile by exposing more of your teeth. Your orthodontist will use a laser to remove excess gum tissue around the upper teeth to make them look longer. If the gum line is uneven, aesthetic gingival recontouring can also sculpt the gum line to produce a more symmetrical, balanced smile.

Dentofacial Orthopedics

You may have noticed that our doctor specializes in “orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics.” While most people have heard of orthodontics, many are confused by the dentofacial orthopedics part of the title.

Every orthodontist starts out in dental school. Upon completion of dental school, some graduates immediately go into practice as dentists. Others choose to pursue a specialty, that requires additional schooling during a two- to three-year residency program. There are nine specialties sanctioned by the American Dental Association. You are likely familiar with some of these specialties, including pediatric dentistry (dentistry for children), periodontics (dentistry focusing on the gums), and oral surgery.

“Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics” is one of the nine specialties. Essentially, while orthodontics entails the management of tooth movement, dentofacial orthopedics involves the guidance of facial growth and development, which occurs largely during childhood. Appliances are frequently used — the more familiar braces for orthodontics, and other specialized appliances like headgear and expanders depending on what facial abnormalities are present. Sometimes orthopedic treatment may precede conventional braces, but often the two are used at the same time. So if your child gets braces and headgear, they are actually undergoing orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics.

Being skilled in both areas, our doctor is able to diagnose any misalignments in the teeth and jaw as well as the facial structure and can devise a treatment plan that integrates both orthodontic and dentofacial orthopedic treatments.

Athletic Mouthguards

Whether you’re a professional athlete or just enjoy a casual game with friends, protecting your teeth during sports activities is crucial.

A mouthguard is a protective device that covers the teeth and gums to prevent injury. While many sports require them, we recommend mouthguards for any physical activity that poses a risk to your oral health. From basketball and soccer to skateboarding and gymnastics, a mouthguard can be your best defense against dental injuries.

Why Choose Custom-Made Athletic Mouthguards?

While you can purchase a generic mouthguard from most sporting goods stores, a custom-made mouthguard from Peluso Orthodontics offers several significant advantages:

  • Superior Fit & Comfort A custom mouthguard is designed to fit your mouth perfectly. This not only makes it more comfortable to wear but also ensures it stays in place during activity, providing optimal protection.
  • Better Breathing & Communication Because of their precise fit, custom mouthguards interfere less with your breathing and speech, allowing you to perform your best while staying protected.
  • Durable & Long-Lasting Custom mouthguards are made from high-quality materials, making them more durable and longer-lasting than generic options.

At Peluso Orthodontics, we believe in the importance of preventative care. Our custom-made athletic mouthguards are an essential part of this approach, helping you protect your smile while you enjoy the sports and activities you love.

Our team will take an impression of your teeth to create a mouthguard that fits you precisely, offering maximum comfort and protection. We’ll also provide you with instructions on how to care for your mouthguard to ensure it serves you well for as long as possible.

Smiling woman wearing orthodontic night guards, posing comfortably on her bed in a portrait that reflects dental care and nighttime routine.

Nightguards & Retainers

At Peluso Orthodontics, we believe in comprehensive oral care, which extends beyond creating beautiful smiles. Our range of services includes nightguards and retainers, two crucial tools for protecting and preserving your teeth and the alignment achieved through orthodontic treatment.

Nightguards: Guarding Your Teeth While You Sleep

If you grind your teeth at night — a condition known as bruxism — a nightguard can be a lifesaver for your smile. Custom-made to fit your mouth perfectly, our nightguards provide a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, preventing damage from grinding and clenching while you sleep.

Benefits of a Custom Nightguard

  • Prevents Damage Nightguards protect your teeth from wear and tear, preventing issues like chipped or cracked teeth, enamel erosion, and even tooth loss.
  • Reduces Pain By preventing excessive pressure on your teeth and jaw, a nightguard can help alleviate symptoms associated with bruxism, such as jaw pain, headaches, and earaches.
  • Improves Sleep Quality Less pain and discomfort mean a better night’s sleep, helping you wake up refreshed and ready for the day.

Retainers: Maintaining Your Perfect Smile

After completing orthodontic treatment, retainers play a vital role in maintaining the new position of your teeth. They’re custom-made devices worn mostly at night to keep your teeth from shifting back to their original locations.

Why Wear a Retainer?

  • Preserves Orthodontic Results Retainers ensure that the time and effort invested in your orthodontic treatment are not wasted by preventing your teeth from moving after braces or aligners are removed.
  • Custom Comfort Like our nightguards, our retainers are custom-made to fit your teeth perfectly, ensuring maximum comfort while you sleep.
  • Long-Term Oral Health By keeping your teeth aligned, retainers can contribute to better oral health by making brushing and flossing easier.

At Peluso Orthodontics, we’re committed to helping you protect and maintain your smile. Whether you need a nightguard to prevent damage from bruxism or a retainer to preserve the results of your orthodontic treatment, our team is here to provide the solutions you need.