Introduction
Overbite and maxillary protrusion are common dental and facial issues that can significantly impact a person's oral health, appearance, and overall quality of life. In New York City, several hospitals stand out for their expertise in treating these conditions. This article will introduce the top three hospitals renowned for their excellence in addressing overbite and maxillary protrusion, providing detailed information on their services, specialists, and treatment approaches.
1. Mount Sinai - New York
Comprehensive Care and Expertise
Mount Sinai is a leading medical institution in New York City that offers a wide range of services for treating overbite and maxillary protrusion. Their plastic and reconstructive surgeons, along with oral and maxillofacial surgeons, work as a team of specialists to coordinate care with dentists, orthodontists, and other professionals as needed. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that patients receive comprehensive and personalized treatment plans.
The hospital's team is highly experienced in treating various jaw deformities, including those related to overbite and maxillary protrusion. They can address conditions such as mandibular hyperplasia, mandibular hypoplasia, maxillary hypoplasia, vertical maxillary deficiency, and vertical maxillary excess. These conditions may occur due to different rates of growth of the upper or lower jaw, birth defects, traumatic accidents, or the growth of tumors.
Orthognathic (Jaw) Surgery
One of the key treatments offered at Mount Sinai for overbite and maxillary protrusion is orthognathic (jaw) surgery. This procedure involves moving the upper jaw (maxilla) and lower jaw (mandible) to an anatomically correct position to achieve a good occlusion (bite), open the airway, and restore facial symmetry. Patients who require orthognathic surgery often exhibit a bad bite (malocclusion), facial asymmetry, or have moderate - to - severe sleep apnea.
The treatment sequence at Mount Sinai for orthognathic surgery typically begins with an evaluation by the orthodontist and the oral and maxillofacial surgeon. This evaluation includes x - rays, models of the dentition, photographs, facial measurements, and a complete analysis of the data. The team uses advanced 3D x - rays and computer - assisted technology for treatment planning. Once the diagnosis and surgical plan are established, they communicate with the orthodontist, explain the plan to the patient, and obtain insurance approval.
Virtual surgical planning (VSP) is also an important aspect of the treatment process at Mount Sinai. It begins with pre - operative orthodontic therapy to level and align the teeth. When the patient is ready for surgery, a cone beam 3D CT scan and 3D photo morphometry are used for VSP. This allows the surgeon to perform or “rehearse” the surgery in a virtual environment before the actual procedure in the operating room. It helps predict the outcome and is used for the design and fabrication of surgical guides using 3D printers.
The orthognathic procedure is performed under general anesthesia in the operating room with the braces in place. Internal fixation devices, such as small titanium screws and plates, are used to connect the repositioned segments to the jaws. Patients usually stay in the hospital for about 1 to 2 days. After the procedure, training elastics are used to help the patient close into the new bite. The patient's diet is limited to a liquid or non - chew diet for four weeks to allow for undisturbed healing. They return to the orthodontist 6 to 8 weeks after the surgical procedure for post - operative orthodontic treatment to “fine - tune” and perfect the final occlusion.
Other Oral and Maxillofacial Treatments
In addition to orthognathic surgery, Mount Sinai offers other oral and maxillofacial treatments that may be relevant to patients with overbite and maxillary protrusion. These include bone grafting, which allows for the placement of bone in portions of the jaw that need additional structural support and stimulates new bone growth. Their dental implant program is also well - established, using non - removable prostheses that function like natural teeth. The hospital's dedicated oral pathologist specializes in evaluating specimens of the jawbone and oral cavity to diagnose conditions such as cysts, salivary gland tumors, oral cancer, and disorders related to the jawbone, lip, and palate. They also have vast expertise in wisdom tooth extraction, especially for “impacted” wisdom teeth.
2. Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of New York
Understanding Corrective Jaw Surgery
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of New York is another top - tier facility for treating overbite and maxillary protrusion. They specialize in corrective jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery. This surgery is necessary when the jaws don't meet correctly and the teeth don't fit properly with the jaws. While orthodontics straightens the teeth, corrective jaw surgery repositions the misaligned jaw, improving both facial appearance and ensuring proper teeth alignment and function.
There are several symptoms that can indicate the need for corrective jaw surgery, including difficulty chewing and swallowing food, chronic jaw joint pain that often causes headaches, constant mouth breathing which may affect sleep apnea, spaces between the upper and lower sets of teeth when the mouth is closed, and problems closing the lips together without pain or strain.
Differences between Upper and Lower Jaw Surgery
At Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of New York, they distinguish between upper and lower jaw surgeries based on the individual patient's needs. Lower jaw surgery typically involves separating the rear part of the jaw from the front part in the sagittal plane, known as bilateral sagittal split osteotomy. The bones slide on top of each other, and there is no gap between them. The front area, which supports the teeth, allows the lower portion of the jaw to be moved forward or backward. The surgeon then inserts screws and surgical plates to reposition the bone segments.
Upper jaw surgery, on the other hand, involves separating the tooth - bearing area of the jaw so that the base can be moved in different directions (down, up, forward, and backward). As in lower jaw surgery, screws and surgical plates are used to fasten the jaw in the new position. Some patients may need bone to be added to or removed from the jaw, or it may need to be reshaped. Upper jaw surgery recovery may involve a bite guide to maintain correct bite alignment during the recovery process.
Preparation, Surgery, and Recovery Process
Dr. Majid Jamali at Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of New York suggests that patients first see a surgeon to determine if they are a good candidate for surgery. If so, they will be assisted in choosing a qualified orthodontist to start the presurgical orthodontic treatment. The patient will discuss different types, lengths, and costs of orthodontic treatment with the orthodontist. In many cases, they use Invisalign for treatment.
Dr. Jamali will then discuss the case with the orthodontist and plan the surgery. It will be decided if the patient needs to remove their wisdom teeth or bicuspids. The presurgical orthodontic treatment may take anywhere from 6 - 24 months, depending on the case. Its purpose is to straighten the teeth before and after the surgery and ensure proper bite alignment during jaw repositioning.
Once the surgeon believes the teeth are properly aligned, the surgery takes place in the hospital under general anesthesia. The duration of the surgery depends on the procedure and the complexity of the case. After the surgery, there is a post - surgical orthodontic treatment that usually takes between 4 - 6 months.
Jaw surgery is generally not performed on children unless they have birth conditions or severe orthodontic problems. Females usually stop growing at around 15 years old, and males at around 18 years old, which is typically the appropriate time for the surgery. During the recovery period, patients can expect some discomfort, swelling, and possible side effects such as infection, bleeding, nausea, and vomiting, although these are relatively rare. The first week is usually the most uncomfortable, but patients typically improve significantly over the next few weeks. The diet is restricted to liquids for the first 6 weeks, followed by a soft diet for the next 6 weeks, and then a regular diet after 12 weeks. Activity is also limited, especially contact activities, for 5 - 6 months until the bone has fully healed.
3. Weill Cornell Medicine and New York - Presbyterian
Specialized Care for Overbite and Maxillary Protrusion
Weill Cornell Medicine and New York - Presbyterian is a prestigious medical institution that offers specialized care for overbite and maxillary protrusion. Their team of oral and maxillofacial surgeons are experts in orthognathic / corrective jaw surgery for overbites, underbites, and cross - bites. The goal of orthognathic surgery at this hospital is to correct these conditions, as they can be the root causes of improper chewing, facial dysfunction, speech issues, joint pain, and sleep disorders.
The hospital provides convenient and individualized care, creating a supportive and comfortable environment for patients. Their multidisciplinary approach coordinates complex care from both orthodontics and surgery, ensuring focused support before, during, and after the surgery.
Surgical Correction of Maxillofacial Skeletal Deformities
Weill Cornell Medicine focuses on the surgical correction of maxillofacial skeletal deformities related to overbite and maxillary protrusion. These deformities can be caused by various factors such as genetic, environmental, developmental, functional, or pathologic aberrations. Musculoskeletal deformities of the facial bones can occur in different planes of space and in one or both jaws. The surgical procedures involve repositioning and recontouring the facial bones to correct functional and/or pathologic problems and restore or improve function.
What to Expect Before and After Surgery
Before surgery at Weill Cornell Medicine, the team will collect data in the form of radiographs, measurements of the face and teeth, clinical photographs, and health history. They will answer any questions from the patient and their family, analyze the data, create models of the bite, and develop a comprehensive plan to correct the problem. The patient will work with an orthodontist to move the teeth into the correct position within the jawbone, usually with braces for six to twelve months. The surgeon will check on the patient periodically during this time. When the teeth are close to alignment, the surgery will be scheduled.
After the teeth are aligned, new diagnostic records are obtained, and computer - assisted digital surgical planning is performed. The patient will receive detailed instructions for the days leading up to and the day of the surgery. The surgery takes place at New York - Presbyterian Hospital, Cornell campus, one of the top - ranked hospitals in the country. The patient can expect to stay in the hospital for one to two nights. Approximately six weeks after surgery, the patient will return to the orthodontist to finish aligning the teeth to the new jaw position. For the first six to eight weeks after surgery, the patient's bones will be healing, and they will be restricted to a diet of liquids and soft foods. Activity will also be limited, and the patient and the surgeon will discuss the return to full activity.
Comparison of the Three Hospitals
| Hospital | Specialty Areas | Treatment Approaches | Recovery and Aftercare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Sinai - New York | Orthognathic surgery, bone grafting, dental implants, oral pathology | Multidisciplinary team, advanced 3D technology, virtual surgical planning | Short hospital stay, specific diet restrictions, post - operative orthodontics |
| Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of New York | Corrective jaw surgery (upper and lower jaw) | Individualized treatment plans, presurgical and post - surgical orthodontics | Progressive improvement in recovery, specific diet and activity restrictions |
| Weill Cornell Medicine and New York - Presbyterian | Orthognathic surgery, correction of maxillofacial skeletal deformities | Multidisciplinary care, computer - assisted digital surgical planning | Hospital stay, post - surgery orthodontics, diet and activity limitations during healing |
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mount Sinai - New York, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of New York, and Weill Cornell Medicine and New York - Presbyterian are the top three hospitals in New York City for treating overbite and maxillary protrusion. Each hospital offers unique strengths, including experienced specialists, advanced treatment techniques, and comprehensive care. Whether it's the multidisciplinary approach at Mount Sinai, the detailed corrective jaw surgery protocols at Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of New York, or the specialized care for skeletal deformities at Weill Cornell Medicine, patients can find high - quality treatment options for their specific needs.
If you or someone you know is struggling with overbite or maxillary protrusion, we encourage you to research these hospitals further, consult with their specialists, and make an informed decision about the best course of treatment. Don't let these dental and facial issues affect your quality of life any longer. Take the first step towards a healthier and more confident you by seeking professional help from these leading institutions.
