Top Three Hospitals for Underbite Correction in New York City

Underbite is a common dental and maxillofacial issue that can affect a person's chewing, speaking, and facial appearance. Correcting an underbite often requires a combination of orthodontic treatment and orthognathic surgery. In New York City, there are several excellent hospitals with top - notch medical teams and advanced technologies for underbite correction. Here are the top three hospitals recommended for you.

1. Mount Sinai Hospital

Comprehensive Treatment Services

Mount Sinai's division of oral and maxillofacial surgery offers a wide range of services for underbite correction. One of the common procedures is orthognathic / corrective jaw surgery. This surgery involves moving the upper jaw (maxilla) and lower jaw (mandible) to an anatomically correct position. According to the hospital's official information, this not only allows for a good occlusion (bite) but also helps with opening the airway and achieving facial symmetry. For patients with a bad bite (malocclusion), facial asymmetry, or moderate - to - severe sleep apnea, orthognathic surgery at Mount Sinai can be a life - changing solution.

A minor malocclusion can sometimes be corrected with simple orthodontics. However, for patients with a skeletal deformity of the jaw that results in a malocclusion, a combination of orthodontic and surgical treatment is required. The surgery is typically performed on adults and teens after their growth has been completed.

Advanced Diagnostic and Treatment Technologies

The hospital uses the most advanced 3D x - rays and computer - assisted technology for treatment planning. When it comes to orthognathic surgery, the virtual surgical planning (VSP) process is a key advantage. It starts with pre - operative orthodontic therapy, which usually takes 12 to 18 months to level and align the teeth over the maxillary and mandibular bony arches. Once the patient is ready for surgery, a cone beam 3D CT scan and 3D photo morphometry are used for a complete workup.

VSP is an extremely accurate tool. It allows the surgeon to "rehearse" the surgery in a virtual environment before performing the actual procedure in the operating room. This not only helps predict the outcome of the procedure but also enables the design and fabrication of surgical guides using 3D printers to ensure the accurate transfer of the VSP to the operating room.

Treatment Process

The typical treatment sequence for a patient 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 to come up with a problem list and a proposed treatment plan. After the diagnosis and surgical plan are determined, the information is used to communicate with the orthodontist, explain the plan to the patient, and obtain insurance approval.

The orthognathic procedure is performed under general anesthesia in the operating room with the braces in place. Internal fixation devices (small titanium screws and plates) are used to connect the repositioned segments to the jaws. Patients usually stay in the hospital for approximately 1 to 2 days. After the procedure, training elastics are used from the upper jaw orthodontic appliances to the lower jaw appliances to help retrain the patients to close into their new bites. The patient's diet is limited to a liquid or non - chew diet for four weeks to allow for undisturbed healing of the osteotomies. Approximately 6 to 8 weeks after the surgical procedure, the patient returns to the orthodontist to start the post - operative orthodontic phase to "fine - tune" and perfect the final occlusion. This phase can last from 3 to 6 months and helps ensure long - term stability of the dentition and repositioned bone.

2. Weill Cornell Medicine

Multidisciplinary Approach

Weill Cornell Medicine's team of oral and maxillofacial surgeons are specialists in orthognathic / corrective jaw surgery for underbites, as well as overbites and crossbites. Their approach to underbite correction is based on a multidisciplinary model. Orthognathic surgeries require comprehensive, collaborative care from both orthodontics and surgery. This unique approach coordinates complex care, providing patients with focused support before, during, and after their surgery.

The hospital offers convenient, individualized care. As a patient, you will receive personalized care that is comprehensive and compassionate. The medical staff is sensitive to your needs and creates a supportive, comfortable environment while being able to offer highly specialized care.

Corrective Procedures for Skeletal Deformities

Surgical correction of maxillofacial skeletal deformities is a major focus at Weill Cornell Medicine. These deformities may be caused by genetic, environmental, developmental, functional, pathologic aberrations apparent at birth, manifested in subsequent growth and development, acquired through trauma, neoplastic processes, or degenerative diseases. Musculoskeletal deformities of the facial bones can occur in all three planes of space (anteroposterior, vertical, and transverse) or any combination of the three, unilaterally or bilaterally, and in either one or both jaws.

The surgical procedures involve repositioning and recontouring the facial bones to correct functional and/or pathologic problems. The principal goal of these surgeries is the restoration and/or improvement in function and the prevention of potential sequelae.

What to Expect Before and After Surgery

Before the treatment, the first visits to Weill Cornell Medicine will focus on determining exactly if and what jaw surgery you need. The medical 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 you or your family members may have, analyze the data, create models of your bite, and develop a comprehensive plan to correct the problem. Sometimes surgery involves repositioning only the upper jaw or lower jaw, and sometimes both must be realigned. In either case, the medical team will work with you to develop a detailed timeline and plan.

Before the actual surgery, you will need to work with your orthodontist to move your teeth into the correct position within the jawbone. This typically involves six to twelve months of braces, during which time your surgeon will check on you periodically. When your teeth are close to alignment, the surgery will be scheduled. After the surgery, which takes place at New York - Presbyterian Hospital, Cornell campus, one of the top - ranked hospitals in the country, you can expect to stay in the hospital for one to two nights. Approximately six weeks after surgery, you will return to your orthodontist to finish aligning your teeth to the new jaw position. For the first six to eight weeks after surgery, your bones will be healing into their new location. You will be restricted to a diet of liquids and soft foods, and your activity will be limited. You and your surgeon will discuss your return to full activity.

3. ColumbiaDoctors Dentistry

Expertise in Orthognathic Surgery

At ColumbiaDoctors Dentistry, the oral surgeons have extensive expertise in the area of orthognathic surgery and use the most advanced diagnostic and surgical techniques available today. When an improper bite is due to problems with the jawbones rather than just the teeth, orthognathic surgery may be required. A misaligned jaw can be the result of a growth problem, traumatic injury, or pathologic process of the upper and/or lower jaw, which affects appearance, speech, chewing function, breathing, and overall oral health.

The dental and surgical team can reposition your jaw with surgery. They will first collect data in the form of radiographs, measurements of the face and teeth, clinical photographs, and health history. This information is used to determine exactly if and what jaw surgery you need, answer your questions, analyze the data, create models of your bite, and develop a comprehensive plan to correct the problem.

Pre - and Post - Surgery Process

Similar to other hospitals, before the actual surgery at ColumbiaDoctors Dentistry, you will need to work with your orthodontist to move your teeth into the correct position within the jawbone. This usually takes six to twelve months of braces, during which time your surgeon will check on you periodically. When your teeth are close to alignment, a date for your surgery will be scheduled.

Once your teeth are aligned, new diagnostic records are obtained, and computer - assisted digital surgical planning is performed. You will be given detailed instructions for the days leading up to and the day of your surgery. Surgery will take place at New York - Presbyterian Hospital or the Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital of New York - Presbyterian, top - ranked hospitals in the country. You can expect to stay in the hospital for one to two nights. Approximately six weeks after surgery, you will return to your orthodontist to finish aligning your teeth to the new jaw position. For the first 6 to 8 weeks after surgery, your bones will be healing into their new location. You will be restricted to a diet of liquids and soft foods, and your activity will be limited. You and your surgeon will discuss your return to full activity.

The hospital also offers the advantage of being able to illustrate your realignment with digital modeling so that you can see what the surgery will accomplish. The oral surgeons work closely with your orthodontist and your dentist throughout the process to ensure the best possible outcome.

Comparison of the Three Hospitals

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital for Underbite Correction

Medical Team Expertise

The experience and expertise of the oral and maxillofacial surgeons, orthodontists, and other medical staff are crucial. Look for surgeons who have performed a large number of underbite correction surgeries and have a good track record of successful outcomes. For example, at Mount Sinai Hospital, the surgeons are well - versed in the latest surgical techniques and have experience dealing with complex cases.

Technological Resources

Advanced technology can significantly improve the accuracy and effectiveness of underbite correction. Hospitals like Mount Sinai use 3D x - rays, VSP, and 3D printers for surgical guides, while ColumbiaDoctors Dentistry employs computer - assisted digital surgical planning. These technologies help in better treatment planning and more precise surgeries.

Treatment Process and Follow - up Care

A comprehensive treatment process that includes pre - operative evaluation, surgery, and post - operative orthodontic care is essential. Good follow - up care ensures the long - term stability of the treatment results. For instance, at Weill Cornell Medicine, patients receive coordinated care before, during, and after surgery, and the medical team monitors the patient's recovery and provides necessary guidance.

Patient Reviews and Reputation

Reading patient reviews can give you an idea of the quality of care provided by the hospital. A hospital with a good reputation is more likely to offer high - quality services. You can check online platforms and ask for recommendations from friends, family, or other healthcare professionals.

Potential Risks and Complications of Underbite Correction Surgery

Although underbite correction surgery can bring many benefits, it also carries some potential risks and complications. These may include:

• Bleeding: Some bleeding is normal during and after surgery, but excessive bleeding may require additional medical attention.
• Infection: There is a risk of infection at the surgical site. Hospitals take preventive measures such as prescribing antibiotics, but patients also need to follow proper after - care instructions to reduce this risk.
• Nerve Damage: Surgery on the jaw may damage the nerves, which can lead to numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation in the face, lips, or tongue. In most cases, the nerve function will recover over time, but in some rare cases, it may be permanent.
• Relapse: There is a possibility that the jaws may return to their original position to some extent after surgery. This is why post - operative orthodontic care is crucial to ensure long - term stability.
• Unsatisfactory Aesthetic Results: While the goal of underbite correction surgery is to improve facial appearance, there is a small chance that the patient may not be completely satisfied with the aesthetic outcome.

Cost of Underbite Correction in New York City

The cost of underbite correction in New York City can vary depending on several factors, such as the complexity of the case, the type of treatment required (orthodontics alone or in combination with surgery), and the hospital or clinic you choose. Generally, orthognathic surgery is more expensive than simple orthodontic treatment.

Some hospitals, like Weill Cornell Medicine, do not participate with commercial dental insurance but participate with many medical insurances for oral surgery care. It is important to check with your insurance provider to see what coverage is available for underbite correction. You should also discuss the cost and payment options with the hospital or clinic before starting the treatment.

Conclusion

Underbite correction is a complex process that requires the expertise of a professional medical team and the use of advanced technologies. Mount Sinai Hospital, Weill Cornell Medicine, and ColumbiaDoctors Dentistry are three top - notch hospitals in New York City that offer comprehensive underbite correction services. Each hospital has its own unique features and advantages, including experienced medical staff, advanced treatment technologies, and a patient - centered approach.

When choosing a hospital for underbite correction, it is important to consider factors such as medical team expertise, technological resources, treatment process, patient reviews, and cost. Additionally, patients should be aware of the potential risks and complications of the surgery and have a clear understanding of the after - care requirements. By making an informed decision, patients can achieve the best possible results and improve their oral health and facial appearance.

If you are suffering from an underbite and are considering correction, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of these recommended hospitals. Take the first step towards a better smile and improved quality of life today!