In order to be able to perform optimal orthodontic treatment, it is sometimes necessary to reduce the width of certain teeth, a technique called « stripping », in order to be able to align them with the arch. It is also possible to have to cause a change in the width or perimeter of the arch, otherwise orthodontic treatment could induce unwanted tooth displacement of other teeth.
Sometimes, orthodontic treatment alone is not enough, especially in some cases of skeletal malformations. In this case, it will be essential to use, in addition to orthodontics, a so-called « orthognatic » surgery. Thus, orthodontic treatment will prepare the teeth by correctly aligning the dental arches of each maxilla, and the surgeon will use this alignment to put the maxilla back in the right place. Once the surgery has been performed, the patient will be able to regain an adequate occlusion. Sometimes, orthodontic treatment can be prescribed again after the surgery, in order to perfect this occlusion.
