Jaw Wiring Obesity Treatment
Guide To Orthodontic Jaw Wiring To Reduce Binge Eating And Promote Weight Loss

Guide To Jaw Wiring

Jaw wiring for weight loss is a simple dental procedure to help treat obesity. It is not a surgical procedure, but it faintly resembles certain types of oral surgery, in that it aims to fix the position of the teeth and jaws but via a bonding method, rather than invasive surgery. Orthodontic jaw wiring is a quick, painless procedure, so no anesthesia is needed. By comparison, a main stream oral surgery procedure such as Inter-Maxillary Fixation is performed under general anesthesia in a hospital operating room.

How Is Orthodontic Jaw Wiring Performed?

This obesity-related dental procedure takes about 40 minutes to complete, typically with the patient seated in the dental chair. No anesthesia is needed due to the absence of pain or discomfort. To begin with, the teeth are cleaned. Then brackets are bonded onto the upper and lower teeth, usually 3 teeth on the upper right and 3 teeth on the upper left and the same for the lower jaw. After this, thin wire is used to connect the brackets and keep the upper and lower jaws in position. The upper and lower teeth do not touch, they are wired to allow a gap between them. The wires are removed every 4-6 weeks, and typically most patients finish treatment within 6 months.

Liquid Diet Provides Calories And Nutrition

Patients who undergo jaw wiring cannot eat solid foods, therefore they require a liquid diet. This must be carefully designed to provide adequate nutrition – including, macronutrients like carbs, protein and fat, as well as micronutrients like vitamins and minerals – and a sufficient calorie intake. Unless followed under medical supervision, the level of calories consumed should not fall below 1,000 per day.

Jaw Wiring And Weight Loss

Most jaw wiring orthodontists will not predict a rate of weight loss. In general, it is up to the patient to decide how many calories to eat. High-calorie drinks, like milk shakes or sports drinks can raise calorie intake to very high levels.levels and frustrate weight reduction. Some orthodontists advise patients to aim for 1.5-2 pounds per week. This adds up to a weight loss of 50 pounds over six months.

Jaw Wiring And Health

• The wires need to be removed every 4-6 weeks, for 3-6 days, in order to exercise the jaws and prevent stiffening of the joint. Speaking, eating solid food and chewing gum are all helpful exercises. Patients are usually recommended to carry a wire cutter with them in case of any emergency, like a need to vomit.
• Breathing is not normally affected, although allergic persons may experience difficulties and are not good candidates for jaw wiring. The procedure also inhibits any activity requiring deep breathing.
• Oral hygiene is maintained by mouthwash, antiseptic wipes, and (as regards the front of the teeth) by normal brushing. Your orthodontist should give you regular check-ups.

The Cost Of Jaw Wiring

The costs of orthodontic jaw wiring vary according to the orthodontist. Expect to pay around $3,000 for the entire procedure, including check-ups.up to praAnswer: Initial bracket placement and wiring is $2385 then $95-135/ visit to remove the wire, clean the teeth and replace the wire. At present an additional refundable surcharge of $125 is made for a kit of instruments and supplies you will need if you cannot return to my office for follow up. The kit can also be given to your dentist or orthodontist to do the rewiring. If necessary you (or some significant other) can do it for you.

People Who Should Avoid Jaw Wiring

Whether you are a suitable candidate for jaw wiring is a question only your doctor and orthodontist can answer. In general, a starting list of people who should not undergo jaw wiring includes anyone:

• With dental or gum problems, jaw disorders, allergies, any form of breathing difficulties, anorexia or bulimia.
• Whose occupation, marital relations might be affected or impaired.
• With a compulsive need to floss their teeth, or clench/gnash their teeth.
• With a psychological disorder which might be aggravated by having their mouth wired.
• Whose health might be compromised or affected by a liquid diet.
• Who takes large capsules as medications.
• Who drinks alcoholic beverages.