Surgical orthodontics, also called orthognathic surgery, is used for severe cases of bad bites, jaw bone abnormalities, and malocclusions. Oral and maxillofacial surgery is considered a dental specialty and helps complex cases involving the mouth, jaw, face, and skull. If your case requires surgical orthodontics, your orthodontist will work with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to provide you with the best and most comprehensive care possible.
Surgical orthodontics helps patients improve their bites, though it can also help with other aesthetic concerns, such as facial structure and symmetry. Surgery can only be completed after the jaw is finished growing. This typically happens by age sixteen for females and age eighteen for males.
Request an AppointmentFrequently Asked Questions
What is surgical orthodontics?
Surgical orthodontics, also known as orthognathic surgery, combines orthodontic treatment with jaw surgery to correct severe bite problems and jaw alignment issues that cannot be treated with braces alone.
Who is a candidate for surgical orthodontics?
Surgical orthodontics is typically recommended for adults whose jaws have finished growing and who have significant bite discrepancies, jaw misalignment, or facial asymmetry.
What conditions can surgical orthodontics treat?
Surgical orthodontics can correct severe overbites, underbites, open bites, crossbites, jaw asymmetry, and other skeletal alignment issues that affect chewing, speaking, or breathing.
Why are braces needed before surgery?
Braces are used to align your teeth before surgery so your jaws can be positioned correctly during the procedure and your bite can fit together properly afterward.
How long does surgical orthodontic treatment take?
Treatment typically lasts 18 to 36 months, including orthodontic treatment before surgery, the surgical procedure, and final orthodontic adjustments afterward.
Who performs the surgery?
Your orthodontist works closely with a skilled oral and maxillofacial surgeon who performs the jaw surgery while coordinating every step of your treatment plan.
Will I need to stay in the hospital?
Many patients stay in the hospital for one or two days following surgery, depending on the type of procedure performed and their individual recovery.
Is jaw surgery painful?
Most patients experience swelling and temporary discomfort after surgery, but pain is generally well managed with prescribed medications and improves as healing progresses.
How long is the recovery period?
Initial recovery usually takes a few weeks, while complete healing of the jaw bones may take several months. Your surgeon and orthodontist will monitor your progress throughout recovery.
Will surgical orthodontics change my appearance?
Yes. Correcting jaw alignment often improves facial balance and symmetry while also enhancing the function of your bite.
What are the benefits of surgical orthodontics?
Benefits may include improved chewing, clearer speech, easier breathing, reduced jaw discomfort, better oral health, and a more balanced facial appearance.
Will I need to wear a retainer after treatment?
Yes. After your braces are removed, you’ll wear retainers as directed to help maintain your new bite and keep your teeth in their corrected positions.