Surgical Orthodontics

Surgical orthodontics is a combination of orthodontic treatment and surgery to correct severe jaw alignment issues.

As local experts in surgical orthodontics, we understand that choosing treatment is a big decision, and patients want to feel confident they are working with a team that truly knows the community, the latest techniques, and the personal concerns that come with corrective care. Our experience includes supporting patients through a full range of surgical orthodontic services, from complex bite correction and jaw alignment planning to pre-surgical orthodontics, post-surgical adjustments, and collaborative care with oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Because we regularly help people in the area navigate these treatments, we know how to create care plans that feel clear, manageable, and tailored to real life. Patients trust us because we combine advanced clinical knowledge with approachable, honest guidance at every stage. We take the time to explain what is happening, why it matters, and what to expect next, so people never feel left in the dark. Other clients have also placed their trust in us because they see our commitment to detail, consistency, and comfort from consultation through recovery. They value that we listen closely, coordinate carefully with specialist partners, and focus on outcomes that improve both function and confidence. Whether someone needs support with jaw discrepancies, facial balance concerns, severe misalignment, chewing difficulties, or treatment that cannot be solved with braces alone, they know they can rely on a team that brings both technical skill and genuine local insight. That combination of specialized surgical orthodontic expertise, dependable communication, and a strong reputation in the community is why so many patients continue to recommend us to friends, family, and others looking for trusted care close to home.

Surgical Orthodontics FAQ If you are researching surgical orthodontics for your area, this FAQ covers the most common questions patients ask about treatment, recovery, candidacy, and related orthodontic and jaw correction services. Surgical orthodontics, also called orthognathic surgery, is often recommended when the bite, jaw alignment, and facial balance cannot be corrected with braces or clear aligners alone. What is surgical orthodontics? Surgical orthodontics is a treatment approach that combines orthodontic care with corrective jaw surgery to fix severe bite problems, jaw misalignment, facial asymmetry, and functional issues involving chewing, speaking, or breathing. It is typically used when the upper jaw, lower jaw, chin, or overall jaw position needs to be repositioned for proper alignment. Who is a good candidate for surgical orthodontics? Good candidates for surgical orthodontics are usually adults or fully grown teens with significant jaw discrepancies that cannot be resolved with braces alone. Patients may have an overbite, underbite, open bite, crossbite, recessed jaw, protruding jaw, facial imbalance, sleep-related breathing concerns, or chronic difficulty chewing and speaking. A full orthodontic and oral surgery evaluation is needed to confirm candidacy. What problems can orthognathic surgery correct? Orthognathic surgery can correct a wide range of structural and functional concerns. These often include upper jaw misalignment, lower jaw misalignment, bite irregularities, facial asymmetry, jaw growth issues, temporomandibular strain related to bite imbalance, and airway problems caused by jaw position. Treatment can improve oral function as well as facial harmony. What sub-services are included in surgical orthodontics? Surgical orthodontics may involve several related services depending on your diagnosis and treatment plan. These commonly include orthodontic records and imaging, pre-surgical braces, post-surgical orthodontic refinement, upper jaw surgery, lower jaw surgery, double jaw surgery, genioplasty, bite correction, facial asymmetry correction, airway-focused jaw surgery planning, and retention after treatment. Pre-surgical orthodontics to align teeth before jaw surgery Upper jaw surgery to reposition the maxilla Lower jaw surgery to correct mandibular alignment Double jaw surgery for complex bite and facial balance issues Genioplasty to improve chin shape and profile balance Post-surgical orthodontics to fine-tune the bite Retainers and follow-up care to maintain long-term results What is pre-surgical orthodontic treatment? Pre-surgical orthodontic treatment involves braces or clear aligner planning that prepares the teeth for proper jaw repositioning. In many cases, the teeth must be moved into their ideal positions before surgery so the jaws can be corrected accurately. This phase is a critical part of successful surgical orthodontic care. What is upper jaw surgery? Upper jaw surgery, also known as maxillary surgery, repositions the upper jaw to correct issues such as gummy smiles, open bites, crossbites, facial imbalance, or breathing-related structural concerns. It can help improve both appearance and function by creating a more stable bite and better jaw relationship. What is lower jaw surgery? Lower jaw surgery, or mandibular surgery, is used to move the lower jaw forward, backward, or into a more balanced position. It is often recommended for underbites, overbites caused by jaw discrepancies, and lower jaw asymmetry. This procedure can improve bite function, facial proportions, and overall jaw stability. What is double jaw surgery? Double jaw surgery corrects both the upper and lower jaws at the same time. This is commonly needed when the bite problem is more severe or when adjustments to one jaw alone would not produce a stable or balanced outcome. Double jaw surgery can significantly improve chewing, speech, airway space, and facial symmetry. What is genioplasty and how does it relate to surgical orthodontics? Genioplasty is a chin surgery that may be performed along with orthognathic surgery to improve chin projection, facial profile, and lower face balance. While it is not always required, it can complement jaw surgery when the chin position contributes to aesthetic or functional concerns. How long does surgical orthodontic treatment take? The full surgical orthodontic process often takes between 12 and 24 months, depending on the complexity of the case. This usually includes diagnostic planning, pre-surgical orthodontics, the surgery itself, healing time, and post-surgical orthodontic adjustments. Some cases may take longer if major jaw correction is needed. Is surgical orthodontics only for cosmetic reasons? No, surgical orthodontics is not just cosmetic. Although it can improve facial appearance, the primary goal is often to correct functional problems. Patients commonly pursue this treatment to improve bite performance, speech clarity, breathing, jaw comfort, oral health, and long-term stability of the teeth and jaws. What is recovery like after jaw surgery? Recovery after jaw surgery varies by procedure and patient, but most people can expect swelling, temporary dietary restrictions, and a healing period that lasts several weeks. Initial recovery often happens within the first few weeks, while complete healing and bite refinement take longer. Your orthodontist and oral surgeon will provide detailed instructions for comfort, nutrition, hygiene, and follow-up care. Can surgical orthodontics help with sleep apnea or breathing issues? In some cases, yes. When jaw position contributes to a narrowed airway, surgical orthodontics and jaw advancement procedures may help improve airflow and breathing function. Patients with airway concerns or obstructive sleep apnea may benefit from a comprehensive evaluation that includes orthodontic and surgical planning. How do I choose a surgical orthodontics provider in my area? Look for a provider with experience in orthognathic treatment planning, advanced imaging, interdisciplinary coordination, and collaborative care with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Reading patient reviews, asking about similar cases, and scheduling a consultation can help you find a trusted surgical orthodontics team near you that understands both functional and aesthetic goals.