Surgical orthodontics combines orthodontic treatment with orthognathic (jaw) surgery to correct severe orthodontic and jaw alignment issues that can’t be treated with braces or aligners alone. These cases often involve significant malocclusion (bite discrepancies), jawbone abnormalities, or facial imbalances. Orthognathic surgery is performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, one of the nine recognized dental specialists. Your orthodontist will work closely with the surgeon to coordinate treatment, ensuring you receive the safest, most effective care possible.
When might surgical orthodontics be needed?
Surgical orthodontics is typically recommended for adults whose jaws have finished growing—around age 16 for females and 18 for males. You may need surgery if your upper and lower jaws don’t align properly, and braces alone can’t achieve a functional bite. By repositioning the jaws, orthognathic surgery helps create a balanced bite and improved facial symmetry. Once the jaw is aligned, braces are used to fine-tune the position of the teeth for optimal function and esthetics.
How do I know if I need orthognathic surgery?
Your orthodontist can tell you if orthognathic surgery is needed as part of your treatment. Depending on the severity of your case and the alignment of your jaw, you may or may not need surgery.
How does orthognathic surgery work?
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon will perform your orthognathic surgery in a hospital setting. Depending on your individual needs, the procedure may take several hours. Most patients take about two to four weeks off to rest and recover. After your jaw has healed, your orthodontist will make final adjustments to your bite. Braces are typically worn for an additional six to twelve months following surgery, and once removed, a retainer will help maintain your beautiful new smile.
What are the risks associated with orthognathic surgery?
Like any major medical procedure, orthognathic surgery carries some risks. However, it’s a well-established, safe, and predictable treatment that has been performed successfully for many years. Our team will take the time to answer all your questions and make sure you feel comfortable and informed at every step.
What are the rewards of having orthognathic surgery?
Orthognathic surgery can:
- Create a balanced, harmonious facial profile
- Correct a bad bite, jaw abnormality or asymmetry
- Improve function like speech, chewing, and breathing
- Relieve chronic jaw pain or TMJ issues
- Enhance confidence, aesthetics, and overall quality of life
For many patients, the greatest reward is the self-confidence that comes with a healthy, functional, and beautiful smile.
Corrective Jaw Surgery
Corrective jaw surgery repositions the jaws and teeth for a more balanced, functional, and comfortable bite. Whether the goal is to improve chewing, speaking, breathing, or facial esthetics, this procedure can have a transformative effect on both health and confidence.
Who needs corrective jaw surgery?
Differences in upper and lower jaw growth, injuries, or congenital conditions can all lead to jaw misalignment. While orthodontics can correct most tooth-related issues, major jaw discrepancies often require surgical correction. If you suffer from any of the following conditions, you may be an excellent candidate for corrective jaw surgery:
- Difficulty chewing, biting, or swallowing
- Chronic jaw or jaw joint (TMJ) pain
- Excessive tooth wear
- Open bite (space between the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed)
- Unbalanced facial appearance
- Facial injury or congenital jaw condition
- Receding chin
- Protruding jaw
- Inability to make the lips meet without straining
- Chronic mouth breathing and dry mouth
- Breathing problems when sleeping (i.e. obstructive sleep apnea)
Corrective jaw surgery is a long-term investment in your health and happiness. Though treatment may take several years to complete, the results are life-changing and long-lasting.
Craniofacial Orthodontics – Cleft Lip and Palate
Craniofacial orthodontics is a specialized area of orthodontics that focuses on patients with congenital conditions such as cleft lip and palate as well as other craniofacial anomalies. Your orthodontist collaborates closely with a team of specialists—including oral surgeons, craniofacial plastic surgeons, and speech pathologists—to provide coordinated, comprehensive care.
What is a Cleft Lip and Palate?
A cleft lip or palate occurs when the tissues that form the upper lip or roof of the mouth don’t fuse properly during early fetal development. This condition can affect eating, speech, hearing, and dental development.
Challenges associated with cleft lip and palate:
- Feeding difficulties – Openings in the palate can cause food or liquids to pass into the nose; special feeding devices can help ensure proper nutrition.
- Speech issues – Improper formation of the palate can cause nasal-sounding or unclear speech; speech therapy often helps correct this.
- Ear infections – Fluid buildup in the middle ear increases infection risk; small tubes are often placed to aid drainage.
- Dental problems – Missing, malformed, or displaced teeth are common, requiring orthodontic and dental management.
Treatment
Treatment for cleft lip and palate typically involves surgery, often beginning between 3 and 6 months of age, followed by staged procedures as the child grows. The craniofacial orthodontist manages the pre- and post-surgical orthodontic care, monitors growth, and ensures proper alignment of the teeth and jaws throughout development.