Surgical orthodontics, also known as orthognathic surgery, is used to correct severe bite problems, jaw irregularities, and facial imbalances that can’t be fully addressed with braces or aligners alone. If you need this type of treatment, your orthodontist works closely with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to make sure you receive coordinated, expert care from start to finish.
When Is Surgical Orthodontics Needed?
Surgery may be recommended when the upper and lower jaws don’t line up correctly and orthodontic treatment on its own can’t achieve a proper bite. Jaw growth typically stops by age 16 in females and 18 in males, so surgery can only be done once the jaw is fully developed. Orthognathic surgery repositions the jaws so that teeth and bite function come together correctly.
What the Process Looks Like
Most surgical orthodontic cases involve braces or aligners before and after the procedure. The braces work to align the teeth properly within each arch before surgery, and continue refining the result afterward. The surgical portion itself is performed in a hospital by an oral surgeon while you’re under general anesthesia.
Recovery varies by case, but most patients return to normal activities within a few weeks. Full healing of the jaw takes a few months, during which you’ll continue orthodontic treatment to complete the alignment.
What Can Surgical Orthodontics Correct?
Surgical orthodontics is used to treat conditions including severe overbites and underbites, open bites, significant facial asymmetry, and jaw issues related to sleep apnea or difficulty chewing and speaking. We’ll let you know during your consultation whether surgical treatment makes sense for your situation.