Jaw Surgery

Surgical orthodontics is when orthodontics is augmented by jaw surgery to correct severe bites and jaw bone abnormalities.  If you need jaw surgery, your Orthodontist will work with an Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon to ensure that you receive the best care possible. The Orthodontist will align your teeth and the Oral surgeon will surgically align your jaw bones in a hospital setting.

When might jaw surgery be needed?

Surgical orthodontics may be used to treat adults or teens with improper bites or other aesthetic concerns. Typically, jaw growth stops by age 17 in females and 20 in males. In order to receive some jaw surgeries, the jaw must be done growing. 

How do I know if I need jaw surgery?

Your Orthodontist can tell you if jaw 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 jaw surgery work?

Braces will be placed about 14 months prior to your surgery date. An Oral and maxillofacial surgeon will perform your jaw surgery, and the surgery will take place in a hospital. Jaw surgery can take several hours depending on each individual case. Once the surgery is complete, you will have about a two-week rest period. Since jaw surgery is a major treatment, we recommend that you schedule some time away from work and school during the healing process. After your jaw has healed, your Orthodontist will “fine-tune” your bite. After surgery, you will continue to wear braces, and braces are usually removed within 12 months after surgery. After your braces are removed, you will wear a retainer to help maintain your new smile.

What are the risks associated with jaw surgery?

As with any major medical surgery, there may be certain risks of having jaw surgery. However, the process of jaw surgery is not new, and it has been performed for many years in practices and hospitals. If you're concerned about an upcoming treatment, please contact our practice and let us know. We are happy to answer any questions that you may have, and provide you with any additional information. Your comfort is important to us.

What are the rewards of having jaw surgery?

For many patients, the most important reward of having jaw surgery is achieving a healthy bite, balanced profile and beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime. Braces and jaw surgery can help restore your confidence and leave you smiling for many years to come.

Benefits of Jaw Surgery:

1. Better results - Fix the bite with surgical movements means targeted ideal results.
2. Balanced beautiful profile - Severe jaw disharmonies are corrected so function of teeth and profile both improve.
3. Functional healthy results - Teeth are more stable when jaw bones are ideally matched. They are less prone to future wearing down and have higher long term esthetics.
4. Improved airway - For some patients with sleep apnea, jaw surgery that moves the jaws forward will result in improved airway and better sleep quality.