Surgical orthodontics, also known as orthognathic surgery, is a specialized treatment used to correct significant jaw imbalances that cannot be resolved with braces or Invisalign clear aligners alone.
This treatment combines the expertise of an orthodontist and an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to improve jaw function, bite alignment, airway health, and facial symmetry. For many adult patients, surgical orthodontics provides life-changing improvements in comfort, appearance, and overall quality of life.
What Is Surgical Orthodontics?
Surgical orthodontics focuses on repositioning the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both to create a healthy, stable bite and balanced facial proportions. While braces or clear aligners straighten the teeth, jaw surgery corrects the underlying bone structure so the teeth and jaws fit together properly.
This combined approach can improve chewing, speaking, and breathing, reduce TMJ discomfort and bite strain, enhance facial harmony, and correct functional problems that braces alone cannot fix.
Who Is a Candidate for Surgical Orthodontics?
Surgical orthodontics is typically recommended for adult patients who have completed their jaw growth and still experience bite or jaw alignment issues. Candidates often include individuals with significant overbites, underbites, crossbites, or open bites, facial asymmetry or jaw imbalance, chronic jaw pain or TMJ issues connected to jaw structure, difficulty chewing, speaking, or breathing, or alignment concerns that cannot be corrected non-surgically.
Jaw growth is generally complete by age 16 in females and age 18 in males, so treatment is usually planned around or after these ages.
How Does Surgical Orthodontic Treatment Work?
Surgical orthodontic treatment is completed in three phases.
1. Pre-Surgical Orthodontics
Braces or aligners are used for 12 to 24 months to position the teeth so they will fit together correctly after surgery.
2. Orthognathic Surgery
Performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, the procedure may involve moving the lower jaw forward or backward, repositioning the upper jaw, or correcting asymmetries for better facial balance.
3. Post-Surgical Orthodontics
After the jaw heals, your orthodontist makes final adjustments to perfect your bite. Braces or aligners are typically removed 6 to 12 months after surgery, followed by a retainer to maintain your results.
What Is the Recovery Like After Jaw Surgery?
Most patients return to work or school within two weeks, but full healing takes four to eight weeks. Swelling gradually improves, and your orthodontist will continue monitoring your progress. The total treatment timeline varies, but the outcome provides a healthier bite, improved facial appearance, and long-term stability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions about orthognathic surgery? Here are some of the most common things patients want to know before starting treatment.
Will I Need Braces Before and After My Surgery?
Yes. Braces or aligners are needed before surgery to position the teeth correctly and afterward to fine-tune your bite until everything is stable.
Does Orthognathic Surgery Change Facial Appearance?
Often, yes. Correcting jaw position can improve facial balance, profile symmetry, and overall aesthetics. These changes are natural-looking and tailored to your unique features.
Is Surgical Orthodontics Painful?
You will be under general anesthesia during surgery. Some discomfort is expected afterward, but it is manageable with medication and typically improves within a few days.
How Long Does the Entire Treatment Take?
Most patients complete treatment in 18 to 30 months, depending on their specific needs. You will receive a customized timeline at your consultation.
Is Jaw Surgery Ever Covered by Insurance?
In some cases, yes. Insurance may help cover medically necessary jaw surgery. Our team will help review and explain your benefits.