What is surgical orthodontics?

Just as orthodontics repositions teeth, surgical orthodontics (also known as orthognathic surgery) corrects jaw irregularities to improve the patient's ability to chew, speak, and breathe and for improved facial harmony. In other words, surgical orthodontics straightens your jaw. Moving the jaws also moves the teeth, so braces are always performed in conjunction with jaw correction. This helps make sure teeth are in their proper positions after surgery.

Who needs surgical orthodontics?

Your orthodontist will consider surgical orthodontic treatment for non-growing patients with improper bites and those with facial aesthetic concerns.

How does it work?

Braces are started first to achieve presurgical alignment of the teeth. As your teeth move with the braces, you may think that your bite is getting worse rather than better. However, when your jaws are placed into proper alignment during orthognathic surgery, the teeth will then fit into their proper positions.

Surgery is usually performed in the hospital with an oral surgeon. The upper and/or lower jaw(s) may be repositioned further forward, backward, or the jaw(s) can be raised or lowered. Often the mouth does not need to be wired shut any more after surgery. When you have completed surgery, you should be able to return to school or work within one to two weeks. After the necessary healing time (about 4-8 weeks), your orthodontist "fine-tunes" your bite. In most cases, braces are removed within 6 to 12 months following surgery. After your braces are removed, you will wear a retainer to maintain your beautiful new smile.

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