Surgical Orthodontics
Coordinated Treatment for Complex Jaw and Bite Concerns
Surgical orthodontics combines orthodontic treatment with corrective jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, to address certain concerns involving the position of the jaws, bite, and facial balance.
It may be recommended when orthodontic treatment alone cannot fully correct the underlying jaw relationship. At Burke Family Orthodontics, our orthodontists work closely with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to coordinate care and help achieve a healthy, functional bite and properly aligned smile.
When Is Surgical Orthodontics Needed?
Surgical orthodontics may be considered for patients with significant differences in the size, position, or alignment of the upper and lower jaws.
These concerns can affect the way the teeth fit together and, in some cases, make biting or chewing more difficult.
Surgical orthodontics may be recommended to address concerns such as:
- Significant overbites or underbites related to jaw position
- Open bites
- Jaw asymmetry
- Difficulty achieving a functional bite with orthodontic treatment alone
- Other significant jaw and bite discrepancies
Our orthodontists will carefully evaluate your teeth, bite, and jaw relationships to determine whether orthodontic treatment alone can address your needs or whether jaw surgery should be considered as part of your care.
How Does Surgical Orthodontic Treatment Work?
Surgical orthodontics typically involves several stages and requires careful coordination between your orthodontist and oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
Orthodontic Treatment Before Surgery
Braces are typically used before surgery to align the teeth in preparation for the planned jaw positions. During this stage, your orthodontist will work closely with your surgeon to plan and coordinate your care.
Corrective Jaw Surgery
Once the teeth are properly prepared, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon performs the corrective jaw surgery. The procedure repositions the jaw or jaws according to the surgical plan to improve their relationship and the way the teeth fit together. Your surgeon will provide detailed information about the surgical procedure, recovery, and any instructions that need to be followed before and after surgery.
Orthodontic Treatment After Surgery
After your jaw has had time to heal, orthodontic treatment continues to refine the position of your teeth and bite. Once treatment is complete, retainers are used to help maintain your new tooth positions.
When Can Jaw Surgery Be Performed?
Corrective jaw surgery is generally performed after jaw growth is complete. Because the timing of growth varies from person to person, our orthodontists and your oral and maxillofacial surgeon will determine when surgery may be appropriate based on your development and orthodontic needs. Although surgical orthodontics is most often associated with adults and older teens who have completed jaw growth, each patient’s situation is evaluated carefully.
Do I Need Jaw Surgery?
Most orthodontic patients do not need corrective jaw surgery. Many bite and alignment concerns can be successfully treated with braces, clear aligners, or other orthodontic approaches. When a significant jaw discrepancy is present, however, surgery may be considered when orthodontics alone cannot achieve the desired correction. A comprehensive evaluation will help determine the appropriate approach for your needs.
Schedule a Complimentary Consultation
If you have concerns about your bite or jaw alignment, an orthodontic evaluation can help determine which options may be appropriate for you. Our orthodontists will evaluate your teeth, bite, and jaw relationships and discuss whether surgical orthodontics should be considered as part of your treatment plan.
Schedule a complimentary consultation with Burke Family Orthodontics to learn more about your orthodontic treatment options.
Follow Us
