Surgical Orthodontics

Surgical orthodontics, also known as orthognathic surgery, is used to correct severe jaw and bite problems that cannot be treated with braces or aligners alone. At Dr. Doug Orthodontics, this type of treatment is carefully planned and coordinated with an experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon to ensure safe, effective, and predictable results.

What Is Surgical Orthodontics?

Surgical orthodontics combines orthodontic treatment with jaw surgery to correct significant jaw misalignment, bite problems, and facial balance concerns. Oral and maxillofacial surgery is a recognized dental specialty that focuses on complex conditions involving the jaws, face, and skull.

This approach is typically recommended for adults whose jaw growth is complete and who have skeletal discrepancies that cannot be corrected through orthodontics alone.

When Might Surgical Orthodontics Be Needed?

Surgical orthodontics may be recommended when the upper and lower jaws do not align properly, and a healthy bite cannot be achieved with braces or clear aligners alone.

Common reasons include:

• Severe overbite, underbite, or open bite
• Jaw size or position discrepancies
• Facial asymmetry related to jaw alignment
• Difficulty chewing, speaking, or biting comfortably
• Bite problems causing excessive tooth wear

Jaw growth usually completes around age 16 for females and 18 for males, which is why surgical orthodontics is most often recommended for adults.

How Do I Know If I Need Orthognathic Surgery?

Only a thorough orthodontic evaluation can determine whether surgical orthodontics is necessary. Dr. Doug will assess your bite, jaw alignment, facial balance, and overall oral health using detailed diagnostic records.

Not every patient with a severe bite problem requires surgery. If orthodontic treatment alone can achieve a stable, functional result, surgery may not be needed.

How Does Orthognathic Surgery Work?

Orthognathic surgery is performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon in a hospital setting. The procedure involves repositioning one or both jaws to improve alignment, function, and facial balance.

Surgery duration varies depending on the complexity of the case. After surgery, patients typically need a recovery period of about two weeks and are advised to take time away from work or school during healing.

Once healing is complete, orthodontic treatment continues to fine-tune the bite and ensure proper tooth alignment.

What Happens After Surgery?

After surgery, braces remain in place to guide the teeth into their final positions. Most patients complete orthodontic treatment within six to twelve months following surgery.

Once braces are removed, retainers are worn to maintain the corrected bite and protect long-term results.

How Does Dr. Doug Orthodontics Coordinate Care?

Dr. Doug works closely with trusted oral and maxillofacial surgeons to coordinate every stage of treatment. This collaborative approach ensures that orthodontic planning, surgery, and post-surgical care are seamlessly aligned for optimal outcomes.