Surgical orthodontics (also called orthognathic surgery) is a type of treatment that combines orthodontic care (braces or aligners) with corrective jaw surgery to fix problems that braces alone can’t solve — especially when the jaw structure is severely misaligned.

What It Treats

Surgical orthodontics is used when there are:

• Severe bite issues (overbite, underbite, open bite) that can’t be fixed with braces alone
• Jaw size or position issues (upper and lower jaws don’t match or line up properly)
• Facial asymmetry or imbalance
• Speech, chewing, or breathing difficulties (like sleep apnea)
• Jaw pain or TMJ problems due to misalignment

 How the Process Works

1. Braces/Clear Aligners First (12–18 months): The orthodontist straightens the teeth into the proper positions before Surgery
2. Jaw Surgery: An oral and maxillofacial surgeon moves the jaw bones into better alignment — this may involve moving the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both.
3. Recovery (2–6 weeks): Healing and bone stability. A soft diet is needed at first.
4. Braces/Clear Aligners After Surgery (3–6 months): Final fine-tuning of the bite with braces. After that, retainers are worn.

Who Needs It?

• Teens (usually after growth is complete, ~age 17–19) or adults
• Patients with severe skeletal discrepancies
• Those whose jaw issues affect function, comfort, or appearance

 Benefits of Surgical Orthodontics

• Improves chewing, breathing, speech, and facial balance
• Reduces jaw pain, TMJ symptoms, or long-term wear on teeth
• Boosts confidence and quality of life
• Creates results not possible with braces or aligners alone

Things to Know

• It’s a team approach: orthodontist + oral surgeon
• Recovery takes time — swelling, healing, and dietary adjustments are expected
• Usually covered partly by insurance if it’s medically necessary
• Not everyone needs it — many bite issues can be fixed with braces alone