Orthognathic surgery and your orthodontic treatment

Who may be a candidate

Common reasons a patient may be a candidate for orthognathic surgery:

• Difficulty chewing or biting food
• Speech limitations or lisping caused by jaw position
• Jaw pain or strain when opening and closing the mouth
• Breathing concerns, often related to jaw positioning
• Noticeable jaw asymmetry or facial imbalance

When surgical orthodontic care is considered

Not every orthodontic issue can be corrected with braces or aligners alone. Some conditions are rooted in how the jaw has developed and may require a combined approach that includes surgical orthodontic care.

This type of treatment is typically considered when:

• The upper and lower jaws don’t meet properly
• There’s a significant open bite, underbite, or crossbite
• Facial symmetry is affected by jaw positioning
• The jaw structure contributes to sleep issues or airway restriction
• There’s ongoing discomfort in the jaw joint or surrounding muscles

Common bite problems

• Open bite (front teeth don’t touch when the mouth is closed)
• Underbite (lower jaw extends too far forward)
• Overbite or deep bite (upper teeth significantly overlap lower teeth)
• Crossbite (upper and lower teeth don’t line up side to side)

Left untreated, these issues can lead to jaw joint pain, uneven tooth wear, difficulty chewing, and even speech limitations.

Risks, and who performs the surgery

Your jaw surgery will be performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. It typically involves repositioning one or both jaws using small titanium plates and screws for stability. Procedures are done under general anesthesia at a hospital or surgical center.

Before undergoing orthognathic surgery, patients should thoroughly discuss their options and risks with their doctor. There are a number of potential risks associated with this type of surgery, including infection and nerve damage.

So, it is important to discuss the benefits and risks with your surgeon before deciding whether to undergo orthognathic surgery. Patients must weigh the benefits of the procedure against the potential risks before making a decision. Bite correction surgery is not for every case.

What to expect, step by step

If jaw surgery becomes part of your orthodontic plan, our team will guide you through every stage of the process. Our team works closely with oral surgeons to create a coordinated approach. Orthodontic care is provided before and after surgery to support long-term results and proper alignment.

Before surgery

Before surgery, you’ll wear braces or aligners to begin aligning your teeth. This phase helps your bite fit correctly after your jaw is repositioned.

Digital planning and imaging

We use digital scans, 3D modeling, and simulation tools to map out your treatment.

The surgery

It typically involves repositioning one or both jaws using small titanium plates and screws for stability. Procedures are done under general anesthesia at a hospital or surgical center.

Recovery

Recovery depends on the extent of the procedure; your surgeon explains what to expect. We’ll monitor healing and make adjustments as needed.

After surgery

After surgery, you’ll continue orthodontic treatment to fine-tune your bite and finalize tooth alignment.

The cost of your orthodontic care

We will provide a detailed cost estimate during your initial consultation, so you know exactly what to expect. Payment plans are available. Our financial and insurance page explains the options.