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Surgical Orthodontics for Jaw Alignment

Surgical orthodontics, also called orthognathic surgery, is a specialized type of orthodontic treatment used to correct severe cases, including bad bites, jawbone abnormalities, and malocclusion. Oral and maxillofacial surgery is one of the nine recognized dental specialties, focusing on complex craniofacial cases involving the mouth, jaw, face, and skull. If surgical orthodontics is right for you, Drs. Kyint and Evan Chwa will work closely with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to ensure the best results and care.

Beyond improving jaw alignment, surgical orthodontics can enhance chewing, speaking, and breathing while also improving facial balance and overall appearance. Patients are finding that this treatment can make a big difference in both function and confidence.

Who Can Benefit from Orthognathic Surgery?

Surgical orthodontics is usually recommended for adults whose jaw growth is complete, typically around age 16 for females and 18 for males, who are experiencing:

  • Improper bites that cannot be corrected with braces or aligners alone

  • Jaw abnormalities or facial asymmetry

  • Difficulty chewing, speaking, or breathing

  • Desire for long-term improvement in oral health and appearance

Pre-surgical orthodontic treatment with braces or aligners may begin 1–2 years before surgery to prepare the teeth and jaws. Our doctors will determine whether surgery is needed as part of your treatment plan based on your jaw alignment and bite concerns.

How Does the Process Work?

Orthognathic surgery is performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, usually in a hospital setting. Depending on your specific needs, surgery may include:

  • Moving the lower jaw forward or backward

  • Adjusting the upper jaw by raising, lowering, or repositioning

  • Adding or removing bone for stability and balance

  • Repositioning supporting facial bones to improve harmony

Each procedure is carefully planned with advanced imaging to ensure precision. After surgery, the initial recovery period is about two weeks, though complete healing usually takes 4–8 weeks. Most patients can return to school or work relatively quickly.

Once your jaw has healed, our doctors will fine-tune your bite with braces or aligners for another 6–12 months. After your braces are removed, a retainer is prescribed to maintain your beautiful, healthy smile.

Risks and Rewards

Like any major surgery, orthognathic surgery carries certain risks, but it is a well-established procedure performed safely in hospitals and practices nationwide. If you have concerns, our team is happy to answer your questions and provide additional information to help you feel comfortable.

The rewards are significant: a healthier bite, improved function, and a confident, lasting smile. Whether you need surgery to correct a bad bite, malocclusion, or jaw abnormality, surgical orthodontics can transform both your oral health and your confidence.

Conditions and Treatments

Corrective Jaw Surgery

Repositions the upper jaw, lower jaw, or chin to correct skeletal and dental irregularities, improving chewing, speaking, and breathing. Indications include difficulty chewing, a receding chin, a protruding jaw, or sleep apnea.

Wisdom Teeth

These last teeth often become impacted and may need removal. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause tooth decay, infections, and gum disease. Removal is usually recommended by young adulthood.

Cleft Palate

Occurs when the mouth or nasal cavity doesn’t develop fully, leaving a gap or split. Surgery, along with specialized care, corrects feeding, speech, and hearing issues over multiple treatments.

Temporomandibular Joint Surgery (TMJ)

TMJ issues can cause jaw pain, headaches, or difficulty opening the mouth. Treatment ranges from conservative care to surgery, which may involve arthroscopy or direct tissue repair.

Impacted Canines

A canine tooth that fails to erupt properly may need surgical exposure. After exposing the tooth, an orthodontic bracket may guide it into position. With detection and combined surgical-orthodontic treatment, impacted canines can be ideally aligned.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you think you may be a candidate for surgical orthodontics, schedule a consultation today. Together, we’ll create a treatment plan designed to give you the healthiest, most confident smile possible.