Surgical orthodontics, also known as orthognathic surgery, is a type of orthodontic treatment used to correct severe cases that include bad bites, jaw bone abnormalities, and malocclusion. Oral and maxillofacial surgery is one of the nine recognized dental specialties, and it focuses on treating complex craniofacial cases that involve the mouth, jaw, face, and skull. If you need surgical orthodontics, your orthodontist will work with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to ensure that you receive the best care possible.
When might surgical orthodontics be needed?
Surgical orthodontics may be used to treat adults with improper bites or other aesthetic concerns. Typically, jaw growth stops by age 16 in females and 18 in males. In order to receive orthognathic surgery, the jaw must be done growing. The need for surgical orthodontics occurs when the jaws do not line up correctly, and a proper bite cannot be achieved with orthodontic treatment alone. Orthognathic surgery will help properly align the jaw, and orthodontic braces will then be used to move the teeth into their proper position.
How do I know if I need orthognathic surgery?
Your orthodontist can tell you if orthognathic surgery is needed as part of your treatment. Depending on the severity of your case and the alignment of your jaw, you may or may not need surgery.
How does orthognathic surgery work?
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon will perform your orthognathic surgery, and the surgery will take place in a hospital. Orthognathic surgery can take several hours depending on each individual case. Once the surgery is complete, you will have about a two-week rest period. Since orthognathic surgery is a major treatment, we recommend that you schedule some time away from work and school during the healing process. After your jaw has healed, your orthodontist will once again “fine-tune” your bite. After surgery, you will have to wear braces, and most braces are removed within 6 to 12 months following surgery. After your braces are removed, you will wear a retainer to help maintain your new smile.
What are the risks associated with orthognathic surgery?
As with any major medical surgery, there may be certain risks of having orthognathic surgery. However, the process of orthognathic surgery is not new, and it has been performed for many years in practices and hospitals. If you're concerned about an upcoming treatment with orthognathic surgery, please contact our practice and let us know. We are happy to answer any questions that you may have, and provide you with any additional information. Your comfort is important to us.
What are the rewards of having orthognathic surgery?
For many patients, the most important reward of having orthognathic surgery is achieving a beautiful, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime. Whether you need orthodontic treatment to correct a bad bite, malocclusion, or jaw abnormality, orthognathic surgery can help restore your confidence and leave you smiling with confidence for many years to come.
Can I use clear aligners prior to having Jaw Surgery?
The orthodontist will evaluate the severity of the malocclusion in order to determine the possibility of using clear aligners prior to jaw surgery. If possible, you will perform the initial phase of alignment with clear aligners and then switch to metal braces when ready for surgery. Most oral surgeons will prefer metal braces attached to the teeth for better stability post-surgery so that the results are more stable and long-lasting. If you want to be evaluated for this option, we are more than happy to provide more information at our complimentary consultation.
What is the cost of orthodontic treatment plus orthognathic surgery?
Orthognathic (jaw) surgery is performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, usually in a hospital setting, and the surgery itself has its own separate fees. The exact surgical cost depends on the surgeon, hospital, and your medical insurance benefits. Many medical plans may cover part or all of the jaw surgery when it is documented as medically necessary for functional problems such as chewing, speech, or breathing. Patients should review their specific coverage and speak directly with the oral surgeon’s office for accurate estimates and pre‑authorization details.
The orthodontic portion of treatment is billed separately from the surgery. Your orthodontist will evaluate the complexity of your bite and the expected treatment length to determine an accurate orthodontic fee. This orthodontic fee includes both the pre‑surgical orthodontic phase (aligning and decompensating the teeth) and the post‑surgical orthodontic phase (finishing and detailing the bite). Jaw surgery cases are a lengthy process and require long‑term commitment from the patient and the orthodontist to achieve a stable, well‑planned result.
At NOI Orthodontics, our affiliation with a hospital‑based orthodontic residency allows us to offer the orthodontic portion of jaw surgery cases at a more affordable cost than many traditional private practices, while still providing direct, streamlined communication with hospital surgeons for coordinated care.