Surgical Orthodontics
While many orthodontic concerns can be corrected with braces or Invisalign clear aligners alone, some patients have jaw discrepancies that require a combination of orthodontic treatment and corrective jaw surgery. Surgical orthodontics, also known as orthognathic surgery, is designed to address severe skeletal and bite issues that cannot be fully corrected through tooth movement alone.
At Dr. B Smiles Orthodontics, Dr. Bonavoglia works closely with experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeons to create comprehensive treatment plans that improve function, comfort, facial balance, and long-term oral health.
What Is Surgical Orthodontics?
Surgical orthodontics combines orthodontic treatment with corrective jaw surgery to reposition the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both. Orthodontic treatment is used before and after surgery to ensure the teeth fit together properly once the jaws are aligned.
This approach improves the relationship between the teeth, jaws, and facial structures, resulting in a healthier bite, improved function, and enhanced facial balance.
Who May Benefit from Surgical Orthodontics?
Surgical orthodontics may be recommended for patients with:
- Severe overbites or underbites
- Significant jaw asymmetry
- Skeletal open bites
- Difficulty chewing or biting food
- Speech concerns related to jaw position
- Chronic jaw discomfort
- Facial imbalance caused by jaw development
- Orthodontic issues that cannot be corrected with braces or aligners alone
Most surgical orthodontic patients have completed jaw growth and are typically older teens or adults.
The Surgical Orthodontic Process
Comprehensive Evaluation
Your treatment begins with a thorough orthodontic examination. We evaluate your teeth, bite, jaw position, facial proportions, and overall oral health using advanced diagnostic technology. This allows us to determine whether surgical orthodontics is the most effective solution for your needs.
Orthodontic Preparation
Before surgery, braces or Invisalign clear aligners are used to position the teeth properly. Although this stage may temporarily make the bite appear worse, it creates the ideal foundation for successful jaw repositioning during surgery.
Corrective Jaw Surgery
Jaw surgery is performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon in a hospital or surgical setting. Depending on your needs, surgery may involve the upper jaw, lower jaw, chin, or a combination of these structures.
Final Orthodontic Treatment
Following surgery, orthodontic treatment continues to refine tooth alignment and finalize the bite. This phase helps ensure optimal function, stability, and aesthetics.
Benefits of Surgical Orthodontics
Corrective jaw surgery can provide significant functional and aesthetic improvements, including:
- Improved chewing and biting ability
- Better speech function
- Enhanced facial balance and symmetry
- Reduced strain on the jaw joints
- Improved long-term oral health
- Increased comfort and confidence
- A healthier, more stable bite
For many patients, surgical orthodontics delivers results that cannot be achieved through orthodontic treatment alone.
Advanced Treatment Planning
At Dr. B Smiles Orthodontics, we use modern orthodontic technology and detailed treatment planning to coordinate every stage of care. By working closely with your surgical team, we help create a seamless treatment experience focused on achieving the best possible outcome.
Our goal is to ensure every patient fully understands the process, feels supported throughout treatment, and achieves a healthy, functional smile that lasts for years to come.
Schedule a Consultation
If you have been told you may need jaw surgery or have concerns about a severe bite problem, schedule a consultation with Dr. B Smiles Orthodontics. We will evaluate your smile, discuss your goals, and determine whether surgical orthodontics may be the right solution for your needs.