Everything You Need to Know About Surgical Orthodontics
Surgical Orthodontics
Surgical orthodontics has become an essential treatment option for patients who suffer from severe jaw misalignment, facial imbalance, or functional bite issues that cannot be corrected by braces alone. Also known as orthognathic surgery or corrective jaw surgery, this procedure helps reposition the jaws to improve oral function, facial aesthetics, and overall quality of life. With advancements in dental care, surgical orthodontics is now safer, more precise, and widely accessible for patients who need comprehensive correction.
What Is Surgical Orthodontics?
Surgical orthodontics involves a combination of orthodontic treatment and corrective jaw surgery to address skeletal and dental abnormalities. While braces or aligners can fix mild to moderate alignment issues, they cannot resolve severe jaw irregularities. In such cases, surgical orthodontics plays a vital role.
This treatment corrects structural problems related to the jawbones, such as:
- Major jaw discrepancies (forward, backward, vertical, or sideways misalignment)
- Facial deformities caused by bone structure
- Airway-related issues, including obstructive sleep apnea
- Bite problems (malocclusion) that braces cannot fix alone
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain linked to skeletal imbalance
The goal is to restore proper jaw alignment, improve chewing function, reduce discomfort, and enhance facial proportions.
Why Do Some Patients Need Surgical Orthodontics?
Not all orthodontic cases require surgery. However, when the upper and lower jaws do not grow at the same rate or in the right direction, significant misalignment can occur. This leads to problems such as difficulty chewing, breathing issues, speech problems, and facial asymmetry.
Patients may need surgical orthodontics when they have:
- Severe underbite or overbite that cannot be corrected with braces
- Open bite, where the front teeth do not meet even when the jaw is closed
- Crossbite, caused by improper alignment of the upper and lower jaws
- Jaw deformities due to genetics or injury
- Functional jaw issues linked to TMJ disorders
- Sleep apnea caused by airway obstruction from jaw positioning
When left untreated, these issues may worsen over time, leading to complications such as chronic pain, excessive tooth wear, and reduced confidence due to facial imbalance.
How Does the Surgical Orthodontic Procedure Work?
The treatment process typically involves three main phases:
1. Pre-Surgical Orthodontics
Before surgery, patients wear braces or clear aligners to position the teeth correctly. This phase may last 12 to 18 months. Proper alignment ensures that after surgery, the teeth and jaws fit together accurately.
2. Corrective Jaw Surgery
The surgery is performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. It usually takes place in a hospital setting under general anesthesia. During the procedure, the surgeon repositions the jawbones by cutting, reshaping, and aligning them to achieve proper balance. Titanium plates and screws hold the jaw in its new position, offering stability and long-term support.
Depending on the issue, the surgery may involve:
- Moving the upper jaw
- Repositioning the lower jaw
- Adjusting the chin
- Widening or narrowing jaw width
Most patients stay in the hospital for one to two nights and begin recovery immediately afterward.
3. Post-Surgical Orthodontics
After healing, the orthodontist fine-tunes tooth alignment to ensure the bite fits perfectly. This phase typically lasts a few months and completes the transformation.
Benefits of Surgical Orthodontics
Choosing surgical orthodontics provides several long-lasting benefits:
- Improved facial harmony and jaw balance
- Better chewing, breathing, and speaking
- Relief from chronic jaw pain or TMJ issues
- Enhanced confidence with a more symmetrical smile
- Long-term stability and functional improvement
Patients often experience dramatic improvements in both appearance and oral health.
Considering Surgical Orthodontics?
If you’re experiencing jaw alignment issues, chronic bite problems, or facial imbalance, consulting a specialist is the best first step. Clinics such as Dr. Sunil Dental Clinic offer advanced evaluation and treatment options for patients seeking professional orthodontic care. Learn more through our surgical orthodontics consultation.
