Surgical Orthodontics for Jaw Alignment

When braces or clear aligners alone cannot fully correct a bite problem, surgical orthodontics may be recommended. Also known as orthognathic surgery, this specialized treatment focuses on correcting jaw alignment issues that affect how the teeth and jaws function together.

At Obaisi Orthodontics, Dr. Noor Obaisi works closely with experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeons to help patients achieve better jaw balance, improved bite function, and long-term oral health. Surgical orthodontics is typically recommended for adults whose jaw growth is complete and who have more complex bite concerns.

For many patients, this combined orthodontic and surgical approach can improve chewing, speaking, breathing, and facial harmony while also creating a more balanced, confident smile.

What Is Surgical Orthodontics?

Surgical orthodontics, or orthognathic surgery, is a treatment designed to correct problems with jaw positioning and bite alignment that cannot be fully treated with braces alone.

This treatment combines:

• Orthodontic treatment (braces or aligners to position the teeth)
• Jaw surgery performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon
• Post-surgical orthodontic adjustments to refine the bite

By repositioning the jaws into proper alignment, the teeth are able to meet correctly, improving both function and appearance.

Patients who undergo surgical orthodontics often experience improvements in:

• Bite alignment and chewing efficiency
• Speech clarity
• Breathing and airway function
• Facial balance and profile aesthetics

Who May Need Orthognathic Surgery?

Surgical orthodontics is generally recommended for adult patients with significant bite misalignment or jaw irregularities. Because the jaws must be fully developed before surgery, treatment is typically considered after growth is complete.

Jaw growth is usually finished around:

• Age 16 for females
• Age 18 for males

However, orthodontic preparation with braces can often begin one to two years before surgery in order to properly align the teeth before the surgical phase.

Common conditions that may require surgical orthodontics include:

• Severe overbite or underbite
• Jaw asymmetry
• Difficulty chewing or biting food
• Chronic jaw discomfort
• Facial imbalance caused by jaw positioning

During your consultation, Dr. Noor Obaisi will evaluate your bite and jaw alignment to determine whether surgical orthodontics may be part of your personalized treatment plan.

How Does Surgical Orthodontic Treatment Work?

Surgical orthodontics involves a carefully coordinated treatment plan between the orthodontist and oral surgeon.

The process typically includes three phases:

Phase 1: Orthodontic Preparation

Before surgery, braces are used to position the teeth in the correct alignment within each jaw. While this step may temporarily make the bite appear worse, it ensures the teeth will fit properly after surgery.

Phase 2: Jaw Surgery

Once the teeth are prepared, the oral and maxillofacial surgeon performs the orthognathic procedure to reposition the jaws.

Depending on the patient’s needs, surgery may involve:

• Moving the lower jaw forward or backward
• Repositioning the upper jaw
• Adjusting the height or width of the jaw
• Modifying facial bones that support jaw alignment

The procedure usually takes several hours and is performed in a hospital or surgical center.

Phase 3: Final Orthodontic Treatment

After surgery, orthodontic treatment continues to fine-tune the bite and ensure the teeth fit together properly. This stage helps create a stable, functional bite and balanced smile.

What Is the Recovery Time After Jaw Surgery?

Recovery from orthognathic surgery typically takes about two weeks before returning to normal daily activities, such as school or work.

However, full healing of the jaw bones usually takes four to eight weeks. During this time, your orthodontist and surgeon will monitor healing and make any necessary adjustments.

After healing is complete:

• Orthodontic treatment continues for final alignment
• Braces are usually removed 6–12 months after surgery
• Retainers are provided to maintain the results

Following your orthodontist’s instructions during recovery helps ensure the best possible outcome.

Benefits of Surgical Orthodontic Treatment

When jaw alignment problems are corrected, patients often experience significant improvements in both function and appearance.

Potential benefits include:

• Improved bite function and chewing ability
• Better breathing and airway support
• Reduced jaw strain and discomfort
• Enhanced facial symmetry and balance
• Long-term stability of orthodontic results

For patients with complex bite issues, surgical orthodontics can provide results that orthodontic treatment alone cannot achieve.

Schedule a Surgical Orthodontic Consultation

If you have been told that braces alone may not fully correct your bite, surgical orthodontics may be an option.

At Obaisi Orthodontics, Dr. Noor Obaisi provides comprehensive evaluations to determine the best approach for your smile and jaw alignment. By combining advanced orthodontic care with expert surgical collaboration, we help patients achieve healthier function and lasting results.

Schedule your consultation today to learn how orthodontic treatment and jaw surgery can work together to transform your smile and improve your quality of life.