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Surgical Orthodontics

Sometimes, a perfect smile needs a little extra help! If you’re dealing with jaw misalignment, a challenging bite, or facial imbalance, surgical orthodontics is a powerful solution that goes beyond braces to correct complex oral issues.

What is Orthognathic Surgery?

Surgical orthodontics, or orthognathic surgery, is a corrective jaw procedure that addresses severe dental and skeletal conditions that can’t be resolved with braces alone. This treatment realigns the jaws to improve your mouth’s function and appearance.

Here’s how orthognathic surgery works:

  • Consultation and planning: After your initial orthodontic consultation, if surgery is necessary, our expert orthodontists will refer you to and collaborate with a local oral surgeon to create a customized plan that fits your exact needs.
  • Braces: More often than not, braces are placed for 1 to 1.5 years before surgery to decompensate your teeth and prepare them for surgery. Dr. Dyer will take study models along the way and make adjustments as needed to set your teeth up for the best possible surgical outcome. Since each case is unique, Dr. Dyer will review your plan during your initial free consultation.
  • Surgery: Performed under general anesthesia, the procedure involves repositioning the jaw bones. It usually takes several hours, depending on the complexity of the case. Your braces will remain on throughout the process and be used by the surgeon during and after the surgery to ensure proper alignment and settling of the teeth, often with the help of elastics.
  • Post-Surgical Orthodontics: Dr. Dyer will usually see surgical patients 3 to 4 weeks after surgery for a quick checkup and potential elastic wear changes. No major adjustments will be made during this appointment. After a few more weeks of healing, your orthodontic treatment will continue, and we will begin settling and perfecting your bite. Post-surgery orthodontics usually takes 6 to 12 months to complete, with the total time in braces lasting 24 to 36 months. Surgery typically occurs around the two-thirds mark of the treatment process.

Did You Know…?

Dr. Dyer underwent orthognathic surgery himself to correct his Class III malocclusion (also known as an underbite). Having personally gone through the process, he can truly empathize with patients and offer valuable insights from a patient’s perspective, making your journey easier.

Before

After

FAQs About Surgical
Orthodontics

When is surgical orthodontics needed?
  • Severe malocclusion (bad bite)
  • Jaw misalignment
  • Facial imbalance
  • Breathing issues like sleep apnea
  • TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders
  • Speech difficulties

Recovery after orthognathic surgery varies from person to person, but most patients can expect to return to normal activities within 2-3 weeks. While swelling will be significantly reduced during this time, it can take several months for it to fully subside. In the early stages of recovery, you may also experience some discomfort and will likely need to follow a modified diet.

Every case is unique, and we’ll closely monitor your progress to make sure you’re healing well every step of the way.

Yes, braces are necessary to properly align your teeth and prepare your bite for surgery. They are also used after the procedure to help ensure everything settles correctly.

Contact Dyer Orthodontics today to schedule your free consultation and get the answers you need for your treatment plan.

Do You Need Surgical Orthodontics?

Curious if orthognathic surgery is the right step for you? Give Dyer Orthodontics a call today to book a consultation. We’re here to answer your questions and discuss your options for a straight smile!