Understanding When Braces Alone Aren’t Enough
For many patients, traditional orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign is enough to correct misaligned teeth and improve their bite. But in some cases, the problem isn’t just with the teeth—it’s with how the jaws are positioned. When jaw growth or alignment issues are too severe to correct with braces alone, surgical orthodontics (also known as orthognathic surgery) may be recommended.
At Hansen Orthodontics, Dr. Hansen works closely with trusted oral and maxillofacial surgeons to guide patients through the surgical orthodontic process, helping them achieve proper jaw alignment, improved function, and a healthier, more balanced smile.
What Is Surgical Orthodontics?
Surgical orthodontics involves the use of corrective jaw surgery to reposition the upper or lower jaw—or both—when there are significant skeletal issues that cannot be corrected with orthodontics alone. The goal is to improve bite function, facial balance, and long-term oral health.
This treatment is typically recommended for adults or older teens who have completed most of their jaw growth and still have:
- Severe bite problems
- Jaw misalignment
- Facial asymmetry
- Difficulty chewing, speaking, or breathing
When Is Jaw Surgery Necessary?
Jaw surgery may be necessary if:
1. The Upper and Lower Jaws Don’t Align Properly
When one jaw has grown too much or not enough, it can create a significant underbite, overbite, or open bite that braces alone can’t fix. In these cases, orthognathic surgery repositions the jaws to bring them into the correct alignment.
2. The Patient Has Trouble Chewing or Biting Food
A poorly aligned jaw can make it difficult to bite and chew properly, leading to digestive issues or excessive wear on certain teeth. Surgical correction can restore balance and improve everyday function.
3. There’s Severe Facial Asymmetry or Aesthetic Concerns
Some jaw discrepancies can cause a visibly uneven or unbalanced appearance in the chin, jawline, or overall facial structure. Corrective surgery can improve both function and facial harmony.
4. The Patient Experiences Chronic Jaw Pain or TMJ Issues
Jaw misalignment can contribute to ongoing joint pain, muscle tension, or TMJ disorders. Surgery may help relieve these issues when other treatments aren’t effective.
5. Breathing or Sleep Problems Are Present
In some cases, jaw structure can restrict the airway and contribute to obstructive sleep apnea or chronic mouth breathing. Repositioning the jaw can open the airway and support better breathing and sleep.
What to Expect with Surgical Orthodontics
Surgical orthodontics is a team-based process, and Dr. Hansen works closely with oral surgeons to coordinate every stage of care. Here’s what the typical treatment process looks like:
1. Orthodontic Preparation
Before surgery, patients will typically wear braces for 12 to 18 months to align the teeth in preparation for jaw repositioning. This ensures that once the jaws are in the correct position, the bite fits together properly.
2. Jaw Surgery
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon will perform the procedure in a hospital setting. Depending on the case, surgery may involve the upper jaw (maxilla), lower jaw (mandible), or both. Most surgeries are performed under general anesthesia and require a few weeks of recovery time.
3. Post-Surgical Orthodontic Refinement
After healing, patients continue with orthodontic treatment to fine-tune the bite and ensure the teeth stay properly aligned.
4. Retention and Maintenance
Once treatment is complete, retainers are provided to maintain the results and prevent shifting.
Is Surgical Orthodontics Right for You?
Jaw surgery is not necessary for every patient with bite issues, but it can be life-changing for those with:
- Severe skeletal discrepancies
- Difficulty with chewing, speaking, or breathing
- Facial asymmetry caused by jaw misalignment
- Chronic TMJ pain or discomfort
Dr. Hansen will perform a detailed evaluation using digital imaging and 3D scans to determine if surgical orthodontics is the best path forward for your smile and health.
Trust Hansen Orthodontics for Expert Surgical Coordination
At Hansen Orthodontics, we understand that jaw surgery can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Dr. Hansen has years of experience coordinating surgical orthodontic cases and works closely with a network of highly skilled oral surgeons to ensure the best outcomes. From your initial consultation to your final result, our team will be with you every step of the way.