Surgical Orthodontics for Jaw Alignment

While many orthodontic concerns can be corrected with braces or Invisalign® alone, some patients have jaw discrepancies that require a combination of orthodontic treatment and surgery. Surgical orthodontics, also known as orthognathic surgery, is designed to correct significant jaw alignment issues that affect the bite, facial balance, and overall oral function.

At Delta Smiles Orthodontics, Dr. Brent Sexton and Dr. Tiffany Louie work closely with experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeons to create personalized treatment plans for patients who may benefit from surgical orthodontic care.

What Is Surgical Orthodontics?

Surgical orthodontics combines orthodontic treatment with corrective jaw surgery to address skeletal issues that cannot be corrected by moving teeth alone. The goal is to create proper alignment between the upper and lower jaws, improving both function and appearance.

Orthognathic surgery may help improve:

• Bite alignment
• Chewing efficiency
• Speech function
• Breathing
• Facial symmetry
• Long-term oral health

By repositioning the jaws into a healthier relationship, patients can often achieve results that would not be possible with braces alone.

Who Is a Candidate for Orthognathic Surgery?

Surgical orthodontics is typically recommended for adults whose jaw growth has been completed and who have significant skeletal discrepancies affecting their bite or facial structure.

Patients may be candidates if they have:

• Severe overbites
• Underbites
• Open bites
• Facial asymmetry
• Difficulty chewing or speaking
• Jaw alignment concerns
• Bite problems that cannot be corrected with orthodontics alone

Because jaw growth must be complete before surgery is performed, treatment is generally recommended for older teens and adults.

How Do I Know If Braces Alone Won’t Fix My Bite?

Many orthodontic concerns can be corrected using braces or clear aligners. However, when the underlying problem involves the size or position of the jaws rather than the teeth themselves, orthodontic treatment alone may not provide the desired result.

During your orthodontic evaluation, our doctors will assess:

• Jaw relationships
• Facial balance
• Bite function
• Tooth alignment
• Skeletal growth patterns

This comprehensive assessment helps determine whether surgical orthodontics may be necessary to achieve optimal results.

How Does Surgical Orthodontic Treatment Work?

Treatment typically begins with orthodontic preparation. Braces are used to align the teeth and position them properly before surgery.

Although this phase may temporarily make the bite appear worse, it is a necessary step in preparing the jaws for their final corrected position.

Once the teeth are properly positioned, the oral surgeon performs the corrective jaw surgery. The procedure repositions one or both jaws so they fit together properly and function more effectively.

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

• Repositioning the upper jaw
• Repositioning the lower jaw
• Adjusting both jaws
• Correcting facial asymmetry
• Improving jaw balance and stability

The exact surgical approach is customized to each patient’s unique condition.

What Are the Benefits of Orthognathic Surgery?

For qualified patients, surgical orthodontics can provide life-changing improvements in both function and appearance.

Benefits may include:

• Improved bite function
• Better chewing ability
• Enhanced speech clarity
• Improved facial balance
• Greater comfort when eating
• Better airway function in some cases
• Increased confidence and self-esteem

The combination of orthodontics and surgery often delivers results that cannot be achieved through braces alone.

What Is Recovery Like After Jaw Surgery?

Most patients require approximately two weeks of recovery before returning to work, school, or normal daily activities.

While initial recovery occurs relatively quickly, complete healing typically continues over the following several weeks.

During recovery, patients may experience:

• Swelling
• Mild discomfort
• Temporary dietary restrictions
• Follow-up appointments to monitor healing

Our team works closely with your surgeon throughout the recovery process to ensure everything progresses as expected.

What Happens After Surgery?

Following surgery, orthodontic treatment continues to fine-tune the bite and ensure the teeth fit together properly.

In most cases:

• Braces remain in place for several months after surgery
• Final bite adjustments are completed
• Braces are eventually removed
• Retainers are provided to maintain the results

Retainer wear is an essential part of preserving your new bite and smile for the long term.

Is Surgical Orthodontics Worth It?

For patients with significant jaw discrepancies, surgical orthodontics can dramatically improve oral function, facial balance, and overall quality of life. Many patients report improvements not only in their smile but also in their ability to eat, speak, breathe, and feel confident in their appearance.

Schedule a Surgical Orthodontic Consultation

If you’ve been told you may need corrective jaw surgery or have concerns about your bite, Delta Smiles Orthodontics can help. Dr. Brent Sexton and Dr. Tiffany Louie proudly provide comprehensive orthodontic evaluations for patients throughout Antioch, Brentwood, Oakley, Discovery Bay, Pittsburg, and surrounding East Bay communities.

Schedule a complimentary consultation to learn whether surgical orthodontics may be the right solution for your smile, bite, and long-term oral health.