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Orthodontic Surgery: Enhancing Your Smile’s Foundation

Surgical orthodontics, or orthognathic surgery, is corrective jaw surgery performed to remedy skeletal problems affecting the ability to bite, chew, and speak.

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American Association of Orthodontists›Treatments›Orthodontic Surgery
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Do I Need Orthodontic Surgery?

If your upper and lower jaws are out of position, you may be a candidate for surgical orthodontics.  This incorrect positioning can impact how your teeth fit together, impairing your ability to bite, chew, and speak.  With the assistance of an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, your AAO orthodontist can reposition your teeth and jaws for optimal mouth function.

What Comes First: Orthognathic Surgery or Treatment?

Orthodontic treatment is typically initiated before orthognathic surgery, aligning the teeth so that they will fit together ideally after the jaws are surgically manipulated. For a while after surgery, your orthodontic treatment will continue, ensuring your teeth move into their final, optimal positions and function correctly within the new position of your jaws.

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Your Orthodontic Surgery Treatment Plan

Sometimes, a malocclusion cannot be corrected with orthodontic treatment alone. Some cases may be too complex. When the underlying problems cannot be solved solely by braces or clear aligner treatment, the jaws can be moved into optimal positions with surgery.
The Consultation

Jaw surgery requires a team approach, with the patient, orthodontist, and surgeon collaborating to achieve the best results. If your orthodontist feels that you would benefit from orthognathic surgery, they will refer you to an oral surgeon before your orthodontic treatment begins.

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Surgery

Oral surgeons use many different procedures to correct the relationship between your jaws. These procedures are major surgeries that will likely require an overnight stay in a hospital or surgical center. At your initial consultation, your oral surgeon will discuss the details of your procedure and answer any questions you may have.

Recovery

Because orthognathic surgery is a major procedure, most patients should plan to take a week off of school or work to rest and recover. Your first few weeks of recovery will involve dietary changes and restrictions. All post-operative instructions will be provided by your oral surgeon after the procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Browse our list of frequently asked questions about orthognathic surgery. If you can’t find answers to your questions, your local AAO orthodontist can help you with answers and any other information you may need.

1. Why is surgical orthodontics necessary?
Unlike children, adults are no longer growing, so surgery is the only way to modify the size, shape, or position of an adult’s jaw bones.
2. Does insurance typically cover surgical orthodontics?
While dental insurance may cover some or all of your orthodontic treatment, it does not typically cover orthognathic surgery. If you do have insurance coverage for surgery, it would be through your medical insurance. To see if your plan covers…
3. Is orthognathic surgery performed only on adults?
For best results, orthognathic surgery to correct misaligned jaws and teeth is usually performed on patients whose jaws have finished developing or growing, typically in the the late teens to early twenties.
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