Surgical Orthodontics
Most orthodontic problems can be successfully treated with braces or clear aligners alone. However, in some adults, differences in the size, shape, or position of the upper and lower jaws are too significant to be corrected with orthodontic treatment alone. In these situations, surgical orthodontics, also known as orthognathic surgery, may be recommended.
Surgical orthodontics combines orthodontic treatment with corrective jaw surgery to improve the way the teeth and jaws fit together. Treatment is typically a collaborative process between an orthodontist and an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. The orthodontist positions the teeth appropriately within each jaw, while the surgeon corrects the underlying jaw relationship. Orthodontic treatment is then completed after surgery to refine the bite and create the best possible functional and aesthetic result.
Corrective jaw surgery may be considered for patients with significant underbites, overbites, open bites, facial asymmetry, or other skeletal jaw discrepancies that cannot be predictably corrected with orthodontics alone. While braces can move teeth into better positions, they cannot reposition the jawbones themselves. Because jaw growth must generally be complete before corrective jaw surgery is performed, surgical orthodontic treatment is most commonly used for adults and older adolescents.
Experience Matters
Dr. Kevin Jarrell has extensive experience evaluating and treating patients with complex orthodontic and surgical needs. He works closely with experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeons to carefully coordinate treatment from the initial orthodontic planning through surgery and final detailing of the bite.
Not every significant bite problem requires surgery. An important part of the consultation is determining whether a patient's goals can reasonably be achieved with orthodontic treatment alone or whether a combined orthodontic and surgical approach would provide a better result. Dr. Jarrell can discuss the available options, their advantages and limitations, and help patients make an informed decision about the treatment approach that is right for them.