Surgical orthodontics

Solutions for complex bite problems

Surgical orthodontics, also known as orthognathic surgery, is used to correct severe problems with the jaw and face related to structure and growth.

Early orthodontics can often help you avoid surgical orthodontics, but severe bite problems and children and adults may require corrective surgery.

Types of malocclusion that often are treated with surgical orthodontics include:

  • Severe underbite: the lower jaw juts forward, and the lower teeth overlap the upper teeth.
  • Severe overjet: referred to by many as “buck teeth,” this is a condition where the upper front teeth jut outward and are more susceptible to dental trauma.
  • Crossbite in adults: the teeth of the upper and lower jaws don’t line up properly from side to side and can create facial asymmetry as well as premature tooth wear.

If you need surgical orthodontic treatment, Dr. Jennings will refer you to an oral surgeon. She will work with the oral surgeon to develop a treatment plan.

In most cases, Dr. Jennings will put metal or clear braces on the patient’s teeth to make some improvements before surgery. After about a year of treatment, the oral surgeon can perform the necessary surgery while you’re still wearing braces.

Dr. Jennings typically provides an additional six to nine months of orthodontic treatment after surgery to finish up the correction.

When the braces come off, your beautiful new smile is revealed.