Surgical Orthodontics Cases
Comprehensive Treatment for Complex Cases
Some orthodontic problems extend beyond tooth position to involve the underlying jaw structure. When the jaws themselves are misaligned—too long, too short, or asymmetric—braces alone cannot achieve optimal results. At Bar Orthodontics in Rockwall, TX, Dr. Bar coordinates comprehensive surgical orthodontic treatment, partnering with skilled oral surgeons to correct severe skeletal discrepancies.
What Is Surgical Orthodontics?
Surgical orthodontics, also called orthognathic surgery, combines orthodontic treatment with corrective jaw surgery to address skeletal problems that can't be fixed with braces or aligners alone.
This approach treats the underlying cause of severe bite problems rather than just compensating for them with tooth movement. The orthodontist and oral surgeon work as a team to plan and execute treatment.
Who Needs Surgical Orthodontics?
Surgical orthodontics may be recommended for:
Severe underbite (lower jaw protrudes beyond upper jaw)Severe underbite (lower jaw protrudes beyond upper jaw)
Significant overbite (upper jaw extends too far forward)Significant overbite (upper jaw extends too far forward)
Open bite that won't respond to conventional treatmentOpen bite that won't respond to conventional treatment
Facial asymmetry from uneven jaw growthFacial asymmetry from uneven jaw growth
Receding lower jaw affecting airway and appearanceReceding lower jaw affecting airway and appearance
Protruding lower jawProtruding lower jaw
Inability to close lips comfortablyInability to close lips comfortably
Sleep apnea related to jaw positionSleep apnea related to jaw position
TMJ problems caused by skeletal discrepancyTMJ problems caused by skeletal discrepancy
Difficulty chewing, speaking, or breathing due to jaw positionDifficulty chewing, speaking, or breathing due to jaw position
The Surgical Orthodontic Process
Treatment follows a carefully coordinated sequence:
Comprehensive EvaluationComprehensive Evaluation – Dr. Bar assesses your teeth, jaws, and facial structure using X-rays, 3D imaging, and photographs – Dr. Bar assesses your teeth, jaws, and facial structure using X-rays, 3D imaging, and photographs
Treatment PlanningTreatment Planning – The orthodontist and surgeon collaborate to plan ideal tooth and jaw positions – The orthodontist and surgeon collaborate to plan ideal tooth and jaw positions
Pre-Surgical OrthodonticsPre-Surgical Orthodontics – Braces align your teeth in preparation for surgery (typically 12-18 months) – Braces align your teeth in preparation for surgery (typically 12-18 months)
Jaw SurgeryJaw Surgery – The oral surgeon repositions the jaw(s) and secures them with small plates and screws – The oral surgeon repositions the jaw(s) and secures them with small plates and screws
Post-Surgical OrthodonticsPost-Surgical Orthodontics – Final tooth alignment and bite refinement (typically 6-12 months) – Final tooth alignment and bite refinement (typically 6-12 months)
RetentionRetention – Retainers maintain your beautiful new smile and bite – Retainers maintain your beautiful new smile and bite
What to Expect from Jaw Surgery
Orthognathic surgery is performed in a hospital under general anesthesia:
Surgery duration varies from 1-4 hours depending on complexitySurgery duration varies from 1-4 hours depending on complexity
Incisions are made inside the mouth, leaving Incisions are made inside the mouth, leaving no visible scarsno visible scars
Hospital stay is typically 1-2 nightsHospital stay is typically 1-2 nights
Initial recovery takes 2-3 weeks before returning to work/schoolInitial recovery takes 2-3 weeks before returning to work/school
Jaw may be immobilized briefly with elastics (wiring jaws shut is rarely needed today)Jaw may be immobilized briefly with elastics (wiring jaws shut is rarely needed today)
Full healing takes 6-12 weeks, with gradual return to normal dietFull healing takes 6-12 weeks, with gradual return to normal diet
Final results become apparent as swelling resolves over several monthsFinal results become apparent as swelling resolves over several months
Benefits of Surgical Orthodontics
Patients who complete surgical orthodontic treatment experience:
Properly aligned jaws and balanced facial proportionsProperly aligned jaws and balanced facial proportions
Dramatically improved bite functionDramatically improved bite function
Better chewing, speaking, and breathingBetter chewing, speaking, and breathing
Enhanced facial aesthetics and profileEnhanced facial aesthetics and profile
Improved airway for better sleepImproved airway for better sleep
Long-term stability of resultsLong-term stability of results
Increased self-confidenceIncreased self-confidence
Resolution of chronic jaw pain in many casesResolution of chronic jaw pain in many cases
Is Surgical Orthodontics Right for You?
Dr. Bar will thoroughly evaluate your case to determine if surgical orthodontics is necessary. In some cases, newer techniques like MSE (Maxillary Skeletal Expander) or TADs may provide alternatives to surgery.
However, for significant skeletal discrepancies in fully grown patients, surgical orthodontics often provides the most stable, comprehensive, and aesthetically pleasing results.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you've been told you might need jaw surgery, schedule a consultation at Bar Orthodontics. Dr. Bar will provide an honest assessment and explain all your options.
