Surgical Orthodontics for Jaw Alignment Treatment

For some patients, braces or clear aligners alone aren’t enough to achieve a healthy, functional bite. That’s where surgical orthodontics, also called orthognathic surgery, comes in.

This specialized treatment combines orthodontics with corrective jaw surgery to improve not just your smile, but also your ability to chew, speak, and breathe comfortably. We work closely with trusted oral and maxillofacial surgeons to provide life-changing results for patients who need advanced care.

What Is Surgical Orthodontics?

Surgical orthodontics is a type of corrective jaw surgery used to treat moderate to severe bite problems, jaw misalignment, or facial imbalance. Unlike standard orthodontics, which moves only the teeth, orthognathic surgery repositions the jaws themselves to achieve proper alignment.

Patients benefit in many ways, including:

• Improved chewing and speaking ability.

• Relief from jaw pain or discomfort caused by misalignment.

• Easier breathing in some cases (such as sleep apnea concerns).

• A more balanced, natural-looking facial profile.

Who Is a Candidate for Jaw Surgery?

Not every orthodontic patient needs surgery. Surgical orthodontics is typically recommended for adults who:

• Have finished growing (usually age 16+ for females, 18+ for males).

• Have severe bite problems (overbite, underbite, open bite, or crossbite) that braces alone can’t fix.

• Experience jaw pain, difficulty chewing, or speech issues related to misalignment.

• Want to improve their facial balance or profile for both health and confidence.

For many patients, orthodontic treatment begins first. Braces or aligners may be used to move the teeth into a better position before surgery, ensuring the jaws and teeth will fit together properly after correction.

How Does the Process Work?

The journey with surgical orthodontics typically includes several phases:

1. Pre-surgical orthodontics – Braces or aligners are used to move teeth into alignment in preparation for surgery.

2. Jaw surgery – Performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon in a hospital setting. Depending on your needs, the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both may be repositioned. Some procedures involve adding or removing small sections of bone for better stability.

3. Healing and adjustment – After surgery, Dr. Christopher Riolo fine-tunes your bite with braces or aligners to achieve the best possible result.

4. Retention phase – Once treatment is complete, a retainer is worn to keep your new smile in place.

Types of Surgical Corrections

Depending on your specific needs, surgery may involve:

• Lower jaw surgery – Moving the lower jaw forward or backward.

• Upper jaw surgery – Repositioning the jaw higher, lower, forward, or backward.

• Combined jaw surgery – Adjusting both jaws for proper balance.

• Facial bone adjustments – In some cases, surrounding bones are repositioned or reshaped for stability and aesthetics.

Recovery After Orthognathic Surgery

Most patients recover from jaw surgery surprisingly quickly. Here’s what to expect:

• Initial recovery: About 2 weeks, after which many patients can return to school or work.

• Full healing: 4–8 weeks for bones and tissues to stabilize.

• Final orthodontic adjustments: Braces typically remain for 6–12 months after surgery to fine-tune the bite.

• Retention: After braces are removed, a retainer helps maintain your new alignment.

Our team will guide you through every step of the process, from pre-surgical preparation to long-term follow-up.

Life-Changing Benefits

While surgical orthodontics may sound intimidating, the results are often dramatic. Patients who complete treatment report:

• Greater comfort and function in everyday activities like eating and speaking.

• Relief from headaches, jaw strain, and TMJ discomfort.

• More confidence thanks to an improved facial appearance and smile.

• Long-term stability that protects both oral health and overall well-being.

If you’ve been told your bite problem can’t be corrected with braces alone, surgical orthodontics may be the answer. Dr. Riolo partners with experienced oral surgeons to deliver safe, effective, and life-changing results.

Take the Next Step Toward Jaw Alignment and a Healthier Bite

If you have been dealing with significant jaw misalignment, chronic bite problems, or facial imbalance, surgical orthodontics may offer the long term solution you need. Dr. Riolo partners with experienced oral surgeons to design a personalized plan that focuses on both function and appearance.

Contact our office today to schedule a complimentary consultation and learn whether jaw alignment surgery is right for you. Together, we can plan a path toward a healthier bite, more comfortable function, and a confident smile.