When you think about orthodontics, most people picture braces or Invisalign. But sometimes, straightening teeth isn’t just about alignment—it’s about the jaw itself. That’s where surgical orthodontics, also called orthognathic surgery, comes in. This treatment combines traditional orthodontics with jaw surgery to correct severe bite problems, facial asymmetry, or jaw discrepancies that braces alone can’t fix.
It’s a big step, and it’s normal to wonder if this type of treatment is right for you. The good news is that there are some clear signs that can help you figure out whether surgical orthodontics might be a solution for your unique needs. Understanding these signs can help you make an informed decision and feel confident about the process.
What Is Surgical Orthodontics?
Surgical orthodontics isn’t just about straightening teeth—it’s about correcting the foundation of your bite: your jaw. While braces and aligners gradually move teeth into the right position, jaw surgery physically repositions the upper and/or lower jaw to achieve proper alignment.
This procedure is typically recommended for people with significant jaw discrepancies—like severe underbites, overbites, open bites, crossbites, or noticeable facial asymmetry. Beyond aesthetics, surgical orthodontics has important functional benefits: it can improve chewing efficiency, speech clarity, reduce chronic jaw discomfort, and create a more balanced, confident appearance.
The process involves close collaboration between your orthodontist and an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Both work together to carefully plan the movement of your teeth and the positioning of your jaws, ensuring optimal results and long-term stability.
Key Signs You Might Need Surgical Orthodontics
Not everyone with crooked teeth needs jaw surgery. Here are some of the most common signs that surgical orthodontics could be the right path.
Severe Bite Issues
If your teeth don’t meet properly, it can affect more than just your smile. A pronounced underbite, where the lower teeth extend past the upper teeth, or a severe overbite, where the upper teeth overlap too much, can place extra stress on your jaw joints, teeth, and even your neck. An open bite, where the front teeth don’t touch when your mouth is closed, can make eating certain foods frustrating or even painful, and it can also impact speech.
While braces alone can correct minor bite issues, when these problems are severe, jaw surgery may be the only way to achieve a lasting solution.
Facial Asymmetry
Sometimes, the jaw itself is uneven, creating an imbalanced facial appearance. One side of the jaw might protrude more than the other, or the chin might be off-center. This isn’t just cosmetic—facial asymmetry can cause uneven wear on teeth, jaw discomfort, or difficulty chewing properly. Surgical orthodontics addresses both the functional and aesthetic concerns, improving symmetry and overall facial harmony.
Difficulty Chewing or Speaking
Do you find yourself favoring one side of your mouth when chewing? Or maybe certain foods feel impossible to bite into comfortably. Jaw misalignment can also affect speech, making some sounds harder to pronounce. Surgical orthodontics can realign the jaw, restoring proper bite function and improving everyday activities like eating and speaking.
Chronic Jaw Pain or TMJ Problems
Jaw pain, frequent headaches, or clicking and popping in your jaw joints (TMJ disorder) are often linked to bite issues or jaw misalignment. While not all TMJ problems require surgery, jaw discrepancies are a common cause of chronic discomfort. Correcting the jaw alignment can reduce stress on the joints, alleviate pain, and prevent long-term damage.
Braces Alone Haven’t Worked
In some cases, patients start with traditional braces or clear aligners, only to discover that their bite won’t fully correct. If an orthodontist notices that your teeth cannot achieve proper alignment without addressing the underlying jaw structure, surgery may be recommended. This ensures results are not only effective but also stable over time.
Additional Considerations
It’s important to remember that surgical orthodontics is a personal decision and not a one-size-fits-all solution. Factors like age, overall health, and the severity of your jaw discrepancy play a role in determining candidacy. Adults are often good candidates because their jaw growth is complete, but teens may also benefit in cases of severe misalignment that could worsen over time.
Another consideration is the emotional and mental aspect of surgery. Recovery can involve a few weeks of restricted activity and a soft-food diet, which can be an adjustment. But knowing the long-term benefits—improved function, comfort, and aesthetics—often makes the process worthwhile.
Benefits of Surgical Orthodontics
Surgical orthodontics offers more than just a cosmetic improvement. Correcting jaw alignment has a variety of physical, functional, and emotional benefits:
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Improved Functionality: Chewing, biting, and speaking become easier and more efficient.
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Pain Relief: Proper jaw alignment reduces strain on joints, often alleviating TMJ-related discomfort.
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Enhanced Facial Balance: Surgery can correct asymmetry and create a harmonious, natural-looking profile.
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Long-Term Stability: Addressing the root structural problem helps prevent teeth from shifting back over time.
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Confidence Boost: Achieving a balanced, healthy smile can have a significant positive impact on self-esteem and social confidence.
What to Expect During Treatment
Surgical orthodontics is a multi-step process. It typically begins with braces or clear aligners to position your teeth in preparation for surgery. Once your teeth are ready, the oral surgeon performs the jaw surgery, and orthodontic treatment continues afterward to fine-tune your bite.
Recovery varies depending on the complexity of the surgery, but most patients can expect a few weeks of limited activity, swelling, and a soft-food diet, followed by a gradual return to normal routines. Your orthodontist and surgeon will provide clear instructions and support throughout recovery to ensure the best results.
How to Know if You’re a Candidate
The best way to determine if surgical orthodontics is right for you is through a comprehensive evaluation. Your orthodontist will examine your bite, jaw structure, and overall oral health, often using advanced imaging and digital planning tools. These tools allow your care team to create a detailed, personalized treatment plan tailored specifically to your needs.
Even if you’re unsure about surgery, scheduling a consultation is a great first step. You’ll learn about your options, potential outcomes, and whether surgical orthodontics is truly necessary for your situation.
Take the Next Step With Factoria Orthodontics
If you’re dealing with severe bite issues, jaw pain, or facial asymmetry, it may be time to explore surgical orthodontics. At Factoria Orthodontics, we specialize in combining precise orthodontic treatment with surgical expertise to deliver lasting, life-changing results.
Whether you’re struggling with an overbite, underbite, open bite, or noticeable facial asymmetry, our team will create a personalized plan to improve both your smile and oral function. Working with an orthodontist in Bellevue WA, you’ll receive support and guidance throughout your treatment, from consultation to final results.
Ready to Transform Your Smile and Jaw Function?
Don’t let severe bite problems or jaw misalignment hold you back. Schedule a consultation with Factoria Orthodontics today to see if surgical orthodontics is the right solution for you. With the right plan, you can achieve a healthier, more functional, and more confident smile—one that lasts a lifetime.