When the Problem Goes Beyond the Position of the Teeth
Braces and clear aligners can move teeth, but they cannot always correct a significant mismatch between the upper and lower jaws.
For patients with a substantial skeletal imbalance, corrective jaw surgery in Auburn, WA may form part of a coordinated treatment plan to improve how the jaws meet, how the teeth function together, and the balance of the face.
At Auburn Orthodontics, we evaluate the relationship between your teeth and jaws, determine what orthodontics can accomplish, and coordinate with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon when surgical correction is appropriate.
What Is Corrective Jaw Surgery?
Orthognathic Surgery Addresses Skeletal Jaw Imbalance
Corrective jaw surgery, also called orthognathic surgery, repositions one or both jaws when their underlying skeletal relationship cannot be adequately corrected by moving the teeth alone.
The surgery itself is performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Our role as your orthodontic team is to plan and coordinate the tooth movement needed before and after surgery so your teeth can fit together correctly once the jaws have been repositioned.
Treatment therefore involves more than the operation. Orthodontics and surgery work together toward the same final bite.
Who May Need Corrective Jaw Surgery?
Some Bite Problems Begin With the Jaws, Not Just the Teeth
Jaw growth does not always occur evenly. Developmental differences, congenital conditions, or previous facial injuries can create relationships that conventional orthodontic tooth movement cannot fully resolve.
An evaluation may be appropriate if you experience concerns such as:
- Significant underbite or overbite
- Open bite
- Difficulty biting or chewing efficiently
- Problems bringing the lips together comfortably
- Noticeable jaw asymmetry
- Receding or prominent lower jaw
- Excessive tooth wear related to the bite
- Facial imbalance associated with jaw position
- Certain speech or swallowing difficulties related to jaw structure
Jaw-joint discomfort or headaches can also occur alongside bite and jaw problems, but these symptoms have many possible causes. Corrective jaw surgery is not automatically a treatment for TMJ pain. The underlying condition must be properly evaluated first.
How Does Corrective Jaw Surgery Treatment Work?
Orthodontics Usually Begins Before Surgery
Orthognathic treatment is typically a coordinated process rather than a single procedure.
1. Orthodontic Evaluation
We first evaluate your teeth, bite, and jaw relationships to determine whether the problem is primarily dental, skeletal, or a combination of both.
2. Treatment Planning
When a significant skeletal discrepancy is present, we coordinate planning with the oral and maxillofacial surgeon who will perform the surgical portion of treatment.
3. Pre-Surgical Orthodontics
Braces are often used before surgery to position the teeth appropriately within each jaw.
This step can temporarily make the bite appear less ideal because the teeth are being prepared for the jaw positions that will exist after surgery.
4. Jaw Surgery
The surgeon repositions the necessary jaw structures according to the coordinated surgical plan.
5. Post-Surgical Orthodontics
After appropriate healing, orthodontic treatment continues so we can refine the way the teeth fit together and complete the final alignment.
6. Retention
Once active treatment is complete, retainers help maintain the final tooth positions.
Our new patient consultation is the starting point for determining whether conventional orthodontics or a combined surgical approach deserves consideration.
What Are the Benefits of Corrective Jaw Surgery?
Improve the Foundation of the Bite
For appropriately selected patients, combined orthodontic and surgical treatment can address problems that moving the teeth alone cannot resolve.
Potential goals include:
- Creating a more functional bite
- Improving upper and lower jaw relationships
- Making chewing more efficient
- Reducing abnormal tooth wear caused by severe malocclusion
- Improving facial balance and symmetry
- Helping the lips meet more naturally
- Creating a stable foundation for final orthodontic alignment
The objective is not simply to change facial appearance. Treatment is planned around the relationship between skeletal structure, tooth position, function, and long-term stability.
Can Braces Fix My Jaw Without Surgery?
It Depends on Whether the Problem Is Dental or Skeletal
Many bite problems can be corrected successfully with orthodontics alone.
Braces, aligners, and dentofacial orthopedic treatment can influence tooth position and, in growing patients, may sometimes guide aspects of jaw development.
However, once growth is complete, a substantial skeletal discrepancy may be too large to camouflage safely or predictably through tooth movement alone.
That distinction is one reason specialist evaluation matters. The goal is to recommend the least invasive treatment that can realistically achieve a healthy and stable result.
Meet the Orthodontists Coordinating Your Care
Experienced Planning for Complex Bite Problems
Dr. Heather Woloshyn, DMD, MSD, completed her orthodontic specialty training and Master of Science in Dentistry at the University of Washington, where she also teaches orthodontic residents one day each week. She approaches orthodontics with attention to bite function, oral health, and long-term stability as well as appearance.
Dr. Todd Steinhart completed his orthodontic specialty training at Rutgers and brings extensive experience in comprehensive orthodontics, Invisalign, early treatment, and holistic treatment planning.
Together, our doctors can evaluate whether your concern is appropriate for orthodontic correction alone or whether coordinated surgical care should be considered.
What to Expect From a Surgical Orthodontic Treatment Plan
Complex Treatment Requires Careful Coordination
Corrective jaw surgery is generally a longer process than routine orthodontic treatment.
The exact timeline depends on your diagnosis, how much presurgical tooth movement is necessary, surgical healing, and the amount of orthodontic refinement required afterward.
During active orthodontic treatment, appointments are commonly scheduled about every four to eight weeks, although surgical cases may follow a different schedule depending on the stage of care.
We also coordinate with the other professionals involved in your treatment so orthodontic and surgical goals remain aligned throughout the process.
Cost, Insurance, and Payment Options
Every Surgical Orthodontic Case Is Different
There is no universal fee for corrective jaw surgery or the orthodontic treatment that accompanies it.
Orthodontic costs depend on your individual treatment plan, while surgical and hospital-related costs are handled separately through the surgical team and relevant healthcare providers.
Our financial information explains available payment arrangements for orthodontic care. We accept most major credit cards and insurance plans and can assist with orthodontic insurance claims and paperwork when benefits apply.
Discuss Your Treatment and Financial Options
Frequently Asked Questions About Corrective Jaw Surgery
Important Questions Before Considering Surgical Orthodontics
Who actually performs corrective jaw surgery?
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon performs the jaw surgery. Your orthodontist coordinates the tooth movement before and after the procedure so the teeth and repositioned jaws can function together correctly.
Will I need braces before jaw surgery?
Often, yes. Presurgical orthodontics is commonly needed to place the teeth in positions that will work correctly once the jaws are surgically repositioned.
Can corrective jaw surgery help an underbite?
It may be appropriate for a severe skeletal underbite when the lower and upper jaws are significantly mismatched and orthodontic tooth movement alone cannot create an acceptable relationship.
Can jaw surgery help with TMJ pain?
Not every case of TMJ pain is caused by skeletal jaw alignment, and jaw surgery is not a routine treatment for temporomandibular joint discomfort. A proper evaluation is necessary to identify the underlying cause and determine what treatment, if any, is appropriate.
Is corrective jaw surgery only about appearance?
No. Although jaw repositioning can change facial balance, treatment may also be recommended to improve bite function, chewing, tooth relationships, or other problems associated with significant skeletal imbalance.
How do I know whether I need surgery or orthodontics alone?
You cannot reliably determine that from appearance alone. An orthodontic evaluation allows us to examine your bite and jaw relationships and determine whether the problem can be managed through orthodontics or deserves evaluation for combined surgical treatment.
Find Out What Is Actually Causing Your Bite Problem
Start With an Orthodontic Evaluation Before Assuming You Need Surgery
Being told that your jaws do not line up properly can raise a lot of questions. Surgery may be necessary for some skeletal problems, while other bite concerns can be treated orthodontically without it.
The first step is determining which situation applies to you.
At Auburn Orthodontics, we evaluate the teeth and underlying jaw relationships, explain what orthodontics can realistically accomplish, and coordinate additional specialist care when a surgical approach is appropriate.
