Surgical orthodontics combines orthodontic care with corrective jaw surgery, also called orthognathic surgery, when the position of the jaws cannot be adequately addressed with braces or aligners alone. At Stellar Orthodontics in Gilbert, AZ, Dr. Stella plans and manages the orthodontic part of treatment in collaboration with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, who evaluates and performs the surgery.
Your treatment plan depends on your bite, jaw development, health, and goals. A consultation is an opportunity to understand whether braces, clear aligners, or a combined approach may be appropriate.
What Is Surgical Orthodontics?
Surgical orthodontics is a specialized treatment approach that combines orthodontic care and corrective jaw surgery to address skeletal discrepancies involving the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both.
This type of treatment may be recommended when:
- The jaws do not align properly
- Bite problems cannot be corrected with braces alone
- Facial balance is affected by jaw position
- Chewing, speaking, or breathing are impacted
- Airway obstruction contributes to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and sleep-disordered breathing
Orthodontic treatment is used before and after surgery to properly position the teeth and create stable long-term results.
Who May Benefit From Surgical Orthodontics?
Surgical orthodontics is typically recommended for patients with moderate to severe jaw discrepancies after jaw growth is complete.
You may be a candidate if you have:
- Severe overbite or underbite
- Open bite
- Facial asymmetry
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Jaw discomfort or strain
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) related to jaw position
- Airway concerns caused by narrow or recessed jaws
Dr. Stella will carefully evaluate your bite, jaw alignment, facial structure, and airway health to determine whether surgical orthodontics is appropriate for your needs.
How Can Jaw Position Affect Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?
The position and development of the jaws play a major role in the size and function of the airway. When the upper or lower jaw is narrow, recessed, or improperly positioned, the airway may become restricted, making it more difficult to breathe properly during sleep.
For some patients, this airway restriction contributes to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition where breathing repeatedly stops or becomes limited during sleep due to airway collapse or obstruction.
Symptoms associated with OSA and airway obstruction may include:
- Loud snoring
- Daytime fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Mouth breathing
- Waking up gasping or choking
- Poor sleep quality
- Chronic exhaustion
- Morning headaches
- Jaw tension or discomfort
Dr. Stella evaluates not only bite alignment and facial balance, but also how jaw structure may impact breathing, sleep quality, and overall airway health.
What Is MMA Surgery for Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA) surgery is a specialized jaw surgery procedure used to help treat obstructive sleep apnea caused by skeletal jaw positioning. During MMA surgery, the upper jaw (maxilla) and lower jaw (mandible) are repositioned forward to enlarge the airway and reduce airway obstruction during sleep.
By increasing airway space, MMA surgery may help improve:
- Breathing during sleep
- Airflow and oxygen intake
- Sleep quality and daytime energy
- Jaw alignment and bite function
- Facial balance and profile support
- Symptoms associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
For some patients with moderate to severe OSA, MMA surgery may provide significant long-term improvement in airway health and overall quality of life.
How Does Surgical Orthodontic Treatment Work?
Orthodontic Preparation
Braces or aligners are used to align the teeth and prepare the bite for surgery. Proper tooth positioning allows the jaws to fit together correctly after surgery.
Jaw Surgery
An experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon repositions the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both to improve bite alignment, facial balance, and airway function.
Final Orthodontic Treatment
After surgery and healing, orthodontic treatment continues to refine the bite and optimize alignment for long-term stability and function.
Recovery, Finishing Treatment, and Retainers
Your surgeon directs recovery, including eating, activity, and returning to work or school. Initial recovery and complete healing are different milestones. Orthodontic appointments continue as advised to refine the bite, followed by retainers to help maintain tooth alignment.
How Long Does the Whole Treatment Take?
The complete plan includes evaluation, orthodontic preparation, surgery, healing, and finishing treatment. It can extend over several years, while the initial surgical recovery is only one part of that timeline. Dr. Stella and your surgeon will provide estimates based on your case and update them as treatment progresses.
What Are the Benefits of Surgical Orthodontics?
Surgical orthodontics can provide life-changing improvements for patients with complex bite and jaw concerns.
Benefits may include:
- Improved bite function and chewing ability
- Better facial balance and symmetry
- Relief from jaw strain or discomfort
- Improved speech in some cases
- Enhanced airway function and breathing
- Long-term stability of orthodontic results
- Improvement in obstructive sleep apnea symptoms
By correcting the underlying skeletal issue, surgical orthodontics helps improve both function and overall quality of life.
Your Surgical Orthodontic Consultation in Gilbert
Dr. Stella reviews your concerns, dental and medical history, bite, and jaw relationships. Diagnostic records may be recommended to understand your needs. You can discuss orthodontic options, whether a surgical evaluation is appropriate, and how care would be coordinated. Learn more about your first orthodontic visit and adult orthodontic treatment.
How Much Does Surgical Orthodontic Treatment Cost?
There is no single price for a combined treatment plan. Orthodontic fees and charges for the surgeon, anesthesia, and hospital or surgical facility may be separate. Ask each provider for a written estimate, what is included, and which follow-up services may carry additional fees.
Will Insurance Cover Jaw Surgery or Braces?
Benefits depend on your plan, the proposed treatment, and any authorization requirements. Medical and dental benefits may apply differently. Confirm coverage and your estimated out-of-pocket costs with your insurers and each provider before treatment. Our orthodontic financing information explains payment options for orthodontic care; it does not establish coverage or payment arrangements for a separate surgical provider.
Understanding Benefits, Risks, and Alternatives
Combined treatment may improve bite function and facial balance, but results and risks vary. Your oral and maxillofacial surgeon will explain the proposed procedure, anesthesia, recovery, and potential complications, including infection, bleeding, changes in sensation, or the need for further treatment. Dr. Stella will discuss the orthodontic plan and its limitations. Ask about alternatives, expected benefits, and the implications of delaying treatment so you can make an informed decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Patients often have questions about jaw surgeries. These answers can help you better understand how jaw surgery works.
Will I Need Surgery for My Orthodontic Treatment?
Most patients do not require surgery. It is only recommended when jaw alignment issues cannot be corrected with orthodontics alone.
Is Jaw Surgery Painful?
Patients are typically under anesthesia during the procedure. Some discomfort is expected during recovery, but it is manageable with proper care and medication.
How Long Is the Recovery After Jaw Surgery?
Initial recovery usually takes a few weeks, with full healing occurring over several months. Your surgical team will guide you through the recovery process.
Will My Appearance Change After Surgery?
Yes, surgical orthodontics can improve facial balance and symmetry by correcting jaw positioning, often resulting in a more balanced appearance.
Will I Still Need Braces After Surgery?
Yes. Orthodontic treatment continues after surgery to refine your bite and ensure long-term stability.