Orthognathic surgery, often referred to as corrective jaw surgery, is a treatment approach used to correct significant jaw misalignments that cannot be addressed with orthodontics alone. It involves the surgical repositioning of one or both jaws to improve the patient’s bite, facial symmetry, and overall oral function. At Davis Family Orthodontics, Dr. Laura Davis may recommend orthognathic surgery for patients in Lawrenceville, Morrow, Stone Mountain, and Loganville, GA when traditional orthodontic methods, such as braces or aligners, are insufficient to correct underlying skeletal issues.
Jaw misalignments can be developmental or congenital and may lead to a variety of issues beyond aesthetic concerns. These include chronic jaw pain, chewing difficulties, speech problems, sleep apnea, and facial imbalance. While braces can align the teeth, they cannot reposition the jaws when the skeletal structure is the root cause of the problem. In these cases, orthognathic surgery, paired with orthodontics, provides a comprehensive and permanent solution to complex malocclusions.
Conditions That May Require Surgical Intervention
Orthognathic surgery is considered when there is a significant discrepancy in jaw alignment that affects function and facial structure. Patients who have an open bite, underbite, overbite, crossbite, or facial asymmetry may be candidates for this type of surgery. These issues can often be identified during adolescence, but treatment may be delayed until facial growth is complete to ensure long-term stability. Dr. Davis works closely with oral and maxillofacial surgeons to plan the timing and sequence of treatment to maximize results.
Specific symptoms that may point to the need for orthognathic surgery include difficulty chewing or biting food, excessive tooth wear, jaw joint discomfort, speech issues, and breathing problems during sleep. For these patients, surgery offers functional improvements in addition to aesthetic benefits. By correcting the jaw’s position, the airway may open more fully, speech may become clearer, and bite forces can distribute more evenly across the teeth. All of these changes can dramatically improve the patient’s quality of life.
The Role of Orthodontics Before and After Surgery
Orthognathic surgery is not a standalone procedure; it is typically part of a longer treatment plan that includes orthodontic care before and after the operation. Before surgery, braces are used to align the teeth in each jaw independently so that once the jaws are repositioned, the teeth will fit together properly. This stage can take anywhere from 12 to 18 months, depending on the complexity of the case. Dr. Davis carefully monitors progress throughout this phase to ensure optimal alignment for surgery preparation.
After surgery, there is a second orthodontic phase, which usually lasts 6 to 12 months. During this time, minor adjustments are made to fine-tune the bite and ensure long-term stability. Patients continue to visit Davis Family Orthodontics regularly for checkups and appliance adjustments. This dual-phase approach ensures that the surgical corrections lead to a harmonious bite and functional improvements. Retainers or long-term maintenance strategies may also be recommended once active treatment is complete to preserve results.
What to Expect During the Surgical Process
Once the patient is ready for surgery, a detailed plan is developed in collaboration with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. This plan includes digital imaging, 3D models, and simulations to determine the exact movements needed to achieve ideal results. The surgery itself is typically performed under general anesthesia in a hospital setting and may involve repositioning the upper jaw (maxilla), lower jaw (mandible), or both, depending on the diagnosis.
Most patients stay in the hospital for one or two nights and return home to recover with guidance from their care team. Swelling and discomfort are common in the first few days, but these symptoms improve gradually. A soft food diet and limited physical activity are usually required during the initial recovery period. Dr. Davis and the surgical team provide detailed instructions to help patients heal properly and transition smoothly back into the final phase of orthodontic care. With proper planning and support, patients often find the process more manageable than expected.
Long-Term Benefits Beyond Aesthetics
While many patients pursue orthognathic surgery for improved facial balance and a more attractive smile, the functional outcomes are just as important. Correcting jaw alignment can alleviate chronic pain caused by TMJ disorders, improve speech articulation, and reduce abnormal wear on teeth. In cases where airway constriction is an issue, surgery can also enhance breathing, especially during sleep. These benefits make the combination of orthodontics and orthognathic surgery a life-changing treatment for the right candidates.
In addition to improved function, patients often report increased self-confidence after treatment. Facial harmony is restored, and the smile becomes more symmetrical and balanced. This psychological boost can positively impact personal, academic, and professional life. At Davis Family Orthodontics, Dr. Davis takes pride in guiding patients through each stage of this journey, helping them achieve results that support both health and happiness.
Personalized Care for Complex Cases
Every patient is unique, and no two treatment plans are exactly alike. That’s why Davis Family Orthodontics takes a highly personalized approach to orthognathic cases. From the initial consultation to the final retention phase, Dr. Laura Davis works closely with each patient to create a comprehensive and individualized plan. Patients from Lawrenceville, Morrow, Stone Mountain, and Loganville benefit from the practice’s deep experience in managing surgical cases and its commitment to compassionate, detail-oriented care.
If you’ve been told that braces alone cannot resolve your jaw or bite issue—or if you’ve struggled with symptoms that affect your eating, speaking, or appearance—orthognathic surgery combined with orthodontics may be the solution. With the right planning, teamwork, and patient-centered approach, you can experience a transformation that enhances your health, confidence, and quality of life for years to come.
Sources:
Proffit, W. R., Turvey, T. A., & Phillips, C. (2010). The hierarchy of stability and predictability in orthognathic surgery with rigid fixation. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
Kawakami, M., Yamashita, W., & Noguchi, H. (2009). Psychological effects of orthognathic surgery. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
Posnick, J. C., & Wallace, J. (2008). Orthognathic surgery: Timing, considerations, and planning. Clinics in Plastic Surgery.
