Surgical orthodontics, also known as orthognathic surgery, can correct jaw irregularities and improve facial aesthetics. The procedure, involving correcting the alignment of your jaw, will also shift your teeth. Therefore, Dr. T.C. Hardy will utilize braces in combination with surgical orthodontics.

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You may be a candidate for surgical orthodontics if you experience problems chewing, breathing, and/or speaking due to a misaligned bite. Concerns about your facial appearance may also warrant consideration for the treatment. Surgical orthodontics must be conducted on adults or teenagers with fully developed jaws. A teenager’s jaw growth typically concludes at age 18 for boys and 16 for girls.

Depending on your unique needs, an oral surgeon will perform surgery on your upper and/or lower jaw. Surgery on your upper jaw can involve shifting it backward, forward, upward, and downward. For lower jaw surgery, the surgeon can move your jawbone forward or backward. Surgery is most often performed in conjunction with orthodontic treatment. Please schedule a consultation with Dr. Hardy to determine the best course of action for you.

We advise waiting for at least two weeks after surgery before resuming your usual activities, but please follow your oral surgeon’s recommendations. You should also schedule a checkup approximately one month after the procedure for evaluation. Usually, after 6 to 12 months of orthodontic treatment following your surgery, your braces can be removed. Dr. Hardy will periodically monitor the progress of your smile and jaw alignment with regularly scheduled appointments.