Just as orthodontics repositions teeth, surgical orthodontics (also known as orthognathic surgery) corrects jaw irregularities to improve the patient's ability to chew, speak, breathe, and for improved facial appearances. In other words, surgical orthodontics straightens your jaw.
Moving the jaws also moves the teeth, so braces are always performed in conjunction with jaw correction. This helps make sure teeth are in their proper positions after surgery.
Who needs surgical orthodontics?
Surgical orthodontic treatment is advised for non-growing adult patients with improper bites and those with facial aesthetic concerns.
Jaw growth is usually completed by age 16 for girls and 18 for boys. All growth must be completed before jaw surgery can be performed. However, the Pre-surgical tooth movements can begin one to two years prior to these ages.
