Surgical Orthodontics: When Is Jaw Surgery Needed and How Does It Work?

Most orthodontic problems can be treated with braces or Invisalign alone. But in some cases, the jaw bones themselves are significantly out of alignment. That’s when surgical orthodontics—also called orthognathic surgery—may be recommended.

At Othman Orthodontics in Lombard and Orland Park, IL, we work closely with oral and maxillofacial surgeons to treat complex cases where jaw surgery can dramatically improve bite function, facial balance and quality of life.

In this guide, we’ll explain:

• What surgical orthodontics is
• When jaw surgery may be recommended
• How braces and surgery work together
• What the treatment timeline looks like
• What to expect before and after surgery

What Is Surgical Orthodontics?

Surgical orthodontics refers to orthodontic treatment combined with jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) to correct significant skeletal discrepancies that cannot be fully corrected with braces or aligners alone.

It may involve:

• Surgery to reposition the upper jaw (maxilla).
• Surgery to reposition the lower jaw (mandible).
• Surgery involving both jaws, and sometimes the chin.

Orthodontic braces or clear aligners are used before and after surgery to:

• Align the teeth within each jaw.
• Fine-tune the bite after the jaw bones are repositioned.

When Is Jaw Surgery Recommended?

Surgical orthodontics is usually reserved for adults and older teens whose jaws are no longer growing. It may be recommended when:

Severe Overbite or Underbite

If the upper and lower jaws don’t line up properly—resulting in a very pronounced overbite or underbite—braces alone may not be able to fix the underlying bone discrepancy.

Open Bite

An open bite occurs when the front teeth don’t touch when the back teeth are together. In severe skeletal open bites, surgery may be needed to reposition the jaws so the teeth can meet properly.

Facial Asymmetry

When one side of the face or jaw is noticeably different from the other side, it may be due to uneven jaw growth. Surgical orthodontics can help correct asymmetry and improve both function and facial balance.

Difficulty Chewing, Biting or Speaking

Serious bite problems can interfere with normal chewing and speech. If these issues come from jaw positioning—not just tooth alignment—jaw surgery may be part of the solution.

Sleep Apnea in Certain Cases

In select cases, orthognathic surgery to reposition the jaws can help enlarge the airway and improve obstructive sleep apnea. This is done in collaboration with your medical team and sleep specialist.

Who Is a Candidate for Surgical Orthodontics?

You may be a candidate if:

• You are an adult or older teen whose growth is complete or nearly complete.
• You have a significant jaw misalignment that braces alone can’t fully correct.
• You are healthy enough for surgery and anesthesia.
• You are motivated to commit to a longer, more involved treatment process.

During your orthodontic consultation, we’ll perform a thorough exam, take X-rays, photos and digital scans, and discuss whether surgical orthodontics is appropriate for you. If surgery is an option, we will coordinate with a trusted oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

How Do Braces and Jaw Surgery Work Together?

Surgical orthodontic treatment has several phases:

1. Pre-Surgical Orthodontics

First, we place braces (or, in some cases, plan treatment with clear aligners) to:

• Align and level the teeth within each jaw.
• Prepare your bite for the precise repositioning of your jaws.

This phase typically lasts 12–18 months, depending on the complexity of your case.

2. Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery)

The oral surgeon performs the surgery in a hospital or surgical center. During the procedure, they may:

• Reposition the upper and/or lower jaw.
• Secure the jaws with plates and screws.
• Adjust the chin position in some cases for optimal balance.

Your orthodontic wires are usually in place during surgery, and elastics may be used afterward to help guide the bite.

3. Post-Surgical Orthodontics

After a healing period, we continue orthodontic treatment to:

• Fine-tune the alignment of individual teeth.
• Perfect the way the upper and lower teeth fit together.

This phase often lasts another 6–12 months, depending on how much refinement is needed.

Once everything is stable and your bite is ideal, your braces or aligners are removed and you’ll transition to retainers.

What Is the Jaw Surgery Recovery Like?

Recovery experiences vary, but most patients can expect:

• A short hospital stay (often 1–2 nights, depending on the procedure).
• Swelling and discomfort for several days to weeks, gradually improving.
• A soft or liquid diet initially, transitioning to more solid foods as directed.
• Time off work or school—usually 1–2 weeks for desk work or school, longer for physical jobs.

Your surgeon will provide detailed instructions and medications to help manage pain and swelling. Our team will also be in close communication with you and your surgeon during this period.

What Are the Benefits of Surgical Orthodontics?

While it’s a bigger commitment than braces alone, surgical orthodontics can offer life-changing benefits:

• Better bite function: Teeth meet properly for more efficient chewing and biting.
• Improved facial balance: Jaws and facial features are more proportional and harmonious.
• Enhanced speech and comfort: Some speech issues and jaw discomfort may improve.
• Improved long-term stability: Correcting skeletal issues can lead to a more stable result.

Many patients also report a significant boost in confidence and quality of life after treatment.

Is Surgical Orthodontics Safe?

Orthognathic surgery is a well-established procedure performed by trained oral and maxillofacial surgeons. As with any surgery, there are risks, which your surgeon will review in detail. Our role at Othman Orthodontics is to:

• Carefully determine if the benefits outweigh the risks for your case.
• Coordinate closely with your surgeon on timing and planning.
• Support you before and after surgery with orthodontic care and follow-up.

How Long Does Surgical Orthodontic Treatment Take Overall?

Total treatment time (braces + surgery + finishing phase) is often in the range of:

• 18–30 months for many patients.

Exact timing depends on:

• The complexity of your jaw and bite issues.
• How quickly your teeth move during pre- and post-surgical phases.
• Your overall health and healing.

Surgical Orthodontics in Lombard & Orland Park, IL

Lombard Office

Our Lombard office provides surgical orthodontics coordination and care for patients in Lombard, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Wheaton, Villa Park, Oak Brook, Oakbrook Terrace, Hinsdale, Westmont, Lisle, Naperville and surrounding communities.

Orland Park Office

Our Orland Park office offers the same advanced treatment planning for patients in Orland Park, Tinley Park, Palos Heights, Palos Park, Homer Glen, Oak Forest, Mokena, Frankfort, New Lenox, Lockport.

Is Surgical Orthodontics Right for You?

If you’ve been told you have a severe bite problem, jaw discrepancy or facial asymmetry—or if you’ve been unhappy with the way your jaws and teeth fit together for years—it may be time to explore surgical orthodontics.

Schedule an orthodontic consultation in Lombard, IL or an orthodontic consultation in Orland Park, IL with Othman Orthodontics.

We’ll carefully evaluate your smile, bite and jaw relationship, explain whether jaw surgery is recommended, and guide you through every step—from planning to collaboration with your surgeon to final finishing touches—so you can enjoy a healthier bite, improved facial balance and a confident smile that feels right for you.