ProviderOrthodontic Treatment & Orthognathic Surgery
Orthognathic surgery, also known as corrective jaw surgery, may be recommended when the position of the jaws affects how the teeth fit together, and orthodontic treatment alone cannot fully correct the concern.
While braces can address a wide range of tooth and bite misalignments, some orthodontic concerns are related to the underlying position or development of the upper or lower jaw. In these cases, orthodontic treatment may be coordinated with corrective jaw surgery performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
Depending on the patient's needs, orthognathic surgery can help improve jaw alignment and function, including how the teeth come together when biting and chewing. It may also address certain concerns related to speaking or breathing.
Our orthodontic team coordinates treatment before and after surgery, which may include braces, to help move the teeth into the appropriate positions and support the planned surgical outcome.
Flexible In-House Payment Plans
At Hwang Orthodontics, we believe that finances should never be a barrier to essential health care. To help patients manage the cost of orthodontic treatment, we offer zero-interest payment plans and low down payment options.
The Surgical Orthodontic Process
Surgical orthodontic treatment involves careful coordination between your orthodontist and an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, with each stage planned to help improve the alignment of your teeth, bite, and jaws.
Your treatment begins with a detailed orthodontic evaluation to determine how your teeth and jaws are positioned and what needs to change. Before treatment moves forward, any dental or periodontal concerns may need to be addressed by your general dentist or another dental provider.
In many cases, braces are used before surgery to position the teeth in preparation for the planned changes to the jaw. Once this stage is complete, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon performs the corrective jaw procedure.
After you've had time to heal, Dr. Kathleen Hwang or Dr. Lawrence Lin will continue your orthodontic treatment, making the final adjustments needed to refine your tooth and bite alignment. Throughout the process, our team coordinates with your surgical provider to help keep each stage of your care working toward the same treatment goals.
Benefits of Surgical Orthodontics
When jaw position is contributing to a significant bite or functional concern, combining orthodontic treatment with corrective jaw surgery can address both the alignment of the teeth and the underlying jaw structure.
- Better Bite Alignment: Repositioning the jaws can improve how the upper and lower teeth come together, supporting more comfortable and effective biting and chewing.
- Improved Oral Function: Depending on the condition being treated, correcting jaw alignment may help address functional difficulties involving chewing or speech.
- Facial Balance: Changes to the position of the jaws can also affect facial proportions and profile, creating greater balance between facial features.
- Addressing Jaw-Related Concerns: For some patients, corrective jaw surgery may be part of treatment for functional concerns associated with significant jaw misalignment.
- Airway Considerations: In certain cases, jaw position can affect the airway. When appropriate, corrective jaw surgery may be incorporated into a broader treatment plan to address specific airway-related concerns.