Surgical Orthodontics

Surgical orthodontics, also known as corrective jaw surgery or orthognathic surgery, is designed to address jaw and facial imbalances that cannot be corrected with orthodontic treatment alone. At Elite Orthodontics, Dr. Nader Ehsani and Dr. Sherry Sabet work closely with trusted oral and maxillofacial surgeons to help improve jaw function, facial balance, and overall quality of life for patients with more complex orthodontic needs.

What Is Surgical Orthodontics?

Surgical orthodontics combines orthodontic treatment with jaw surgery to correct significant misalignment of the upper and lower jaws. These jaw discrepancies can affect how the teeth fit together and may interfere with everyday functions such as chewing, speaking, breathing, and sleeping. When orthodontics and surgery are coordinated, patients can achieve improved function along with enhanced facial harmony.

Who May Need Corrective Jaw Surgery?

Surgical orthodontics is often recommended for patients whose jaw alignment issues are too severe to be corrected with braces or aligners alone. Common concerns that may indicate a need for jaw surgery include:

• Difficulty chewing or biting properly
• Chronic jaw pain or facial discomfort
• Open bite, severe overbite, or underbite
• Facial asymmetry or imbalance
• Breathing or airway concerns
• Speech difficulties
• A comprehensive evaluation helps determine whether surgical orthodontics is the best option.

How Does Orthognathic Surgery Improve Function and Appearance?

Corrective jaw surgery repositions the jaws into proper alignment, which can significantly improve how the teeth function together. Beyond functional benefits, surgical orthodontics can also enhance facial balance and profile by creating more harmonious proportions between the jaws, chin, and facial features.

Patients often experience improvements in:

• Chewing and bite efficiency
• Speech clarity
• Breathing and airway function
• Facial symmetry and aesthetics

How Is Surgical Orthodontic Treatment Planned?

At Elite Orthodontics, advanced digital imaging and computerized treatment planning are used to carefully map out each phase of treatment. This technology allows patients to better understand the expected functional and aesthetic outcomes before treatment begins.

Modern planning tools help:

• Improve surgical precision
• Shorten overall treatment timelines
• Reduce recovery time
• Increase predictability and long-term stability

High-quality materials such as titanium plates and miniature screws are used to ensure durable, reliable results.

What Is the Recovery Process Like After Jaw Surgery?

Advancements in surgical techniques and technology have significantly reduced recovery times for orthognathic surgery. While recovery varies by patient, many individuals are able to return to daily activities sooner than expected. Your surgical team will provide detailed guidance on post-operative care and recovery expectations.

Are There Alternatives to Surgical Orthodontics?

In some cases, advances in orthodontic techniques may offer non-surgical alternatives to address certain bite or alignment concerns. During your evaluation, Dr. Ehsani and Dr. Sabet will determine whether orthodontic treatment alone is sufficient or if surgical orthodontics is the most effective solution for achieving long-term results.