Who We Are > What we do
Orthodontic Preparation for Orthognathic Surgery: Aligning Function and Facial Harmony
Some patients have significant skeletal discrepancies between the upper jaw (maxilla) and lower jaw (mandible) that cannot be corrected with orthodontics alone. In these cases, a combined orthodontic–surgical treatment is recommended—pairing dental alignment with orthognathic (jaw) surgery to correct the underlying jaw bases.
In our practice, we manage the pre- and post-surgical orthodontic phases, working closely with the oral and maxillofacial surgeon to achieve results that are stable, functional, and aesthetically balanced.
When is an orthodontic–surgical approach recommended?
Orthodontic preparation for surgery may be indicated in the presence of:
- Underbite (mandibular prognathism)
- Severe open bite or deep bite
- Mandibular deviations and facial asymmetries
- Significant maxillary or mandibular retrusion
- Breathing concerns related to skeletal jaw position
- TMJ symptoms associated with skeletal imbalance
These conditions can have a major impact on function (chewing, breathing, speech) and facial harmony, and often require an integrated approach.
The role of orthodontics in surgical treatment
Pre-surgical orthodontics is designed to:
- Properly align the teeth within each arch
- Remove dental compensations (tooth inclinations that develop to “mask” the skeletal problem)
- Position both arches in the ideal setup for surgery
Only after this phase can the surgeon reposition the jaws into the correct skeletal relationship.
After surgery, post-surgical orthodontics fine-tunes the bite, stabilizes the outcome, and refines smile aesthetics.
A team-based plan for a stable, harmonious result
We carefully plan the entire pathway together with the patient, the maxillofacial surgeon, and any other specialists involved. Depending on the case, we use:
- Fixed braces or clear aligners, including fully digital workflows when appropriate
- 3D technologies, optical scans, and virtual surgical planning/simulations (VTO)
- Ongoing coordination between orthodontist and surgeon to maintain accurate timing and shared treatment goals
Orthognathic surgery can significantly improve quality of life. If you’ve been advised to consider surgery—or you suspect a major skeletal bite issue—contact us for a comprehensive evaluation. We will guide you step by step through a safe, personalized, multidisciplinary plan.