Are you curious about how orthognathic surgery procedures can transform not just your smile, but your entire quality of life? Many patients in Atlanta find themselves at a crossroads where traditional braces alone aren’t enough to correct deep-seated functional issues. Correcting a misaligned jaw is a significant journey that blends the precision of orthodontics with the advanced capabilities of maxillofacial surgery. This comprehensive guide explores the intricate relationship between braces and surgery, helping you understand the timeline, the different orthognathic surgery types, and what to expect during your transformation at Harris Orthodontics – Atlanta.
Understanding the Necessity of Orthognathic Surgery Braces
For most people, orthodontic treatment is a straightforward process of moving teeth into their ideal positions. However, when the underlying skeletal structure, the jawbones themselves, are mismatched in size or position, braces alone cannot achieve a functional bite. This is where orthognathic surgery procedures become essential. The synergy between a skilled orthodontist and an oral surgeon allows for the correction of skeletal discrepancies that affect breathing, chewing, speech, and facial aesthetics.
The process typically begins with “decompensation.” In many cases of jaw misalignment, the teeth have naturally tilted or drifted to compensate for the poor jaw position. Before surgery can happen, your orthodontist must use braces to move the teeth into their “correct” positions relative to their individual jawbones. Interestingly, this often makes the bite look worse temporarily, but it is a vital step to ensure that when the surgeon repositions the jaws, the teeth fit together perfectly like a puzzle.
Exploring the Primary Orthognathic Surgery Types
The human jaw is a complex system, and surgical interventions are tailored to the specific skeletal deficiency present. Depending on whether the issue lies in the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both, your surgical team will recommend specific orthognathic surgery types. Understanding these procedures helps demystify the process and sets realistic expectations for the recovery phase.
Maxillary Osteotomy (Upper Jaw Surgery)
A maxillary osteotomy is performed to correct a significantly recessed upper jaw, a crossbite, or a “gummy smile.” During this procedure, the surgeon makes an incision in the bone above the upper teeth to move the entire upper jaw, including the roof of the mouth, as a single unit. It is then shifted forward, backward, or tilted until it aligns perfectly with the lower teeth. This procedure is transformative for patients suffering from midface hypoplasia or chronic sinus issues related to jaw structure.
Mandibular Osteotomy (Lower Jaw Surgery)
When the lower jaw is significantly receded (retrognathia) or protruded (prognathia), a mandibular osteotomy is the standard approach. The surgeon makes cuts behind the molars and lengthwise along the jawbone so the front of the jaw can move as one unit. This allows the lower jaw to be repositioned smoothly to either close a gap or reduce an overbite. Because the incisions are made inside the mouth, there is typically no visible scarring on the face.
Bimaxillary Osteotomy (Double Jaw Surgery)
In many complex cases, both the upper and lower jaws require repositioning. This is known as a bimaxillary osteotomy. This comprehensive approach is often used for severe malocclusions or obstructive sleep apnea. By adjusting both arches, surgeons can achieve the highest level of functional stability and facial symmetry. This procedure requires the most intensive coordination between your braces and the surgical plan.
The Role of Braces Before, During, and After Surgery
The journey through orthognathic surgery is a marathon, not a sprint. Braces are the constant companion throughout this process, serving different purposes at each stage of the treatment plan.
Pre-Surgical Orthodontics
The initial phase of braces usually lasts 12 to 18 months. During this time, the goal is not to make the teeth look perfect in the mouth as it is currently shaped, but to align them for where the jaw will be after surgery. You will likely visit Harris Orthodontics – Atlanta frequently for adjustments to ensure the dental arches are perfectly shaped to meet their counterparts post-operation.
The Surgical Phase
On the day of surgery, your braces stay on. They actually provide a crucial service for the surgeon, acting as anchors for surgical wires or elastics that help stabilize the jaw in its new position during the initial healing phase. Modern techniques often use small plates and screws to hold the bone, reducing the need for the jaw to be “wired shut,” which was common in previous decades.
Post-Surgical Refinement
Once the jaw has healed sufficiently, usually a few months after the procedure, the “finishing” phase of orthodontics begins. Your orthodontist will use the braces to fine-tune the bite, ensuring that the contact between the upper and lower teeth is precise. This phase usually lasts 6 to 12 months and ends with the most rewarding moment: the removal of the braces and the unveiling of your new profile.
Life After Jaw Surgery: Benefits and Recovery
Choosing to undergo orthognathic surgery procedures is a life-changing decision. Beyond the obvious aesthetic improvements, the functional benefits are profound. Patients often report a significant reduction in TMJ pain, improved ease of chewing, and better sleep quality due to opened airways.
Recovery requires patience. For the first few weeks, a liquid or soft-food diet is mandatory to allow the bone to knit back together. Swelling is a natural part of the process and usually peaks around 48 to 72 hours post-surgery before gradually subsiding over several weeks. At Harris Orthodontics – Atlanta, we work closely with your surgical team to monitor your progress and ensure that your braces are doing their job effectively during this delicate time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long do I need to wear braces for orthognathic surgery?
Most patients wear braces for a total of 18 to 30 months. This includes roughly 12–18 months of pre-surgical alignment and 6–12 months of post-surgical finishing.
2. Is orthognathic surgery painful?
While the idea of jaw surgery sounds daunting, most patients are surprised to find that the pain is manageable with prescribed medication. Since some nerves are temporarily numbed during the procedure, many patients feel pressure and tightness rather than acute sharp pain.
3. Will I have visible scars after the procedure?
In almost all orthognathic surgery types, the incisions are made entirely inside the mouth. This means there are no external scars on your face or neck.
4. Can I just use Invisalign instead of braces for jaw surgery?
In some specific cases, clear aligners can be used for the pre-surgical phase, but traditional braces are often preferred because they allow the surgeon to use surgical hooks and wires during the operation to secure the jaw.
5. How much does jaw surgery cost in Atlanta?
The cost varies significantly based on the complexity of the case and insurance coverage. Many medical insurance plans cover orthognathic surgery if it is deemed medically necessary to correct functional issues like sleep apnea or severe chewing difficulties.
6. At what age can I get orthognathic surgery?
Surgery is typically performed after growth is complete, usually ages 14–16 for females and 17–21 for males. However, the orthodontic planning can start much earlier.
Expert Recommendation
If you are struggling with a bite that doesn’t feel right or a profile that affects your confidence, it’s time to consult with experts who specialize in complex cases. At Harris Orthodontics – Atlanta, we have extensive experience coordinating with the region’s top maxillofacial surgeons to deliver world-class results.
Visit us today to start your transformation:
Harris Orthodontics – Atlanta
800 Marietta St NW Ste C, Atlanta, GA 30318
Phone: (404) 902-6912
