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Beyond Braces: The Power of Surgical Orthodontics.

At Johnson & Searcy Orthodontics, sometimes the best path to a balanced, confident smile involves a team approach—combining orthodontic care with precise surgical techniques. In some cases, achieving true balance and harmony requires more than just traditional braces. Surgical orthodontics help correct severe irregularities that traditional braces alone can’t fix. That’s why we offer a specialized blend of advanced orthodontic techniques paired with precise surgical solutions, designed to tackle the most challenging issues.

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Surgical Orthodontics

Transforming Smiles with Surgical Precision

Surgical orthodontics is often recommended for severe jaw misalignments that can’t be fully corrected with braces alone. Conditions like significant overbites, underbites, open bites, or crossbites, as well as facial asymmetry and jaw irregularities, may require surgical intervention to restore proper function and balance. These can affect chewing, speaking, breathing, and overall aesthetics. Below are some of the most common issues we see when recommending orthodontic surgery:

Jaw Alignment Issues

Severe overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites where the upper and lower jaws don’t meet properly, can lead to problems with biting, chewing, and overall oral function.

Facial and Jaw Imbalances

Conditions like facial asymmetry or disproportionate jaw size—whether one side grows more than the other or the jaw is too large or small—that impact facial harmony and may cause discomfort.

Functional Problems

Challenges such as difficulty chewing, speaking clearly, breathing properly, or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders that arise from jaw misalignment and require surgical correction.

Complex Dental Challenges

Severe crowding, spacing, or airway-related issues like obstructive sleep apnea, where braces alone can’t create enough space or improve airway function without surgical intervention.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Have any Question?

Our FAQ sections are designed to help you quickly find answers to common orthodontic issues and provide guidance on how to manage issues until you can visit our office. If you’re unsure about any situation or need immediate assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us for expert support.

1. Who is a candidate for surgical orthodontics?
Candidates typically have significant jaw irregularities such as severe overbites, underbites, open bites, or facial asymmetry. If these issues affect the ability to chew, speak, breathe, or cause discomfort, we may recommend surgery alongside braces to achieve the best results.
2. How do I know if I need surgery along with braces?
We will perform a thorough evaluation, which includes X-rays, 3D imaging, and bite analysis. If the jaws are misaligned beyond what braces can correct, or if your facial structure is affected, surgical orthodontics may be the recommended path.
3. Is jaw surgery painful?
While some discomfort and swelling are normal after surgery, pain is effectively managed with prescribed medications. Most patients find the recovery process manageable and report that the long-term benefits far outweigh the temporary discomfort. Some patients may require more in-depth surgery than others, so healing times and potential risks vary.
4. How long is the recovery time after surgery?
Most patients return to everyday activities like work or school within 2 to 4 weeks. Full healing, including bone and soft tissue recovery, can take several months, during which follow-up care and orthodontic adjustments continue.
5. Will surgical orthodontics improve my appearance?
Yes, surgical orthodontics not only corrects functional issues but also enhances facial balance, symmetry, and profile. Many patients feel a boost in confidence after treatment due to improved aesthetics and comfort.
6. Are there risks involved with surgical orthodontics?
As with any surgery, there are potential risks like infection, nerve injury, or swelling. However, our surgical and orthodontic team will take all necessary precautions to minimize risks for a safe, successful outcome. Some patients may require more advanced treatments, but we will always provide you with education and guidance when making the decision to elect for surgery.
7. How long does the entire treatment take?
The timeline varies depending on your specific case but generally ranges from 12 to 24 months. This includes pre-surgical orthodontics, surgery, and post-surgical orthodontic finishing.