Surgical Orthodontics

Surgical Orthodontics (Orthognathic Treatment)

For many patients, traditional braces or clear aligners are perfectly equipped to achieve a beautiful, functional smile. However, when severe bite issues are rooted in significant skeletal discrepancies—meaning the upper and lower jaws are misaligned—moving the teeth alone isn't always enough.

At LAVAAN Smiles, we offer comprehensive surgical orthodontics (also known as orthognathic surgery) in close coordination with top local oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Together, we can correct severe jaw abnormalities to dramatically improve your bite function, facial balance, and overall oral health.

What is Surgical Orthodontics?
Surgical orthodontics is a highly collaborative treatment plan that combines traditional orthodontic care (braces or clear aligners) with corrective jaw surgery.

While orthodontics focuses on moving the teeth into their proper positions, orthognathic surgery addresses the position of the jawbones themselves. By surgically realigning the jaws, we create a harmonious foundation for your teeth to fit together flawlessly.

Because the jaw must be fully developed before surgery can take place, this treatment is typically reserved for adults and older teenagers (usually ages 16-18 for females and 18-21 for males).

Who Needs Corrective Jaw Surgery?
You may be a candidate for surgical orthodontics if you suffer from severe skeletal issues that cannot be resolved with braces alone. Common reasons for recommending jaw surgery include:

Severe Malocclusions: Extreme underbites, overbites, or crossbites that make it difficult for the upper and lower teeth to meet.

Open Bites: A noticeable gap between the upper and lower front teeth when the mouth is closed.

Functional Difficulties: Chronic trouble chewing, biting, swallowing, or speaking clearly.

Facial Imbalance: Noticeable asymmetry in the face or a receding chin.

Breathing Issues: Chronic mouth breathing, severe snoring, or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

TMJ Disorders: Severe, chronic jaw joint pain or persistent headaches caused by jaw misalignment.

The Treatment Process
Undergoing jaw surgery is a significant commitment, but the life-changing results are well worth the journey. Your personalized treatment plan will generally unfold in three phases:

Pre-Surgical Orthodontics (12–18 Months): Before surgery, you will wear braces or clear aligners to move your teeth into their correct positions relative to your future jaw alignment. Your bite may actually feel slightly worse during this phase, but it will align perfectly once the jaws are repositioned.

The Surgery: The orthognathic procedure is performed by an expert oral surgeon in a hospital setting under general anesthesia. The surgeon will gently make adjustments to the jawbones, securing them in their new, ideal positions.

Post-Surgical Orthodontics (6–12 Months): After a healing period (usually 4 to 8 weeks), you will return to LAVAAN Smiles. We will make the final orthodontic adjustments to "fine-tune" your bite and ensure your teeth interlock seamlessly. Once complete, you will transition to a retainer to preserve your brand-new smile.

Life-Changing Benefits
Corrective jaw surgery does more than just straighten your teeth. It completely transforms your quality of life by improving your ability to chew and speak comfortably, alleviating chronic jaw pain, enhancing your facial profile, and boosting your long-term self-confidence.

Take the First Step Toward a Healthier Smile
If you have been told you have a complex bite or jaw discrepancy, our expert team is here to guide you through every step of the process. Schedule a comprehensive consultation today to find out if surgical orthodontics is right for you.

Visit us at one of our 3 convenient New York locations:

West Village: 474 6th Ave., New York, NY 10011 | 212-837-1833

Upper East Side: 1196 Lexington Ave., New York, NY 10028 | 212-879-1845

Midtown West: 311 West 43rd St, Suite 405, New York, NY 10036 | 212-581-5050