Orthognathic Surgery
(Surgical Orthodontics)
For some, corrective jaw and other orthodontic surgery procedures can be life changing. It may improve breathing, your bite, and more. Not everyone needs surgery, but if you’re looking into it or have been told you should, we’re here to help you make an informed choice. Learn more when you schedule a free consultation for our Bixby or Glenpool clinic!
Orthognathic Orthodontics Addresses Issues Related to the Jaw and Surrounding Facial Bones.
At Nowlin Orthodontics, we provide surgical orthodontics for adults living in the Tulsa, OK area. Orthognathic surgery (or surgical orthodontics) addresses issues related to the jaw and the facial bones surrounding it. This is not a method that we use in children since the jaw doesn’t stop growing until 16 or 18 years of age.
While we can start to move teeth into position and gradually manipulate the jaw ahead of time, if surgery is part of your treatment plan, you will need to wait until the jaw has stopped growing to complete this process. In many cases, patients will wear braces for up to eighteen months, have jaw surgery, then finish their treatment by wearing braces for another year or so.
Every smile is unique, so we’re happy to discuss this in further detail during your consultation. If you’re thinking about surgical orthodontics as part of the journey to improving your smile, we’re happy to help you make the choice by offering our experience and insight. A few facts to help:
Most of the Time Surgery is Only Needed in Extreme Cases
In general, orthognathic surgery is used for a severe overbite, underbite, or crossbite. Sometimes we’ll see patients who believe (or have been told) they need surgery, but after an examination, we’re able to find non-surgical treatments. This is why it’s so important to choose a professional with the extra training Dr. Nowlin has had.
Not Every Orthodontist has Orthognathic Surgery Training
Success in orthodontic surgery cases requires a high level of precision and skills, and not all dental or orthodontic professionals have devoted the time it takes to get them that Dr. Nowlin has.
Surgery is Just One Step. Don’t Forget Recovery!
Recovery time varies from patient to patient, but typically it will be a couple weeks of soreness and no activity. We’ll help you get through it and onto your new smile as quickly as is safely possible.
Keeping the recover phase in mind is important because we typically recommend that our patients take two weeks off from work or school in order to have the procedure done. For this reason, many of our patients elect to have orthodontic surgery completed in the summer while on school break.
During the recovery period, you will start with a liquid diet only, and we suggest drinking smoothies or protein shakes to ensure that you receive the nutrients you need for good health. Toward the end of the recovery period, as you’re able to add soft foods back into your diet, it’s not unusual to immediately notice improvement in jaw function. Just keep in mind that it may take a up to a month or so before you can eat as you did pre-surgery.
Follow-Up & Results
Again, orthognathic surgery can be part of an overall plan to improve your bite, your breathing, your jaw function — and of course, your smile. If additional treatment with braces or Invisalign® aligners is also required to get the best results, you can trust us to explain all the details and answer all your questions — before, during, and after!
With your jaw in the appropriate place, you will begin to see the drastic improvements you have been looking for. We never get tired of hearing from patients who are pleasantly surprised when they see what a significant impact a properly aligned jaw can make.
Is Orthognathic Surgery Necessary?
Keep in mind that surgical orthodontics may be unnecessary for moving your jaw into position. In many cases, wearing rubber bands or removable oral appliances can move the jaw where it needs to go. Orthognathic surgery is only used in more extreme cases when there is a severe overbite, underbite, or crossbite. The surgery itself is performed by one of our oral surgeons and done in a hospital. Since this is a full surgery, you will be sedated and sleeping during the procedure to ensure your comfort. The exact steps that will be taken depend entirely upon your situation.
For example, in some cases, the lower and upper jaw must be separated, and bone is either removed or added in order to position the jaw correctly. We always seek to identify the least invasive approach, so even when surgery is required, we will make as few cuts as possible to achieve the desired result.
Let us help you decide when you book a free consult.
Jaw Surgery FAQs
Who is a candidate for orthognathic surgery?
Candidates for orthognathic surgery typically have severe jaw misalignments that can’t be corrected with orthodontic treatment alone. Common conditions that may warrant jaw surgery include overbites, underbites, crossbites, and facial asymmetry.
That said, we cannot overstate this: Do not self-diagnose yourself or your loved one. Sometimes, our patients believe (or have been told) they have an issue that requires surgery, but we can address their issues without it. Other times, a patient may not realize how much benefit they could receive from it until we explain.
That’s part of why we recommend booking a complimentary consultation with us. A thorough exam is the only way to determine if you’d be a jaw surgery candidate.
Is orthognathic surgery covered by insurance?
Insurance coverage for jaw surgery varies depending on your insurance plan and the medical necessity of the procedure. Some plans may partially or fully cover the surgery if it’s deemed medically necessary. We can help you work through your benefits, and we are in-network for nearly all insurance plans.
How long does the recovery process take?
As with any medical procedure, the recovery period for orthodontic surgery can vary, but most patients can expect several weeks of initial healing. It may take a few months for full recovery and the final results to become apparent. We’ll guide you every step of the way!
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