Surgical Orthodontics in San Diego, CA
Surgical orthodontics, also called orthognathic surgery, combines orthodontic treatment with jaw surgery to correct severe bite and skeletal problems that braces alone cannot fix. At Smile Arc Orthodontics in 4S Ranch, board-certified orthodontist Dr. Nader Ehsani plans these cases and coordinates closely with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon from start to finish.
When the upper and lower jaws are significantly out of balance, the problem is the position of the bone, not just the teeth. Moving teeth alone cannot fix it, and in some cases braces by themselves can even make the bite worse. Surgical orthodontics repositions the jaws so the teeth meet correctly, which can improve chewing, speaking, breathing, and facial balance. Dr. Ehsani has extensive training in surgical orthodontics and craniofacial care, including cleft lip and palate, and uses 3D digital imaging to plan every step.
Who Needs Surgical Orthodontics?
Surgical orthodontics is for patients whose misalignment comes from the size or position of the jaws, such as a protruding or receding lower jaw, a severe open bite, or a significant facial imbalance. Because jaw growth must be complete first (around age 16 in females and 18 in males), it is generally an adult and older-teen treatment. Pre-surgical tooth movement can sometimes begin a year or two earlier.
Many bite problems do not need surgery at all. A thorough evaluation is the only way to know whether surgery is truly the best option, and we will always explore non-surgical alternatives first when they can achieve a stable result.
How Surgical Orthodontics Works
Treatment happens in three coordinated phases:
- Pre-surgical orthodontics. You wear braces or, in many cases, Invisalign® for several months to a year so the teeth are positioned correctly for the new jaw alignment. The bite may temporarily feel different during this phase, which is expected.
- Orthognathic surgery. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon repositions the upper jaw, the lower jaw, or both. Upper-jaw procedures (Le Fort I), lower-jaw procedures (BSSO), and chin repositioning (genioplasty) are planned digitally in advance. Surgery is performed under general anesthesia.
- Post-surgical orthodontics. After healing, we fine-tune the bite and finish treatment, usually removing braces 6 to 12 months after surgery. A retainer maintains the result.
Recovery and What to Expect
Most patients return to work or school after about two weeks, with full bony healing over roughly 4 to 8 weeks. Your surgeon and our team guide you through each stage. Because the plan is built with 3D imaging before surgery, the process is more predictable and efficient, and you can preview the expected facial and functional changes in advance.
Orthodontist-Led, Surgeon-Performed
Patients searching for “jaw surgery” often land first on an oral surgeon’s website, but orthognathic care is a team effort. The orthodontist diagnoses the skeletal problem, plans the tooth movement, and directs the overall sequence; the oral and maxillofacial surgeon performs the operation. Starting with a board-certified orthodontist ensures the whole plan, before, during, and after surgery, fits together.
Schedule a Surgical Orthodontics Consultation in 4S Ranch
If you have been told you may need jaw surgery, start with an orthodontic evaluation. Call (858) 277-8088 or request a complimentary consultation. Smile Arc Orthodontics is at 17085 Camino San Bernardo, Suite 220, San Diego, CA 92127, serving 4S Ranch, Rancho Bernardo, and North County San Diego.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is orthognathic surgery cosmetic or medically necessary?
It is often medically necessary. While it can improve facial balance, most patients pursue it to correct function: difficulty chewing, jaw pain, breathing concerns, or a severe bite that braces cannot fix.
Will I need braces before and after jaw surgery?
Almost always. Braces or aligners position the teeth before surgery, and post-surgical orthodontics fine-tunes the bite for a stable, long-term result.
Can surgical orthodontic cases be treated with Invisalign instead of braces?
In many cases, yes. Clear aligners can handle the pre- and post-surgical tooth movement for suitable patients. Dr. Ehsani will advise whether braces or Invisalign is the better tool for your case.
Is there an age limit for orthognathic surgery?
There is no upper age limit as long as you are healthy and jaw growth is complete. Many adults pursue it later in life to improve comfort and function.
Is surgical orthodontics covered by insurance?
Coverage depends on your plan and whether the surgery is deemed medically necessary, which it often is. Our team helps review your benefits and coordinate with the surgical team.
