Surgical Orthodontics in Mayfield Heights, Twinsburg, & Cleveland
When the jaws don’t align properly, teeth alone can’t create a stable, healthy bite. Surgical orthodontics — also called orthognathic surgery — combines orthodontic treatment with jaw surgery to correct significant skeletal discrepancies for better function, airway, and facial balance. At Success Orthodontics, board‑certified orthodontist Dr. Felix Gen plans your orthodontic care and coordinates closely with trusted oral and maxillofacial surgeons in the Northeast Ohio area. Ready to find out if surgery‑assisted treatment is right for you?
Book a free evaluation at our Mayfield Heights, Twinsburg, or Cleveland office.
What Is Surgical Orthodontics?
Surgical orthodontics is a team‑based approach that aligns teeth with braces or clear aligners and repositions one or both jaws with surgery. It’s typically recommended for adults and older teens whose growth is complete and whose bite cannot be corrected with orthodontics alone. Using digital scans, photographs, and X‑rays/CBCT, we plan tooth movement and the surgical changes so your final bite is stable and comfortable.
Benefits of Surgical Orthodontics
Surgical orthodontics can be an essential step for patients whose jaw position affects their bite, comfort, or facial balance. When combined with orthodontic treatment, it helps create a healthier, more functional foundation for long-term results. Below are some of the key benefits patients may experience:
Bite Correction
Surgical orthodontics helps align the upper and lower jaws so the teeth can meet properly. By improving the structural foundation of your bite, orthodontic treatment becomes more effective and stable. This creates a healthier, more functional bite that supports confident chewing, smiling, and everyday comfort.
Improved Chewing, Speaking, & Joint Health
Correcting jaw alignment can make everyday functions like chewing and speaking feel more natural and efficient. With improved jaw balance, the joints are placed under less strain, reducing the risk of long-term discomfort. These enhancements help support smoother, more comfortable movement during daily activities.
Better Facial Balance
Surgical orthodontics can help create a more harmonious relationship between the jaws, contributing to improved facial balance and symmetry. When the jaw structure is properly aligned, the smile, lips, and profile often appear more balanced and natural. These improvements support both function and overall facial aesthetics.
Better for Long-Term Orthodontic Success
When jaw alignment issues are significant, surgical orthodontics provides the stable foundation needed for orthodontic treatment to work effectively. Correcting the underlying skeletal imbalance helps braces or aligners achieve better, longer-lasting results. This sets patients up for improved stability and a healthier bite over time.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Orthognathic Surgery?
You may be a candidate if you have a large bite discrepancy, facial asymmetry, difficulty chewing, or airway/obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) concerns that orthodontics alone cannot resolve. Candidates should have finished most facial growth (usually age 16 for females, age 18 for males). Dr. Gen will evaluate you with a thorough exam and imaging, then discuss whether surgery‑assisted care or a non‑surgical plan best meets your goals.
Types of Orthodontic Surgery
Orthodontic surgery is customized to each patient’s jaw structure and treatment goals. While procedures vary, most fall into a few key categories that help improve jaw alignment, bite function, and long-term orthodontic stability. Here are the most common types of orthodontic surgery performed in collaboration with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
Upper Jaw (Maxillary) Surgery
Also called Le Fort osteotomy, this procedure adjusts the position of the upper jaw when it sits too far forward, too far back, too high, or too low. Correcting the maxilla can help improve bite alignment, facial balance, and breathing function, depending on the patient’s needs.
Lower Jaw (Mandibular) Surgery
Lower jaw surgery repositions the mandible when it is significantly underdeveloped or overdeveloped. Adjusting the lower jaw can help correct overbites, underbites, and difficulties with chewing or speaking, creating a more stable foundation for orthodontic treatment.
Bimaxillary (Double-Jaw) Surgery
In some cases, both the upper and lower jaws require repositioning to achieve balanced alignment. Double-jaw surgery can correct complex bite issues and improve facial harmony, helping orthodontic treatment work more effectively and predictably.
Genioplasty (Chin Repositioning)
Chin surgery is sometimes combined with jaw procedures to enhance facial profile balance. Adjusting the chin’s position can help create a more proportional, harmonious appearance and support overall treatment goals.
Airway-Improvement Procedures
When jaw position affects breathing, surgical adjustments may help create more space for the airway. These procedures are designed to improve airflow and complement orthodontic or airway-focused treatment plans.
Orthognathic Surgery Treatment Process
Undergoing orthodontic surgery is a big decision, and our team is here to guide you through every phase with clarity and support. We work closely with experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeons to ensure your treatment is coordinated, comfortable, and tailored to your needs. Here’s what you can expect throughout the process:
-
Your journey begins with a detailed orthodontic evaluation, including digital scans, photos, and bite analysis. We assess jaw alignment concerns and discuss your goals to determine whether surgical orthodontics is the right path. Working closely with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, we create a coordinated treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.
-
Before surgery, braces or clear aligners are typically used to position the teeth so they will fit together properly after the jaws are aligned. This phase focuses on creating the ideal foundation for surgical correction. Throughout this period, our team monitors progress and ensures you feel informed, supported, and prepared for the next step.
-
Once your teeth are in the correct position, we coordinate all details with your oral surgeon. This includes sharing scans, treatment data, and timelines to ensure a seamless experience. You will meet with the surgeon to review the procedure, ask questions, and understand what to expect before, during, and immediately after the surgery.
-
Your surgical procedure is performed by a skilled oral and maxillofacial surgeon in a hospital or surgical center. After surgery, you’ll follow a personalized recovery plan designed to support healing and comfort. Our team stays in close communication with your surgeon to monitor your progress and provide guidance throughout your recovery period.
-
Once healing is underway, orthodontic treatment continues to fine-tune your bite and ensure everything fits together properly. During this phase, we make small, precise adjustments to create a stable, comfortable final result. Regular visits help us track progress and keep your treatment on schedule as your jaw continues to settle.
-
When your bite is fully aligned, you’ll transition into the retention phase. Custom retainers are used to help maintain your results as your bones and tissues stabilize long-term. We provide clear instructions and follow-up care so you feel confident maintaining your new smile and the structural improvements achieved through treatment.
Cost of Surgical Orthodontics
Your total cost will depend on the orthodontic treatment, the surgical procedure(s) recommended by your oral and maxillofacial surgeon, and diagnostic needs. Medical and dental insurance may contribute to different parts of treatment depending on your plan and diagnosis. We’ll provide a clear estimate for the orthodontic portion and discuss flexible payment options. Your surgeon’s office will review surgical fees and facility costs.
Take the Next Step Toward a Healthier, More Balanced Smile
Orthodontic surgery can be a life-changing part of your treatment journey, helping create the strong, stable foundation your smile needs to thrive. Whether you’re exploring your options or ready to begin, our team is here to guide you with clarity, compassion, and expert care every step of the way. Schedule your free evaluation, and discover whether surgical orthodontics is the right path for your long-term comfort, function, and confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontic Surgery
Most cases take 18–30 months total, including pre‑ and post‑surgical orthodontics. Timelines vary with case complexity and healing.
Jaw surgery can improve airway volume in selected patients, but outcomes vary. We’ll coordinate with your medical providers to determine whether surgical orthodontics is appropriate for your airway concerns.
You can expect swelling and soreness after surgery. Your surgeon will provide pain‑management guidance, diet instructions, and a return‑to‑activity plan. Most patients transition to soft foods before resuming normal eating.
Coverage depends on your medical and dental plans and the diagnosis. We’ll help you navigate benefits for the orthodontic component, and your surgeon’s office will address medical benefits for the surgical portion.