Surgical Orthodontics

Surgical orthodontics, also known as orthognathic surgery, is a type of orthodontic treatment used to correct severe cases that include bad bites, jaw bone abnormalities, and malocclusion. Oral and maxillofacial surgery is one of the nine recognized dental specialties, and it focuses on treating complex craniofacial cases that involve the mouth, jaw, face, and skull. If you need surgical orthodontics, your orthodontist will work with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to ensure that you receive the best care possible.

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When might surgical orthodontics be needed?

Surgical orthodontics may be used to treat adults with improper bites or other aesthetic concerns. Typically, jaw growth stops by age 16 in females and 18 in males. In order to receive orthognathic surgery, the jaw must be done growing. The need for surgical orthodontics occurs when the jaws do not line up correctly, and a proper bite cannot be achieved with orthodontic treatment alone. Orthognathic surgery will help properly align the jaw, and orthodontic braces will then be used to move the teeth into their proper position.

How do I know if I need orthognathic surgery?

Your orthodontist can tell you if orthognathic surgery is needed as part of your treatment. Depending on the severity of your case and the alignment of your jaw, you may or may not need surgery.

How does orthognathic surgery work?

An oral and maxillofacial surgeon will perform your orthognathic surgery, and the surgery will take place in a hospital. Orthognathic surgery can take several hours depending on each individual case. Once the surgery is complete, you will have about a two-week rest period. Since orthognathic surgery is a major treatment, we recommend that you schedule some time away from work and school during the healing process. After your jaw has healed, your orthodontist will once again “fine-tune” your bite. After surgery, you will have to wear braces, and most braces are removed within six to 12 months following surgery. After your braces are removed, you will wear a retainer to help maintain your new smile.

What are the risks associated with orthognathic surgery?

As with any major medical surgery, there may be certain risks to having orthognathic surgery. However, the process of orthognathic surgery is not new, and it has been performed for many years in practices and hospitals. If you’re concerned about an upcoming treatment with orthognathic surgery, please contact our practice and let us know. We are happy to answer any questions that you may have, and provide you with any additional information. Your comfort is important to us.

What are the rewards of having orthognathic surgery?

For many patients, the most important reward of having orthognathic surgery is achieving a beautiful, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime. Whether you need orthodontic treatment to correct a bad bite, malocclusion, or jaw abnormality, orthognathic surgery can help restore your confidence and leave you smiling with confidence for many years to come.

What Our Patients Say

Tom Ladky

16:10 14 Nov 24

In and out quickly and ahead of schedule. Whole team at Arbit is fantastic.

Jena Sanford

23:29 12 Nov 24

Everyone is super nice in the office. My son and daughter has been treated and they teeth look amazing

Earnell

01:01 31 Oct 24

One of the friendliest, professional office environments anywhere. The staff is very warm and caring. And their service is "Simply the Best!"

Mark Meyer

13:43 24 Oct 24

Dr. Arbit is now working with another son. Throughout the visit, he made him laugh, feel comfortable, and explained what was happening in a way that a nine-year-old could understand. He answered questions, and made him look forward to having an expander. The work is excellent, and I always recommend to other parents for them to take their kids to Dr. Arbit.

Jeffrey Koenig

15:57 16 Oct 24

I went to Dr. Arbit for a checkup after having my teeth straightened with braces by his team as a child. He is kind, thoughtful, and knowledgeable about dentistry and teeth. Turns out you should consider toothpaste with fluoride. I would not hesitate to recommend him to friends and family for their braces. 5/5

Valerie Miller

23:24 25 Sep 24

I cannot recommend Dr. Arbit and his team enough. We moved to WI with my daughter in active ortho. I have been a dental professional for many years so it was very important to me that she receive exceptional care in our new home state. Dr. Arbit is the only provider in the area using the same system my daughter was using prior to our move. The transition was flawless. My daughter just got her brackets off. Her teeth look beautiful. I would choose Dr. Arbit and team again in a heartbeat.Thank you to all!!!The MillersCedarburg

Laura Kauzlarich

11:01 20 Aug 24

We LOVE Dr. Arbit!!! His office is so welcoming, he is such a kind and knowledgeable man, I would not go anywhere else. I have been seeing Dr. Arbit for myself and my children for over 14 years. I drive hours for each visit and I wouldn’t change a thing. Not only is the service reasonable, but also innovative! Dr. Arbit truly cares about his patients and their health; so many orthodontics are very aggressive and Dr. Arbit offers a light hand with better results. If you haven’t made an appointment, or if you’re not sure, they offer free consulting and the quality is unbeatable. Also, they have free arcade games to keep you occupied, it’s pretty awesome.

Katherine Kautzer

12:20 16 Jul 24

Dr. Arbit and his team are always attentive to our needs, going beyond standard care to ensure patients of all ages are given the best possible care. His team has been able to make the most complex, daunting orthodontic issues (to a parent), seem simple to solve. The team takes care to explain things to us and we would not trust anyone else to help!!

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