CG Orthodontics explains how orthodontic treatment and corrective jaw surgery can work together to improve jaw alignment, bite function, and facial balance.
Introduction
Some smiles need more than straightening. When the upper and lower jaws grow at different rates or sit out of line, teeth can only move so far to make up the difference. That is where surgical orthodontics comes in.
If you or your teenager has heard the words "jaw surgery" at a dental visit, it is completely normal to feel a mix of curiosity and nerves. The encouraging news is that corrective jaw surgery is a well-planned, well-studied path, and we are glad to walk families through it at our Richboro and Yardley offices.
This guide explains what surgical orthodontics is, who it helps, how the steps fit together, and what recovery really looks like. By the end, you will know exactly which questions to bring to your consultation.
What Surgical Orthodontics Actually Means
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) describes surgical orthodontics, or orthognathic surgery, as corrective jaw surgery that fixes skeletal problems affecting how a person bites, chews, and speaks. In plain terms, braces and aligners move teeth, while surgery moves bone. The word orthognathic comes from Greek roots meaning "straight jaw."
Here is why that difference matters. Once jaw growth is complete, the AAO notes that surgery is the only way to change the size, shape, or position of an adult's jaw bones. Orthodontics still does essential work, because the teeth need to fit together precisely once the jaws are in their new positions.
Think of it as a partnership. Your orthodontist plans how the teeth will meet, and an oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) repositions the upper jaw, the lower jaw, or both. The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) explains that the orthodontist and OMS work together to decide whether surgery is right for you, and the OMS chooses and performs the procedure.
Signs Your Jaw, Not Just Your Teeth, Needs Attention
AAOMS lists several conditions that may point toward corrective jaw surgery. Having one of them does not automatically mean surgery. They are simply signals that jaw alignment deserves a closer look from an orthodontist.
- Difficulty biting, chewing, or swallowing food
- An open bite, where the front teeth do not touch when the back teeth close
- A lower jaw and chin that sit far back, or a jaw that juts forward
- Lips that cannot close comfortably without straining
- Excessive wear on the teeth, or ongoing jaw or jaw joint pain
- A facial profile that looks unbalanced from the front or side
- Chronic mouth breathing or obstructive sleep apnea
Jaw joint comfort deserves a special mention. The joint where your lower jaw meets your skull is called the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and AAOMS notes that a stable, healthy TMJ is an important part of planning a lasting surgical result. That is one reason a thorough evaluation looks at the whole jaw, not just the teeth.
Orthodontics Alone or With Surgery? Side by Side
Many bite problems that look serious are fully correctable with braces or aligners. When the jaw difference is mild, we can often position the teeth to compensate for it, an approach orthodontists call camouflage. Surgery enters the conversation when the jaws are far enough apart that moving teeth alone would not create a healthy, stable bite.
| Orthodontics Alone |
Orthodontics With Jaw Surgery |
|
|---|---|---|
| What moves |
Teeth |
Teeth and jaw bones |
| Best for |
Crowding, spacing, and mild to moderate bite concerns |
Larger skeletal differences between the upper and lower jaws |
| Common tools |
Metal braces, clear braces, or Invisalign |
Usually braces, plus surgery performed by an OMS |
| Timing |
Children, teens, and adults at almost any age |
Typically after jaw growth ends, often late teens to early twenties |
| Care team |
Your orthodontist |
Your orthodontist and an OMS working together |
| Facial change |
Subtle support for the lips and smile |
Can bring noticeable balance to the face and profile |
The Three Phases of Treatment
AAOMS describes surgical orthodontic care as a process rather than a single event. It helps to picture it in three phases, each with its own job.
Prepare
Before surgery, braces line up the teeth in each jaw so they will fit together ideally once the jaws move. The AAO notes that this orthodontic work typically comes first. If your bite looks a little different along the way, that simply means the teeth are being set up exactly where the surgical plan needs them.
Correct
An OMS repositions the upper jaw, the lower jaw, or both. According to the AAO, these major procedures usually require an overnight stay in a hospital or surgical center. Your orthodontist and surgeon map out the new jaw positions together well before the day arrives.
Refine
After surgery, orthodontic treatment continues so the teeth settle into their final positions within the new jaw relationship. Once everything is in place, the braces come off, and a custom-made retainer helps protect your beautiful result.
AAOMS notes that the full process may take a few years, including orthodontics before and after surgery. Each phase brings visible progress, though, and the finish line is a bite built to last.
What Recovery Really Looks Like
Recovery is the part families ask about most, so here is an honest and encouraging picture. The AAO suggests most patients plan about a week off school or work to rest. Whether you commute into Philadelphia or Princeton or have a Pennsbury or Council Rock school calendar to work around, that week is easy to plan once you know it is coming.
Swelling is normal early on and usually settles within a few weeks, according to AAOMS recovery guidance. Most people make a full recovery in three to six months, while the jawbones finish healing over nine to 12 months.
Your diet starts with soft foods and liquids, then gradually returns to normal as your surgeon clears you. Smoothies, soups, yogurt, and mashed potatoes become good friends for a little while.
Some people notice temporary numbness in the lips or chin as nerves recover. In a 2026 systematic review of orthognathic surgery outcomes, more than 92 percent of patients who had these sensation changes recovered within 12 months.
The bigger picture is bright. That same review found overall patient satisfaction of nearly 88 percent, along with significant quality-of-life improvements.
Braces, Aligners, and Surgery: Which Tools Fit
Traditional braces are the most common partner for jaw surgery. Brackets give precise control over each tooth, which matters when the teeth need to meet perfectly after the jaws move. Clear braces offer that same control with a more subtle look, which many adults and older teens appreciate.
Invisalign clear aligners are a wonderful option for many bite concerns that do not need surgery, and in select cases aligners may play a role in a surgical plan as well. Our doctors will always recommend the approach that gives your case the most predictable result.
Timing, Growth, and Why Early Visits Help
The AAO notes that orthognathic surgery is usually performed after the jaws have finished growing, typically in the late teens to early twenties. That is why older teens and adults are the most common candidates.
For younger children, the story can be different. The AAO recommends a first orthodontic checkup by age 7, and early treatment can sometimes guide jaw growth while a child is still growing. Spotting a jaw difference early gives families more options and more time to plan.
Adults are never too late, either. If you have lived with a difficult bite for years, a consultation can show you what is possible now, and our before-and-after gallery offers a look at the kinds of transformations orthodontic care can bring.
Insurance and Planning Ahead
Coverage for surgical orthodontics often comes from two places. According to the AAO, dental insurance may cover some or all of the orthodontic portion, while the surgery itself is usually billed through medical insurance when a plan includes it.
We accept most insurance plans and offer extended payment plans and no-interest financing for orthodontic care. You can learn more on our new patients page, and your surgeon's office will guide you through medical coverage.
Because the process spans a few years, starting the conversation early is a gift to yourself. It gives you time to plan around school calendars, work schedules, and benefit years. You also do not need a referral to see us, as we explain in our post on orthodontic referrals.
Why Bucks County Families Choose CG Orthodontics
- Two convenient offices in Richboro and Yardley, serving Newtown, Lower Makefield, and the surrounding communities
- More than 25 years of specialized orthodontic experience
- A five-star Google rating with more than 560 reviews
- Free consultations with clear answers and no pressure
- 3D imaging that helps us plan complex bite and jaw cases with precision
- A full range of options, including metal braces, clear braces, Invisalign, and early treatment
- Extended payment plans, no-interest financing, and acceptance of most insurance plans
Final Answer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is surgical orthodontics the same as orthognathic surgery?
They are closely connected. Orthognathic surgery is the jaw surgery itself, performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Surgical orthodontics describes the full treatment, including braces before and after surgery, that your orthodontist plans and manages alongside the surgeon. Most people use the two terms interchangeably, and that is perfectly fine.
How do I know if I need jaw surgery or just braces?
A hands-on evaluation is the only way to know for sure. If your teeth are crooked but your jaws line up well, braces or Invisalign alone usually work beautifully. If the upper and lower jaws are significantly out of balance, surgery may give you a healthier, more stable bite. Our doctors will explain which applies to you.
How long is recovery from corrective jaw surgery?
Most patients plan about a week off school or work, according to the AAO. Swelling usually eases within a few weeks, and AAOMS reports that most people fully recover in three to six months. The jawbones keep healing for nine to 12 months while orthodontic treatment finishes the bite.
What age is best for jaw surgery?
Jaw surgery is usually performed after the jaws have finished growing, typically in the late teens to early twenties. Adults of any age can be excellent candidates. For younger children, an early orthodontic visit can spot jaw differences while growth can still be guided, which sometimes keeps future treatment simpler.
Does insurance cover orthognathic surgery?
Coverage varies from plan to plan. Dental insurance may help with the orthodontic portion, while jaw surgery is typically billed through medical insurance when it is covered. We accept most insurance plans, offer no-interest financing, and are happy to review your dental benefits with you so there are no surprises.
Can I use Invisalign instead of braces with jaw surgery?
Braces are the most common choice for surgical cases because they give precise control over every tooth. In select cases, clear aligners may play a role. Many patients whose concern turns out to be dental rather than skeletal can use Invisalign without surgery at all. Your consultation will show which option suits you.
Have a question we did not cover? Our FAQ page answers many more.
Sources
American Association of Orthodontists. Orthodontic Surgery: Enhancing Your Smile's Foundation. Updated April 15, 2026. aaoinfo.org/treatments/orthodontic-surgery
American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Corrective Jaw Surgery. Last updated September 2026. myoms.org/what-we-do/corrective-jaw-surgery
American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Recovery from Orthognathic Surgery. Updated September 7, 2026. myoms.org recovery page
American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Is Jaw Surgery Necessary? myoms.org
American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Joint Stabilization and Diagnosis in Orthognathic Surgery. myoms.org
Ebenezer V, Ganesh P, Vinayagar M. Clinical outcomes, complications and impact on quality of life following orthognathic surgery: a systematic review. Frontiers in Oral Health. 2026;7:1790589. DOI: 10.3389/froh.2026.1790589
About the Authors
Dr. Cathleen George, DMD, and Dr. Jordan Cogan, DMD, MS, are board-certified orthodontists and ABO Diplomates who lead CG Orthodontics in Richboro and Yardley, Pennsylvania. Dr. George trained at the University of Pennsylvania and teaches in its orthodontic department. Dr. Cogan trained at Temple University, where he graduated first in his dental school class.
Disclaimer: This article is for general education and is not a substitute for a professional diagnosis. Decisions about jaw surgery are made by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon in partnership with your orthodontist after a full evaluation. Individual results and recovery times vary.
