Who might need orthognathic surgery?
Some bite problems are primarily caused by the size or position of the jaws rather than tooth position alone. In selected adults, corrective jaw surgery may be discussed when orthodontics alone cannot achieve the intended functional or facial correction.
What is the typical sequence?
- Joint orthodontic/surgical assessment and records
- Pre-surgical orthodontics with fixed braces
- Final surgical planning
- Jaw surgery
- Recovery and post-surgical orthodontic finishing
- Retainers
Why are braces often placed before surgery?
Before surgery, teeth may need to be moved into positions that fit their own jaw correctly, even if that temporarily makes the bite look less ideal. This prepares the arches so the jaws can be repositioned accurately at surgery.
The surgery phase
The operation is performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgical team under general anaesthesia. The exact procedure and recovery vary with the jaw movements required.
Why braces stay on afterwards
After the jaws are repositioned, the orthodontist refines tooth contacts and bite details. Braces are removed only when the post-surgical finishing goals are sufficiently met.
Teeth and gums must be healthy first
Jaw-surgery pathways still require good oral health. Hospital guidance notes that dental treatment may need to be completed before fixed braces are fitted.
The treatment team
This care is multidisciplinary. Ask who your orthodontist, surgeon and general dentist are, how decisions are shared and what the full expected timeline is.
Sources & further reading
- Ashford & St Peter's Hospitals — Orthognathic Surgery — Jaw-surgery pathways usually involve healthy teeth and gums, fixed braces before surgery, surgical planning and post-surgical orthodontic finishing.
- Newcastle Hospitals — Orthodontic treatment FAQs — Teeth and gums must be healthy before brace treatment; impacted teeth and jaw surgery can lengthen treatment.
- NHS — Braces and orthodontics — Healthy teeth and gums are required before braces; oral hygiene is essential to reduce decay and gum problems.
These sources support general information. The order and need for dental work before braces must be decided from an individual examination and treatment plan.