Corrective Jaw Surgery – FarrowOrtho-ACF

When Orthodontics Alone Is Not Enough

For some patients, the position of the jaws can affect more than the appearance of the smile. Significant jaw imbalance may also impact the bite, chewing, speech, facial balance, and overall function.

Corrective jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, combines orthodontic treatment with oral surgery to improve the relationship between the upper and lower jaws. At Farrow Orthodontics, Dr. Farrow works closely with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to carefully coordinate each stage of treatment.

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What Is Corrective Jaw Surgery?

Creating Better Balance Between the Teeth and Jaws

Corrective jaw surgery is used to reposition one or both jaws when the underlying skeletal relationship cannot be fully corrected with orthodontic treatment alone.

Orthodontics plays an important role before and after surgery. Dr. Farrow carefully positions the teeth so they will fit together properly once the jaws are repositioned, while your oral surgeon performs the surgical portion of treatment.

The result is a coordinated approach focused on improving function, bite alignment, and facial balance.

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When Is Jaw Surgery Recommended?

Treating the Foundation of the Bite

Corrective jaw surgery may be considered when a significant difference in jaw size or position is contributing to orthodontic or functional concerns.

It may be recommended for patients with:

Significant overbites or underbites
Open bites
Jaw asymmetry
Upper and lower jaws that do not align properly
Difficulty biting or chewing
Certain speech concerns related to jaw position
Facial imbalance related to jaw development
Orthodontic concerns that cannot be corrected with braces or aligners alone

Every patient is different, so a comprehensive evaluation is necessary to determine whether surgical orthodontic treatment is appropriate.

How the Process Works

One Coordinated Treatment Plan

Corrective jaw surgery is a team approach involving Dr. Farrow and an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Your treatment is carefully planned so the orthodontic and surgical phases work together toward the same result.

1. Orthodontic Preparation

Braces are typically used before surgery to position the teeth correctly within each jaw and prepare your bite for the surgical phase.

2. Jaw Surgery

Once your teeth and jaws are ready, your oral surgeon repositions the jaw or jaws according to the treatment plan.

3. Final Orthodontic Treatment

After the initial healing period, Dr. Farrow continues fine-tuning your tooth alignment and bite to create the final result.

Throughout the process, both providers work together to carefully coordinate your care.

Why Orthodontics Comes First

Creating Better Balance Between the Teeth and Jaws

Before corrective jaw surgery, the teeth often need to be moved into positions that work with the planned jaw correction. This can sometimes make the bite appear temporarily less aligned before surgery, but it allows the upper and lower teeth to fit together properly once the jaws are repositioned.

Dr. Farrow monitors these changes closely and coordinates treatment with your surgeon so each step prepares you for the next phase.

Corrective Jaw Surgery for Adults

Improving More Than the Smile

Because jaw growth is generally complete by adulthood, significant skeletal bite concerns may require a combination of orthodontics and surgery rather than orthodontics alone.

For the right patient, corrective jaw surgery can improve how the upper and lower jaws work together while creating a more balanced foundation for the smile.

Dr. Farrow will evaluate your bite, jaw relationships, and treatment goals to determine whether surgical orthodontics should be considered.

A Team Approach to Complex Care

Corrective jaw surgery requires careful planning and communication between your orthodontist and surgeon.

As a board-certified orthodontist, Dr. Farrow manages the orthodontic portion of your treatment and works collaboratively with your oral surgeon to coordinate the timing, tooth movement, and final bite.

You will understand what is happening at each stage and how every part of treatment contributes to the final result.