Orthognathic Jaw Surgery in Houston | Surgical Orthodontics by Dr. Wael Kanaan
Orthognathic Jaw Surgery in Houston: An Orthodontist’s Guide to a Stable Bite and Balanced Smile
Just like a house needs a stable foundation, teeth need proper jaw alignment, which is achieved through jaw surgery
Hello, I’m Dr. Kanaan. I created this page for patients who are trying to decide whether jaw surgery is the right option for them, or whether their bite can be corrected with orthodontic treatment alone. This is an important decision, and it is very normal for patients to have many questions and concerns before choosing the best treatment path.
Jaw surgery is not a small step. It involves recovery time, possible side effects, financial cost, and other personal factors that may make patients hesitant. My goal in this article is to help you better understand when jaw surgery may truly be needed, and when orthodontic treatment alone may be able to achieve a healthy and stable result. I will share this perspective based on more than 20 years of experience treating orthodontic patients.
The most important factor in deciding whether jaw surgery is necessary is not always the bite alone. In many cases, the bite can be corrected non-surgically with orthodontic treatment. However, when the jaw position significantly affects the patient’s facial appearance, smile balance, or self-confidence, jaw surgery may become an excellent option.
The second major factor is function. Our jaws and teeth are not only important for appearance; they are essential for chewing, speaking, and breathing. Chewing problems can often be improved with orthodontic treatment, but breathing issues may require a different approach. For example, if the lower jaw is very small or set back, the tongue may not have enough room, which can contribute to a narrow airway, snoring, or even sleep apnea. In these situations, orthognathic jaw surgery may offer a powerful opportunity to improve both facial balance and airway function, even for patients who may not have a major orthodontic concern.
So, when considering jaw surgery, two key questions are very important:
Does the jaw position affect your facial appearance and self-confidence?
Does it affect important functions such as breathing, chewing, or jaw stability?
These are the questions we will explore in this article.
What Is Orthognathic Jaw Surgery?
Orthognathic jaw surgery is a treatment approach that combines two important components: orthodontic treatment and surgical jaw correction. The orthodontic part is used to align the teeth and prepare the bite, while the jaw surgery corrects the position of the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both jaws when the problem is related to the underlying bone structure.
A simple way to understand this is to think of building a house. The orthodontist is responsible for building and organizing the house — in this case, aligning the teeth and creating a proper bite. However, if the foundation of the house is not in the correct position, the house cannot be built properly no matter how carefully the walls are arranged.
In the same way, the jaws are the foundation for the teeth, bite, smile, and facial balance. If the upper and lower jaws do not fit together correctly, or if the jaws are not in harmony with the facial soft tissues, orthodontic treatment alone may not be enough to create the best result. In these situations, orthognathic jaw surgery may be needed to correct the foundation, while orthodontic treatment is used to refine the bite and create a stable, healthy, and balanced smile.
This is why orthognathic jaw surgery is not simply a surgical procedure. It is a coordinated treatment between the orthodontist and the oral surgeon, with the goal of improving the bite, jaw relationship, facial balance, and long-term stability of the result.
Common Bite Problems That May Require Jaw Surgery
Orthognathic jaw surgery may be recommended when the problem is not only related to the position of the teeth, but also to the size, shape, or position of the jaw bones. In these situations, orthodontic treatment alone may improve the bite, but it may not fully correct the facial imbalance, jaw relationship, or long-term function.
Some of the cases treated by Dr. Kanaan require jaw surgery for proper correction
Some of the most common situations where jaw surgery may be needed include:
Severe chin deviation to the right or left When the lower jaw or chin is significantly shifted to one side, it can affect facial symmetry, smile balance, and the way the upper and lower teeth fit together. In moderate to severe cases, orthodontics alone may not be enough to correct the underlying jaw asymmetry.
Severe underbite with a very prominent lower jaw Some patients have a lower jaw that is positioned too far forward, creating a strong chin appearance and a severe underbite. In these cases, the upper and lower teeth may not meet properly, making it difficult to bite, chew, or speak comfortably.
Severe overbite or a very recessed lower jaw When the lower jaw is positioned too far backward, the patient may have a weak chin, deep bite, and difficulty achieving a balanced facial profile. In severe cases, the lower front teeth may bite into the gum tissue behind the upper front teeth. A severely recessed lower jaw can also contribute to airway or breathing concerns in certain patients.
Noticeable tilt or cant of the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both jaws If the jaw is tilted and the smile line appears uneven, especially when the tilt is visible in the face or smile, jaw surgery may be needed to level the jaw foundation and improve facial balance.
Very narrow or constricted upper jaw A severely narrow upper jaw can cause a crossbite, crowding, and poor coordination between the upper and lower teeth. In certain patients, surgical expansion or surgically assisted jaw widening may be needed to create proper jaw width and improve function. In selected cases, widening the upper jaw may also help improve nasal airflow, although this depends on the patient’s anatomy.
Severe facial asymmetry where one side of the jaw is shorter or longer than the other Some patients have significant jaw asymmetry because of growth differences, congenital conditions, condylar growth problems, or genetic factors. Conditions such as hemifacial microsomia, condylar hyperplasia, or condylar hypoplasia can create noticeable facial imbalance and may also affect the bite and jaw joints.
Jaw deformity related to trauma When a patient has had severe facial trauma that affects the teeth, bite, or jaw structure, orthognathic treatment may be recommended to restore the jaw relationship, facial balance, and chewing function.
Severe open bite that cannot be corrected predictably with orthodontics alone Some patients cannot bring their front teeth together because of a skeletal open bite. When the open bite is caused by jaw growth pattern rather than tooth position alone, surgery may provide a more stable and predictable correction.
Excessive vertical jaw growth or severe gummy smile In some patients, the upper jaw grows too far downward, causing excessive gum display, difficulty closing the lips, and an elongated facial appearance. Jaw surgery may be needed to reposition the upper jaw and improve both the bite and facial proportions.
Severe lip incompetence caused by jaw position If the patient cannot close the lips comfortably because of jaw imbalance, protrusive teeth, or excessive vertical growth, orthognathic treatment may be considered to improve facial balance and lip closure.
Every case is different. The decision to recommend jaw surgery should be based on a complete orthodontic evaluation, facial analysis, bite analysis, photographs, X-rays, and often a 3D CBCT scan. The goal is not only to straighten the teeth, but also to create a bite and facial foundation that are functional, stable, and esthetically balanced.
Surgical Planning: How the Orthodontist and Oral Surgeon Work Together
Orthognathic jaw surgery requires close coordination between the orthodontist and the oral surgeon. This teamwork is very important because the orthodontist is responsible for preparing the teeth and bite before surgery, while the oral surgeon is responsible for correcting the jaw position.
Before the surgery, the teeth must be aligned in a way that allows the upper and lower jaws to fit together properly after the surgical correction. If the teeth are not positioned correctly, the oral surgeon may not be able to place the jaws in the ideal position. This can lead to an unstable bite, early contacts, jaw positioning problems, or a result that is not as accurate or stable as planned.
For this reason, Dr. Kanaan carefully prepares the bite before surgery. Today, this process is often done using digital scans and virtual surgical planning. Dr. Kanaan scans the teeth and works with the surgical team to simulate the jaw correction virtually before the actual surgery. This allows the orthodontist and surgeon to evaluate how the teeth will fit together after the jaws are moved.
During this virtual planning process, any early contacts, bite interferences, or areas of imbalance can be detected before surgery. If needed, Dr. Kanaan can make additional orthodontic adjustments to move the teeth into a better position. This process may be repeated two or three times until the bite is properly balanced with the planned surgical correction.
This step is extremely important because it helps prevent surprises during surgery and improves the accuracy of the final result. The goal is to make sure that when the jaws are corrected, the teeth fit together properly, the bite is stable, and the facial and jaw correction can be completed as predictably as possible.
When Can Orthognathic Jaw Surgery Be Avoided?
In some patients, orthognathic jaw surgery may be avoided with advanced orthodontic treatment. This is especially true when the jaw discrepancy is moderate and the main goal can be achieved by moving the teeth in a controlled and strategic way.
Dr. Kanaan has pioneered the use of non-surgical orthodontic correction for certain complex bite problems using TADs, also known as temporary anchorage devices or mini-implants. TADs have expanded what is possible with orthodontic treatment because they provide strong anchorage and allow the orthodontist to move teeth in ways that were very difficult, or sometimes impossible, with braces alone.
With the use of TADs, orthodontists can often increase the amount and control of tooth movement. This allows certain difficult bites, such as some open bites, overbites, underbites, or asymmetry cases, to be corrected without jaw surgery when the case is properly selected.
This does not mean that every jaw surgery case can be treated without surgery. Some skeletal problems are too severe and still require orthognathic surgery to achieve the best facial balance, bite correction, and long-term stability. However, for selected patients, TAD-supported orthodontic treatment may provide an excellent alternative.
Below is an example of a case treated by Dr. Kanaan without jaw surgery using advanced orthodontic mechanics. This case shows how modern orthodontic techniques can sometimes correct complex bite problems while avoiding the need for surgical jaw correction.
When Is Jaw Surgery the More Stable Option?
The long-term stability of jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) depends on several well-established factors, including the type of jaw correction being performed, the direction and magnitude of jaw movement, muscle forces, oral habits, and the quality of coordination between the orthodontist and the oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
Research in orthognathic surgery has shown that certain types of movements are more stable than others. For example, procedures that move the upper jaw (maxilla) upward (impaction) tend to be highly stable. In contrast, movements that involve downward repositioning of the upper jaw or significant rotation of the lower jaw can be less stable and may carry a higher risk of relapse.
When jaw surgery is performed to rotate the lower jaw and correct a severe open bite, stability can sometimes be more challenging. In these cases, the surrounding muscles and soft tissues may be stretched or repositioned significantly. Over time, these tissues can exert forces on the teeth and jaws, potentially contributing to some degree of relapse if not properly managed.
Habits are another very important factor. If the open bite was caused or worsened by habits such as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, tongue sucking, or poor tongue posture, and those habits continue after surgery, the risk of relapse increases. Addressing these habits—often with the help of myofunctional therapy or behavioral guidance—is essential for maintaining long-term results.
On the other hand, jaw surgery performed to correct an underbite (Class III malocclusion) can be quite stable, particularly when it involves repositioning the upper jaw forward or combining upper and lower jaw surgery. However, isolated lower jaw setback procedures may have a slightly higher tendency for relapse compared to maxillary advancement. As with all procedures, stability depends on the severity of the discrepancy, the surgical technique used, and the patient’s individual anatomy.
Additional factors that influence stability include proper orthodontic preparation before surgery, precise surgical technique, rigid fixation (such as plates and screws), and consistent use of retainers after treatment. Long-term follow-up care is also important to monitor and maintain results.
This is why careful diagnosis and treatment planning are so important. Dr. Kanaan will discuss the expected stability of your specific treatment option and explain which approach may provide the best long-term outcome.
Choosing an experienced oral surgeon, combined with an experienced orthodontist in Houston, is essential. Proper coordination between the surgeon and orthodontist helps ensure the most appropriate surgical plan, improves bite function, enhances facial balance, and supports the best possible long-term stability.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jaw Surgery
Is jaw surgery done by the orthodontist?
No. The actual jaw surgery is performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, not by the orthodontist.
Dr. Kanaan will carefully coordinate your orthodontic treatment with the oral surgeon, either in the Houston area or in the area you prefer. This coordination is very important because the orthodontist prepares the teeth and bite so the surgeon can position the jaws properly during surgery.
It is also very important to check that the oral surgeon, hospital, and anesthesiologist are in network with your insurance provider. Jaw surgery can be very expensive if it is performed out of network or without insurance coverage. In some cases, oral surgeons may offer special surgical packages to help patients reduce the cost.
Can jaw surgery improve chewing, speech, or breathing?
Yes, jaw surgery can improve chewing and, in some cases, speech. It may also improve breathing, depending on the type of jaw problem and the type of surgery performed.
For example, if the breathing problem is related to a narrow upper jaw, then widening the upper jaw may help improve the airway. If the problem is related to a lower jaw that is positioned too far back, then advancing the lower jaw may help create more room for the tongue and improve the airway.
However, if the surgery is done mainly for cosmetic reasons and does not address the airway or jaw position related to breathing, then it may not significantly improve breathing. This is why a proper diagnosis is very important before deciding on jaw surgery.
What is the best age for orthognathic jaw surgery?
In most cases, orthognathic jaw surgery is performed after the patient has finished growing. This helps make the result more stable.
However, in certain cases, an oral surgeon may recommend surgery one or two years before growth is completely finished, depending on the severity of the problem and the patient’s individual situation.
There is no strict upper age limit for jaw surgery. Adults can have jaw surgery as long as they are healthy, have good bone support, and there are no medical contraindications.
Can adults have jaw surgery?
Yes. Adults can absolutely have jaw surgery if there is a proper reason for the procedure and no medical condition that would prevent surgery.
Many adult patients choose jaw surgery to improve their bite, facial balance, chewing function, breathing, or overall quality of life.
How long do I wear braces after jaw surgery?
After jaw surgery, the bite needs time to settle, and the surgical sites need time to heal. In most cases, patients continue orthodontic treatment for about three to six months after surgery.
During this time, Dr. Kanaan will monitor the bite, take the necessary X-rays, and let you know when your orthodontic treatment is complete.
Will my face change after jaw surgery?
Yes, jaw surgery can change the appearance of your face. The amount of change depends on the type of surgery, the amount of jaw movement, and the thickness of your soft tissue.
Patients with thinner lips or thinner soft tissue may notice more visible facial changes. Patients with thicker lips or thicker soft tissue may notice less dramatic changes. One-jaw surgery usually creates less facial change than double-jaw surgery, where both the upper and lower jaws are moved.
It is also important to understand that swelling is normal after surgery. Because of this swelling, the final facial result cannot be judged immediately. It may take several months for the swelling to go down and for the final appearance to become clear. Some patients also need time emotionally to adjust to their new facial appearance, especially if the change is significant.
How do I know if I need jaw surgery or just orthodontic treatment?
This depends on your goals, your facial appearance, your bite, and the severity of the jaw discrepancy.
If the problem can be corrected within the scope of orthodontic treatment, or with advanced orthodontic techniques such as TADs, then jaw surgery may not be needed.
However, if the jaw discrepancy is severe, if major facial changes are needed, or if important functions such as breathing, chewing, or jaw stability cannot be corrected with orthodontics alone, then jaw surgery may be recommended.
A complete evaluation is needed to decide which option is best for each patient.
Can Invisalign be used with jaw surgery?
Yes, Invisalign can be used with jaw surgery in some cases. In other cases, traditional braces may be a better option.
The choice depends on the type of surgical plan and the technique used by the oral surgeon. If custom orthognathic surgery is planned with custom surgical plates, Invisalign may be an excellent option for some patients.
However, in certain surgical cases, braces may be preferred because they can help the surgeon stabilize the bite during surgery and support proper healing afterward.
Dr. Kanaan will work closely with the oral surgeon to decide whether Invisalign or braces would be the best option for your specific case.
Orthognathic Jaw Surgery in Houston | Surgical Orthodontics by Dr. Wael Kanaan
Orthognathic Jaw Surgery in Houston: An Orthodontist’s Guide to a Stable Bite and Balanced Smile
Hello, I’m Dr. Kanaan. I created this page for patients who are trying to decide whether jaw surgery is the right option for them, or whether their bite can be corrected with orthodontic treatment alone. This is an important decision, and it is very normal for patients to have many questions and concerns before choosing the best treatment path.
Jaw surgery is not a small step. It involves recovery time, possible side effects, financial cost, and other personal factors that may make patients hesitant. My goal in this article is to help you better understand when jaw surgery may truly be needed, and when orthodontic treatment alone may be able to achieve a healthy and stable result. I will share this perspective based on more than 20 years of experience treating orthodontic patients.
The most important factor in deciding whether jaw surgery is necessary is not always the bite alone. In many cases, the bite can be corrected non-surgically with orthodontic treatment. However, when the jaw position significantly affects the patient’s facial appearance, smile balance, or self-confidence, jaw surgery may become an excellent option.
The second major factor is function. Our jaws and teeth are not only important for appearance; they are essential for chewing, speaking, and breathing. Chewing problems can often be improved with orthodontic treatment, but breathing issues may require a different approach. For example, if the lower jaw is very small or set back, the tongue may not have enough room, which can contribute to a narrow airway, snoring, or even sleep apnea. In these situations, orthognathic jaw surgery may offer a powerful opportunity to improve both facial balance and airway function, even for patients who may not have a major orthodontic concern.
So, when considering jaw surgery, two key questions are very important:
These are the questions we will explore in this article.
What Is Orthognathic Jaw Surgery?
Orthognathic jaw surgery is a treatment approach that combines two important components: orthodontic treatment and surgical jaw correction. The orthodontic part is used to align the teeth and prepare the bite, while the jaw surgery corrects the position of the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both jaws when the problem is related to the underlying bone structure.
A simple way to understand this is to think of building a house. The orthodontist is responsible for building and organizing the house — in this case, aligning the teeth and creating a proper bite. However, if the foundation of the house is not in the correct position, the house cannot be built properly no matter how carefully the walls are arranged.
In the same way, the jaws are the foundation for the teeth, bite, smile, and facial balance. If the upper and lower jaws do not fit together correctly, or if the jaws are not in harmony with the facial soft tissues, orthodontic treatment alone may not be enough to create the best result. In these situations, orthognathic jaw surgery may be needed to correct the foundation, while orthodontic treatment is used to refine the bite and create a stable, healthy, and balanced smile.
This is why orthognathic jaw surgery is not simply a surgical procedure. It is a coordinated treatment between the orthodontist and the oral surgeon, with the goal of improving the bite, jaw relationship, facial balance, and long-term stability of the result.
Common Bite Problems That May Require Jaw Surgery
Orthognathic jaw surgery may be recommended when the problem is not only related to the position of the teeth, but also to the size, shape, or position of the jaw bones. In these situations, orthodontic treatment alone may improve the bite, but it may not fully correct the facial imbalance, jaw relationship, or long-term function.
Some of the most common situations where jaw surgery may be needed include:
When the lower jaw or chin is significantly shifted to one side, it can affect facial symmetry, smile balance, and the way the upper and lower teeth fit together. In moderate to severe cases, orthodontics alone may not be enough to correct the underlying jaw asymmetry.
Some patients have a lower jaw that is positioned too far forward, creating a strong chin appearance and a severe underbite. In these cases, the upper and lower teeth may not meet properly, making it difficult to bite, chew, or speak comfortably.
When the lower jaw is positioned too far backward, the patient may have a weak chin, deep bite, and difficulty achieving a balanced facial profile. In severe cases, the lower front teeth may bite into the gum tissue behind the upper front teeth. A severely recessed lower jaw can also contribute to airway or breathing concerns in certain patients.
If the jaw is tilted and the smile line appears uneven, especially when the tilt is visible in the face or smile, jaw surgery may be needed to level the jaw foundation and improve facial balance.
A severely narrow upper jaw can cause a crossbite, crowding, and poor coordination between the upper and lower teeth. In certain patients, surgical expansion or surgically assisted jaw widening may be needed to create proper jaw width and improve function. In selected cases, widening the upper jaw may also help improve nasal airflow, although this depends on the patient’s anatomy.
Some patients have significant jaw asymmetry because of growth differences, congenital conditions, condylar growth problems, or genetic factors. Conditions such as hemifacial microsomia, condylar hyperplasia, or condylar hypoplasia can create noticeable facial imbalance and may also affect the bite and jaw joints.
When a patient has had severe facial trauma that affects the teeth, bite, or jaw structure, orthognathic treatment may be recommended to restore the jaw relationship, facial balance, and chewing function.
Some patients cannot bring their front teeth together because of a skeletal open bite. When the open bite is caused by jaw growth pattern rather than tooth position alone, surgery may provide a more stable and predictable correction.
In some patients, the upper jaw grows too far downward, causing excessive gum display, difficulty closing the lips, and an elongated facial appearance. Jaw surgery may be needed to reposition the upper jaw and improve both the bite and facial proportions.
If the patient cannot close the lips comfortably because of jaw imbalance, protrusive teeth, or excessive vertical growth, orthognathic treatment may be considered to improve facial balance and lip closure.
Every case is different. The decision to recommend jaw surgery should be based on a complete orthodontic evaluation, facial analysis, bite analysis, photographs, X-rays, and often a 3D CBCT scan. The goal is not only to straighten the teeth, but also to create a bite and facial foundation that are functional, stable, and esthetically balanced.
Surgical Planning: How the Orthodontist and Oral Surgeon Work Together
Orthognathic jaw surgery requires close coordination between the orthodontist and the oral surgeon. This teamwork is very important because the orthodontist is responsible for preparing the teeth and bite before surgery, while the oral surgeon is responsible for correcting the jaw position.
Before the surgery, the teeth must be aligned in a way that allows the upper and lower jaws to fit together properly after the surgical correction. If the teeth are not positioned correctly, the oral surgeon may not be able to place the jaws in the ideal position. This can lead to an unstable bite, early contacts, jaw positioning problems, or a result that is not as accurate or stable as planned.
For this reason, Dr. Kanaan carefully prepares the bite before surgery. Today, this process is often done using digital scans and virtual surgical planning. Dr. Kanaan scans the teeth and works with the surgical team to simulate the jaw correction virtually before the actual surgery. This allows the orthodontist and surgeon to evaluate how the teeth will fit together after the jaws are moved.
During this virtual planning process, any early contacts, bite interferences, or areas of imbalance can be detected before surgery. If needed, Dr. Kanaan can make additional orthodontic adjustments to move the teeth into a better position. This process may be repeated two or three times until the bite is properly balanced with the planned surgical correction.
This step is extremely important because it helps prevent surprises during surgery and improves the accuracy of the final result. The goal is to make sure that when the jaws are corrected, the teeth fit together properly, the bite is stable, and the facial and jaw correction can be completed as predictably as possible.
When Can Orthognathic Jaw Surgery Be Avoided?
In some patients, orthognathic jaw surgery may be avoided with advanced orthodontic treatment. This is especially true when the jaw discrepancy is moderate and the main goal can be achieved by moving the teeth in a controlled and strategic way.
Dr. Kanaan has pioneered the use of non-surgical orthodontic correction for certain complex bite problems using TADs, also known as temporary anchorage devices or mini-implants. TADs have expanded what is possible with orthodontic treatment because they provide strong anchorage and allow the orthodontist to move teeth in ways that were very difficult, or sometimes impossible, with braces alone.
With the use of TADs, orthodontists can often increase the amount and control of tooth movement. This allows certain difficult bites, such as some open bites, overbites, underbites, or asymmetry cases, to be corrected without jaw surgery when the case is properly selected.
This does not mean that every jaw surgery case can be treated without surgery. Some skeletal problems are too severe and still require orthognathic surgery to achieve the best facial balance, bite correction, and long-term stability. However, for selected patients, TAD-supported orthodontic treatment may provide an excellent alternative.
Below is an example of a case treated by Dr. Kanaan without jaw surgery using advanced orthodontic mechanics. This case shows how modern orthodontic techniques can sometimes correct complex bite problems while avoiding the need for surgical jaw correction.
When Is Jaw Surgery the More Stable Option?
The long-term stability of jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) depends on several well-established factors, including the type of jaw correction being performed, the direction and magnitude of jaw movement, muscle forces, oral habits, and the quality of coordination between the orthodontist and the oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
Research in orthognathic surgery has shown that certain types of movements are more stable than others. For example, procedures that move the upper jaw (maxilla) upward (impaction) tend to be highly stable. In contrast, movements that involve downward repositioning of the upper jaw or significant rotation of the lower jaw can be less stable and may carry a higher risk of relapse.
When jaw surgery is performed to rotate the lower jaw and correct a severe open bite, stability can sometimes be more challenging. In these cases, the surrounding muscles and soft tissues may be stretched or repositioned significantly. Over time, these tissues can exert forces on the teeth and jaws, potentially contributing to some degree of relapse if not properly managed.
Habits are another very important factor. If the open bite was caused or worsened by habits such as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, tongue sucking, or poor tongue posture, and those habits continue after surgery, the risk of relapse increases. Addressing these habits—often with the help of myofunctional therapy or behavioral guidance—is essential for maintaining long-term results.
On the other hand, jaw surgery performed to correct an underbite (Class III malocclusion) can be quite stable, particularly when it involves repositioning the upper jaw forward or combining upper and lower jaw surgery. However, isolated lower jaw setback procedures may have a slightly higher tendency for relapse compared to maxillary advancement. As with all procedures, stability depends on the severity of the discrepancy, the surgical technique used, and the patient’s individual anatomy.
Additional factors that influence stability include proper orthodontic preparation before surgery, precise surgical technique, rigid fixation (such as plates and screws), and consistent use of retainers after treatment. Long-term follow-up care is also important to monitor and maintain results.
This is why careful diagnosis and treatment planning are so important. Dr. Kanaan will discuss the expected stability of your specific treatment option and explain which approach may provide the best long-term outcome.
Choosing an experienced oral surgeon, combined with an experienced orthodontist in Houston, is essential. Proper coordination between the surgeon and orthodontist helps ensure the most appropriate surgical plan, improves bite function, enhances facial balance, and supports the best possible long-term stability.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jaw Surgery
Is jaw surgery done by the orthodontist?
No. The actual jaw surgery is performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, not by the orthodontist.
Dr. Kanaan will carefully coordinate your orthodontic treatment with the oral surgeon, either in the Houston area or in the area you prefer. This coordination is very important because the orthodontist prepares the teeth and bite so the surgeon can position the jaws properly during surgery.
It is also very important to check that the oral surgeon, hospital, and anesthesiologist are in network with your insurance provider. Jaw surgery can be very expensive if it is performed out of network or without insurance coverage. In some cases, oral surgeons may offer special surgical packages to help patients reduce the cost.
Can jaw surgery improve chewing, speech, or breathing?
Yes, jaw surgery can improve chewing and, in some cases, speech. It may also improve breathing, depending on the type of jaw problem and the type of surgery performed.
For example, if the breathing problem is related to a narrow upper jaw, then widening the upper jaw may help improve the airway. If the problem is related to a lower jaw that is positioned too far back, then advancing the lower jaw may help create more room for the tongue and improve the airway.
However, if the surgery is done mainly for cosmetic reasons and does not address the airway or jaw position related to breathing, then it may not significantly improve breathing. This is why a proper diagnosis is very important before deciding on jaw surgery.
What is the best age for orthognathic jaw surgery?
In most cases, orthognathic jaw surgery is performed after the patient has finished growing. This helps make the result more stable.
However, in certain cases, an oral surgeon may recommend surgery one or two years before growth is completely finished, depending on the severity of the problem and the patient’s individual situation.
There is no strict upper age limit for jaw surgery. Adults can have jaw surgery as long as they are healthy, have good bone support, and there are no medical contraindications.
Can adults have jaw surgery?
Yes. Adults can absolutely have jaw surgery if there is a proper reason for the procedure and no medical condition that would prevent surgery.
Many adult patients choose jaw surgery to improve their bite, facial balance, chewing function, breathing, or overall quality of life.
How long do I wear braces after jaw surgery?
After jaw surgery, the bite needs time to settle, and the surgical sites need time to heal. In most cases, patients continue orthodontic treatment for about three to six months after surgery.
During this time, Dr. Kanaan will monitor the bite, take the necessary X-rays, and let you know when your orthodontic treatment is complete.
Will my face change after jaw surgery?
Yes, jaw surgery can change the appearance of your face. The amount of change depends on the type of surgery, the amount of jaw movement, and the thickness of your soft tissue.
Patients with thinner lips or thinner soft tissue may notice more visible facial changes. Patients with thicker lips or thicker soft tissue may notice less dramatic changes. One-jaw surgery usually creates less facial change than double-jaw surgery, where both the upper and lower jaws are moved.
It is also important to understand that swelling is normal after surgery. Because of this swelling, the final facial result cannot be judged immediately. It may take several months for the swelling to go down and for the final appearance to become clear. Some patients also need time emotionally to adjust to their new facial appearance, especially if the change is significant.
How do I know if I need jaw surgery or just orthodontic treatment?
This depends on your goals, your facial appearance, your bite, and the severity of the jaw discrepancy.
If the problem can be corrected within the scope of orthodontic treatment, or with advanced orthodontic techniques such as TADs, then jaw surgery may not be needed.
However, if the jaw discrepancy is severe, if major facial changes are needed, or if important functions such as breathing, chewing, or jaw stability cannot be corrected with orthodontics alone, then jaw surgery may be recommended.
A complete evaluation is needed to decide which option is best for each patient.
Can Invisalign be used with jaw surgery?
Yes, Invisalign can be used with jaw surgery in some cases. In other cases, traditional braces may be a better option.
The choice depends on the type of surgical plan and the technique used by the oral surgeon. If custom orthognathic surgery is planned with custom surgical plates, Invisalign may be an excellent option for some patients.
However, in certain surgical cases, braces may be preferred because they can help the surgeon stabilize the bite during surgery and support proper healing afterward.
Dr. Kanaan will work closely with the oral surgeon to decide whether Invisalign or braces would be the best option for your specific case.