Orthognathic (Jaw) Surgery in Cheshire & Southington, CT
When a bite problem is driven by the jaws — not just the teeth — orthognathic (jaw) surgery may be the right solution. At Daniels Orthodontics, we evaluate, plan, and co‑manage these cases with trusted oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Our role is to make the process clear and coordinated, from your first records to your final retainer.
Want a specialist‑guided opinion? Schedule your free consultation today and get started with a healthier, more-aligned smile.
What Is Orthognathic Surgery?
Orthognathic surgery repositions the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both to improve how your teeth meet and how your face functions and looks. Because moving the jaws also moves the teeth, braces are paired with surgery to place teeth in the right positions before and after the procedure.
Benefits of Orthodontic Surgery
Better Function
Surgery can improve chewing, speaking, and breathing by aligning the jaws and teeth to help them work together.
Facial Balance
Jaw position can influence your facial profile. Correcting the skeletal foundation often creates a more harmonious appearance.
Stable Results
When your jaw foundation is right, your bite is easier to maintain with orthodontics and retainers.Who Is a Candidate for Corrective Jaw Surgery?
We consider a surgical consult for older teens and adults who have finished growing, have significant bite concerns (open bite, severe overbite/underbite, asymmetry), or want to address facial balance. Typically, jaw growth is complete around 16 for girls and 18 for boys. Pre‑surgical orthodontics can begin in the year or two leading up to those ages when appropriate.
Could Early Treatment Help Avoid Surgery?
For growing patients, timely interceptive orthodontics (also called Phase 1 treatment) can guide jaw growth and create space, sometimes reducing or removing the need for jaw surgery later. This approach — often called dentofacial orthopedics (growth guidance) — uses a child’s growth window to widen arches, guide jaw relationships, and support healthy development.
Examples of care include palate expansion for crossbites or narrow arches, growth‑guidance appliances for developing bite issues, and habit correction that supports normal jaw development. Not every case can be solved this way without surgery, but an early look lets us choose the least‑invasive path that still delivers a healthy, stable bite.
Age 7 is a smart age for a first check-in. This visit helps us spot growth patterns early and decide whether to monitor or step in with a focused plan.
Our Role & Partner Surgeons
We’ll take records, map the orthodontic plan, and refer you to a vetted oral and maxillofacial surgeon for the procedure. Throughout the journey, we share plans and progress so your surgeon and our office are working from the same playbook.
The Co‑Managed Treatment Process
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Evaluation & Planning
Photos, X‑rays, and a 3D scan help us confirm whether surgery or orthodontics alone will meet your goals. We review timing, costs, and insurance coordination, then introduce you to a partner surgeon when indicated.
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Pre‑Surgical Orthodontics (Braces)
Braces align the teeth in preparation for surgery, and this phase often lasts 6–18 months. As teeth move, your bite may feel “worse” before it gets better; that’s normal when we’re setting up for jaw correction.
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Surgery With an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
Your procedure is hospital‑based and can take several hours depending on the movements needed. Upper jaws can be moved forward/backward or raised/lowered; lower jaws are repositioned forward or backward. Your surgeon will review specifics, anesthesia needs, and potential risks beforehand.
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Initial Recovery
Most patients return to work or school in about two weeks. You’ll follow your surgeon’s instructions for diet and activity while we monitor healing together.
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Post‑Surgical Orthodontics (Fine‑Tuning)
After 4–8 weeks of healing, we resume adjustments to dial in the bite. In many cases, braces are removed 6–12 months after surgery once the bite is stable.
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Retainers
As the final step, you’ll receive a set of custom retainers. Your retainers are essential as they protect your results for the long run.
Considering Jaw Surgery? Let’s Map It Out
We’ll confirm with you if surgery is truly necessary, coordinate with a trusted surgeon, and build a clear plan from start to finish. You’ll know what’s happening at every step and why.
Ready to talk through options? Get started with a free consultation!
Corrective Jaw Surgery FAQs
Sometimes, yes, especially for mild to moderate issues. When the jaws themselves are the main concern, surgery plus orthodontics provides the most predictable, stable result. We’ll help you decide what is right for you at your first evaluation.
Surgery is reserved for patients who have completed jaw growth (roughly 16 for girls, 18 for boys). Pre‑surgical orthodontics can begin in the year or two leading up to those ages when appropriate.
It varies by case, but a common timeline is 6–18 months of pre‑surgical orthodontics, surgery with a partner surgeon, then 4–8 weeks of healing before we fine‑tune. Braces are often removed 6–12 months after surgery.
Your surgery is performed in a hospital or accredited surgical center by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. We refer only to trusted, high‑quality specialists.
Most patients return to school or work about two weeks after surgery, per the surgeon’s guidance.
We’ll help coordinate benefits between our office and the surgeon’s office and provide clear estimates up front.
Absolutely! Retainers hold your new bite and smile in place after braces come off.
