Correcting the jaw, not just the teethcombined orthodontic and surgical care
When the size or position of the jaws sits at the heart of a bite concern, a coordinated plan of braces and surgery can transform how you bite, breathe and feel about your smile.
A considered pathway, planned carefully and never rushed.
When teeth alone are not the whole story
Orthognathic surgery is a combined orthodontic and surgical treatment for significant skeletal differences that braces or aligners cannot resolve on their own.
Most bite concerns can be treated beautifully with orthodontics alone. Sometimes, though, the underlying difference lies in the size or position of the upper or lower jaw, rather than in the teeth themselves. In these situations, moving the teeth is only part of the answer, and repositioning a jaw creates the balance that allows the bite to work properly.
Jaw surgery is usually considered for pronounced underbites or overbites, open bites where the front teeth do not meet, marked facial asymmetry, and functional problems with biting, chewing, lip closure or breathing. The aim is not only a straighter smile but a jaw relationship that functions comfortably and looks naturally in proportion.
Specialists working together
This is genuinely a team effort. Dr Shaz MacAvoy, a specialist orthodontist, plans and delivers the orthodontic side of your treatment and coordinates the whole pathway from start to finish. That means the braces worn before and after surgery, and the careful timing that ties each stage together.
The surgery itself is carried out by a specialist oral and maxillofacial surgeon in a hospital setting, under general anaesthetic. Dr Shaz works closely alongside your surgeon so that the plan is shared, the goals are agreed, and every step is sequenced to give you a stable, comfortable result.
How treatment unfolds, step by step
Assessment and records
A thorough assessment with 3D records and imaging, so the plan is built around your unique anatomy and what matters most to you.
Pre-surgical orthodontics
Braces line the teeth up to the planned new jaw position. This stage often takes around 12 to 18 months and lays the groundwork for surgery.
Surgery, settling and retention
Your surgeon repositions the jaw, then post-surgical orthodontics detail and settle the bite, followed by retention to hold your result.
Deciding whether surgery is the right path
Jaw surgery is usually recommended once jaw growth is complete, so it is most often considered for older teenagers and adults. Many people are surprised to learn how common it is at any stage of life, and adults frequently pursue this treatment to resolve concerns they have lived with for years.
Importantly, not every prominent bite needs surgery. A careful assessment decides whether growth modification in younger patients, braces or aligners on their own, or a surgical plan is the most appropriate path for you. If you have already been told surgery may be needed and would value another perspective, a second opinion is always welcome. The goal is clarity, so you can make a confident, well-informed choice.
A considered decision, made with care
- Careful planning and detailed 3D imaging before anything begins
- A coordinated specialist team, with your orthodontist guiding the pathway
- Results that can improve the bite, chewing, breathing and facial balance
- Time to ask questions and understand each stage, never rushed
Common questions about jaw surgery
Does jaw surgery mean I will not need braces?
No, braces are central to the plan. Orthodontics before surgery lines the teeth up to the planned jaw position, and orthodontics after surgery details and settles the bite. Surgery and braces work together as one treatment.
How long does the whole process take?
Timelines vary with each person, but the pre-surgical orthodontic stage often takes around 12 to 18 months, followed by the surgery, then a period of settling and retention. Dr Shaz will give you a clearer estimate once your assessment and records are complete.
Is jaw surgery only for adults?
It is usually recommended once jaw growth is complete, so it is most often considered for older teenagers and adults. In younger, still-growing patients, other approaches such as growth modification may be suitable instead.
Who actually performs the surgery?
The operation is carried out by a specialist oral and maxillofacial surgeon in a hospital setting, under general anaesthetic. Dr Shaz plans and delivers the orthodontics and coordinates the pathway alongside your surgeon.
Will every prominent bite need surgery?
Not at all. Many pronounced bites are treated with braces or aligners alone. A careful assessment decides whether surgery is truly needed, so a surgical plan is only recommended when it is genuinely the right option for you.
Can I get a second opinion before deciding?
Yes, and it is warmly encouraged. Jaw surgery is a considered decision, and a second opinion can give you confidence and clarity. You are welcome to book a complimentary Smile Assessment to talk it through.
Talk it through with a specialist
If you are wondering whether jaw surgery might be part of your care, a complimentary Smile Assessment is a relaxed place to start. There is no pressure, just clear guidance tailored to you.