Severe bite problems can affect more than your smile’s appearance. An underbite, open bite or significant jaw imbalance may interfere with chewing, speech and facial balance. When these issues stem from jaw position rather than the teeth alone, traditional orthodontic treatment may not be enough. Adelaide dental braces combined with orthognathic surgery can help correct complex skeletal misalignments by repositioning the jaws and aligning the teeth. This treatment involves close coordination between a specialist orthodontist and an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Understanding the process, recovery and treatment timeline can help Adelaide patients make informed decisions about their care.
When Are Braces and Jaw Surgery Necessary?
Braces gradually move teeth into better positions, but they cannot correct every underlying jaw discrepancy. When the upper and lower jaws have a significant structural mismatch, surgery may be recommended alongside orthodontic treatment.
Common conditions considered for surgical orthodontics Adelaide include:
● Severe underbites: The lower jaw or lower teeth sit too far forward relative to the upper jaw.
● Open bites: The front teeth do not meet when the back teeth are closed together.
● Significant jaw asymmetry: The jaws are uneven, affecting facial balance and bite function.
● Severe overbites or skeletal discrepancies: The relationship between the jaws causes functional problems that braces alone cannot adequately resolve.
An orthodontist assesses the teeth and bite, while imaging and specialist examinations help determine whether jaw alignment surgery SA is appropriate. Not every pronounced bite problem requires surgery.
How Orthognathic Surgery and Braces Work Together
Treatment typically follows three stages, with the orthodontist and surgeon coordinating decisions throughout.
1. Pre-surgical orthodontics
The first stage uses Adelaide dental braces to prepare the teeth for surgery. The orthodontist aligns the teeth within their respective jawbones and corrects dental compensations that may have developed to disguise the skeletal discrepancy.
This phase can temporarily make the bite appear more pronounced. That change is often intentional because properly positioned teeth help the surgeon establish a more accurate jaw relationship during the operation.
Treatment duration varies depending on case complexity, the tooth movement required, and the individual response to orthodontics.
2. Orthognathic surgery
Once the teeth are ready, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon repositions the upper jaw, lower jaw or both, depending on the treatment plan. The procedure is generally performed under general anaesthesia in an appropriate hospital setting.
Small plates and screws are commonly used to secure the repositioned bones while they heal. Before cosmetic treatment begins, the surgeon explains the expected benefits, potential complications, recovery requirements, and any procedure-specific restrictions.
For patients considering orthognathic surgery and braces Adelaide, a detailed consultation is essential to establish realistic expectations.
3. Post-surgical orthodontics
After surgery, Adelaide dental braces remain in place while the bite settles and the teeth are refined. The orthodontist makes adjustments to improve how the upper and lower teeth meet and achieve a stable final result.
Follow-up appointments monitor healing, tooth movement and bite function. Once active treatment is complete, retainers help maintain the corrected tooth positions.
Recovery, Risks and Treatment Planning
Recovery varies according to the operation and individual circumstances. Swelling, discomfort, temporary changes in sensation and dietary restrictions may occur. The surgical team provides instructions on oral hygiene, pain management, nutrition and follow-up care.
Potential risks include infection, bleeding, nerve-related sensory changes, relapse and the need for further treatment. Patients should discuss these risks and their personal medical history with their surgeon before proceeding.
Severe bite correction SA also requires a commitment to regular appointments and careful oral hygiene throughout treatment. Costs depend on the braces, surgical procedure, hospital fees and individual treatment needs. Ask for a written treatment plan and a clear explanation of potential expenses, insurance benefits and payment arrangements.
Choosing Surgical Orthodontics in Adelaide
The right treatment begins with a comprehensive assessment, not choosing braces based on appearance alone. Look for a specialist orthodontist and an appropriately qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeon who work collaboratively and explain the reasoning behind each stage.
Adelaide dental braces combined with jaw surgery can address complex problems that orthodontics alone cannot fully correct. If a severe underbite, open bite or jaw imbalance affects your function or confidence, arrange an assessment with an Adelaide specialist orthodontist. Ask whether surgical treatment is appropriate, what the process involves and how the team will support you before, during and after surgery.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can braces alone correct a severe underbite?
Braces can correct many dental underbites, but a severe skeletal underbite may require jaw surgery to reposition the bones. An orthodontic assessment determines the appropriate approach.
2. How long does surgical orthodontic treatment take?
Treatment often takes several years from initial orthodontics through surgery and final adjustments. The exact timeline depends on the severity of the jaw discrepancy, healing and tooth movement.
3. Will I wear braces during jaw surgery?
In many cases, braces remain in place during surgery to help the surgeon position the jaws accurately. They are also used afterwards to refine the bite.
4. Is jaw alignment surgery painful?
The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia. Swelling, discomfort, and temporary numbness may occur during recovery, and the surgical team will guide symptom management.
5. How much do Adelaide dental braces and jaw surgery cost?
Costs vary by brace type, surgical complexity, hospital charges, and follow-up care. Request an itemised treatment estimate and check your private health insurance benefits before starting treatment.
