Surgical Orthodontics in Orlando, FL
Complex jaw discrepancies cannot always be corrected with braces or aligners alone. When skeletal issues affect your bite, facial balance, and overall function, surgical orthodontics offers a comprehensive solution that combines orthodontic treatment with corrective jaw surgery. This advanced approach addresses the underlying bone structure, creating lasting improvements in both appearance and oral health.
We provide surgical orthodontics for Orlando area patients who need more than traditional orthodontic treatment. Dr. Lach works closely with board-certified oral surgeons to coordinate your care, ensuring every phase of treatment is precisely planned and executed. Our team combines decades of experience with advanced technology to deliver results that transform both smiles and lives. At Lach Dental Specialists Powered by Sonrisa, we offer comprehensive orthodontic and oral surgery solutions designed to address even the most complex jaw alignment issues.
Understanding Surgical Orthodontics
Surgical orthodontics, also known as orthognathic surgery, corrects jaw irregularities that cannot be resolved through orthodontics alone. This treatment approach repositions the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both to achieve proper alignment. The procedure improves bite function, facial symmetry, and breathing patterns while addressing issues like TMJ disorders and sleep apnea.
Research from a multi-institutional database analyzing 674 orthognathic surgery patients found that these procedures have a low overall complication rate of 4.3%, with no mortality reported during the 30-day follow-up period, according to the National Institutes of Health. This demonstrates the safety profile of surgical orthodontics when performed by experienced teams. The study also revealed that careful patient selection and proper preoperative planning significantly reduce the risk of adverse events.
The treatment combines orthodontic expertise with surgical precision. Your orthodontist and oral surgeon work together throughout the entire process, from initial diagnosis through final adjustments. This collaborative approach ensures your jaw structure and teeth work in harmony, creating functional and aesthetic improvements that last a lifetime.
When Surgical Orthodontics Is Recommended
We recommend surgical orthodontics when skeletal discrepancies exceed what traditional orthodontic treatment can correct. Certain conditions require repositioning the jaw bones themselves rather than simply moving teeth. Your orthodontist will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine whether surgical orthodontics is the right solution for your unique situation.
Common conditions that may require surgical orthodontics include:
- Severe underbite or overbite: when the upper and lower jaws do not meet properly, affecting bite function and facial appearance
- Open bite: when the upper and lower teeth do not touch when the mouth is closed, often causing speech and chewing difficulties
- Facial asymmetry: when the jaws grow unevenly, creating a noticeable imbalance in facial proportions
- Breathing problems: when jaw position restricts the airway, contributing to sleep apnea or chronic breathing difficulties
- TMJ disorders: when jaw misalignment causes persistent pain, clicking, or limited jaw movement
These conditions often develop during growth and become apparent in the teenage years or early adulthood. Some patients discover they need surgical orthodontics after attempting traditional orthodontic treatment without achieving the desired results. Early consultation allows us to determine the best timing for your procedure and develop a comprehensive treatment plan.
The Surgical Orthodontics Process
Your surgical orthodontics journey begins with a comprehensive evaluation, including X-rays, photographs, and digital scans. We use advanced 3D imaging technology to analyze your jaw structure and plan every detail of your treatment. This diagnostic phase helps us determine the precise movements needed to correct your jaw position and align your bite.
Treatment typically starts with pre-surgical orthodontics, where braces or clear aligners move your teeth into positions that will coordinate with your new jaw placement. This phase usually lasts 12 to 18 months. During this time, you will notice your bite may appear worse as we position teeth to align properly after surgery.
The surgical phase takes place in a hospital or surgical center under general anesthesia. Our partnering oral surgeon makes precise cuts in the jawbone and repositions it according to the pre-planned design. Modern surgical techniques minimize recovery time and discomfort. Most patients stay overnight for observation and return home the following day.
Post-surgical orthodontics continues for six to 12 months after surgery. This final phase fine-tunes tooth positions and ensures your bite functions optimally. Throughout recovery, we monitor your progress closely and make adjustments as needed. The entire surgical orthodontics process typically takes 18 to 24 months from start to finish, though complex cases may require additional time.
Many patients also benefit from Invisalign treatment during the pre-surgical or post-surgical phases, depending on their specific needs. Our team will discuss all available treatment options during your consultation.
Transform Your Smile With Surgical Orthodontics at Lach Dental Specialists
Our Orlando practice combines orthodontic excellence with coordinated surgical care to deliver life-changing results. Dr. Lach brings over 30 years of orthodontic experience to every case, working alongside trusted oral surgery partners who share our commitment to exceptional outcomes. We use the latest diagnostic technology and treatment techniques to ensure precision at every step of your journey.
Surgical orthodontics is a significant investment in your oral health and overall well-being. The improvements extend far beyond appearance, addressing functional issues that affect breathing, chewing, speaking, and jaw comfort. Ready to explore whether surgical orthodontics is right for you? Contact our Orlando office today to schedule your comprehensive evaluation and take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile.
