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Orthodontics

Surgical Orthodontics in Vancouver

Correct severe jaw abnormalities with surgical orthodontics. Our team provides comprehensive care for complex cases requiring combined surgical and orthodontic treatment.

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Where we offer this

Available at all four Smile Well Dental clinics.

North VancouverVisit our North Vancouver clinicSurreyVisit our Surrey clinicLangleyVisit our Langley clinicCoquitlamVisit our Coquitlam clinic

What is Surgical Orthodontics?

Surgical orthodontics, also known as orthognathic surgery, is a treatment approach for patients whose jaw abnormalities are too severe to be corrected with braces alone. This treatment combines orthodontic care with oral surgery to reposition the jaws, improving both function and appearance. It's performed in coordination with an oral surgeon for optimal results.

What is Surgical Orthodontics?

Benefits of Surgical Orthodontics in Vancouver

Correct Severe Problems

Address jaw discrepancies that braces alone cannot fix.

Improved Function

Enhance chewing, speaking, and breathing ability.

Facial Harmony

Achieve better facial balance and aesthetics.

Long-Term Results

Corrects the underlying jaw position, not just the teeth.

Surgical Orthodontics Treatment

01

Comprehensive Evaluation

Detailed examination, imaging, and treatment planning with your dentist and an oral surgeon.

02

Pre-Surgical Orthodontics

Braces are placed to align teeth and prepare for surgery, typically lasting 12-18 months.

03

Jaw Surgery

The oral surgeon repositions the jaw(s) to correct alignment. Surgery is performed under general anesthesia.

04

Post-Surgical Orthodontics

Final orthodontic treatment fine-tunes your bite after surgical healing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Surgical orthodontics, also called orthognathic surgery, combines orthodontic treatment (braces or aligners) with corrective jaw surgery to address severe bite problems, jaw misalignment, and facial imbalances that cannot be corrected with braces alone.

Patients with significant jaw discrepancies, severe underbites or overbites (more than 10mm), crossbites affecting jaw function, facial asymmetry, receding chin or protruding jaw, sleep apnea caused by jaw position, or bite problems severely affecting chewing, speaking, or breathing may benefit.

Initial recovery takes about 2-4 weeks, during which you'll follow a liquid/soft diet and manage swelling. Most patients return to work or school within 2-4 weeks. Complete bone healing takes 6-12 weeks, though some numbness may persist longer. Full recovery takes several months.

Many medical insurance plans cover orthognathic jaw surgery when it's deemed medically necessary (not purely cosmetic). Dental insurance often covers the orthodontic portion. We help verify your medical and dental benefits and obtain necessary pre-authorizations.

Surgical orthodontics has several parts: orthodontic treatment before surgery, the jaw surgery itself, and orthodontic treatment afterward, and the cost depends on your case. Ask us for a quote. Medical insurance may cover part of the jaw surgery.

The complete process typically takes 2-3 years: 12-18 months of pre-surgical orthodontics to align teeth, jaw surgery, 2-3 months of healing, then 6-12 months of post-surgical orthodontics to finalize the bite. The timeline varies based on case complexity.

Jaw surgery is done under general anesthesia, so you are asleep during the procedure. Post-operative discomfort is managed with prescription pain medication and typically decreases significantly within the first week. Swelling and stiffness are common but temporary.

Smile Well Dental provides surgical orthodontics consultations at our Greater Vancouver locations. We work with experienced oral surgeons to coordinate comprehensive treatment for complex jaw and bite issues. Schedule a consultation to determine if surgical orthodontics is right for you.

Talk to Us About Complex Cases

Learn if surgical orthodontics is right for you. Schedule a comprehensive evaluation today.

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