Surgical Orthodontics
Surgical orthodontics – also known as orthognathic surgery – is a specialized treatment that combines orthodontic braces with corrective jaw surgery to address severe skeletal discrepancies that cannot be resolved with braces or aligners alone. When the upper and lower jaws are significantly misaligned, the result can affect your bite, facial balance, breathing, and overall quality of life. At BP Smiles Orthodontics in Queens, NY, Dr. Boris Pinhasov, a Board-Certified orthodontist and ABO Diplomate, works closely with oral and maxillofacial surgeons to plan and execute surgical orthodontic treatment that produces lasting functional and aesthetic results.
When Is Surgical Orthodontics Needed?
Orthodontic treatment is highly effective at moving teeth within the jawbone, but it cannot change the size, shape, or position of the jaws themselves. When the underlying problem is skeletal rather than dental – meaning the jaws grew in a way that created a significant misalignment – orthognathic surgery becomes part of the treatment plan. This is most common in adults and older teens whose jaw growth is complete, since younger patients may still benefit from growth modification through interceptive orthodontics.
Surgical orthodontics is typically recommended for conditions such as severe underbite (lower jaw protrudes beyond the upper jaw), severe overbite (upper jaw extends significantly past the lower jaw), open bite (front teeth do not meet when the back teeth are closed), facial asymmetry (one side of the jaw is noticeably different from the other), and obstructive sleep apnea caused by a recessed jaw that narrows the airway. These conditions often affect chewing, speaking, breathing, and self-confidence.
The Three Phases of Surgical Orthodontic Treatment
Surgical orthodontic treatment follows a carefully sequenced three-phase process. Each phase plays a critical role in achieving the best possible outcome.
Phase 1 – Pre-Surgical Orthodontics: Before surgery can take place, Dr. Pinhasov places braces to align the teeth within each jaw. This phase typically lasts 12 to 18 months. The goal is to position the teeth so that when the jaws are surgically repositioned, the upper and lower teeth will fit together correctly. During this phase, your bite may temporarily feel worse as the teeth are moved into their ideal positions relative to the bone rather than to each other.
Phase 2 – The Surgery: The corrective jaw surgery is performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon in a hospital setting under general anesthesia. The surgeon repositions the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both according to the treatment plan developed collaboratively with Dr. Pinhasov. Modern surgical techniques use precise 3D planning and internal fixation with small titanium plates and screws, which allows for more predictable results and shorter recovery periods. Most surgical incisions are made inside the mouth, so there are no visible scars on the face.
Phase 3 – Post-Surgical Orthodontics: After surgery, Dr. Pinhasov continues orthodontic treatment to fine-tune the bite and ensure the teeth settle into their final positions. This phase usually lasts 6 to 12 months. Once the braces are removed, retainers are provided to maintain the results long-term.
Dr. Pinhasov’s Role in Your Surgical Case
As the orthodontist on your surgical team, Dr. Pinhasov is responsible for the overall treatment plan, pre-surgical tooth alignment, and post-surgical finishing. His role as Program Director at Maimonides Medical Center gives him extensive experience managing complex cases that require coordination between multiple specialists. He uses advanced digital imaging and treatment planning software to work with the surgeon on precise jaw positioning that optimizes both function and facial aesthetics.
Dr. Pinhasov will guide you through every step of the process, from the initial evaluation through the final retainer fitting. He maintains close communication with the surgical team throughout treatment to ensure that all phases progress smoothly and that the final result meets your goals.
Recovery and What to Expect
Most patients take one to two weeks off from work or school following jaw surgery. Swelling and discomfort are normal during the first week and gradually subside over the following weeks. The surgeon will provide detailed post-operative instructions including dietary guidelines – most patients start with a liquid diet and gradually return to soft and then regular foods over several weeks. Modern fixation techniques mean that the jaws are not wired shut in most cases, which makes the recovery process more comfortable than many patients expect.
Full healing of the jawbone typically takes several months, but most patients feel well enough to return to normal activities within two to four weeks. Adult patients considering surgical orthodontics should know that the long-term benefits – including a stable bite, improved facial harmony, better breathing, and relief from TMJ symptoms – make this a life-changing investment in their health and well-being.
Start Your Evaluation
If you have been told you may need jaw surgery, or if you experience chronic jaw pain, difficulty chewing, or significant facial asymmetry, contact BP Smiles Orthodontics to schedule a comprehensive evaluation with Dr. Pinhasov. He will determine whether surgical orthodontics is the right path for your case and explain exactly what the treatment involves so you can make an informed decision.
