What Is Surgical Orthodontics?
Surgical orthodontics combines traditional orthodontic treatment with orthognathic (jaw) surgery to correct severe skeletal and bite conditions that braces or Invisalign alone cannot fix. This coordinated approach between your orthodontist and an oral surgeon addresses both function and facial aesthetics in adults whose jaws have fully developed.
At Cater Galante Orthodontics in Grass Valley, our expert team works closely with trusted oral surgeons to plan and execute these cases with precision. When your upper and lower jaws don’t align properly, it affects more than your smile. Chewing becomes a challenge. Speaking can feel awkward. Some patients deal with chronic jaw discomfort or breathing concerns. Surgical orthodontics offers a lasting solution when the condition stems from the bones themselves, not just tooth position.
Benefits of Surgical Orthodontic Treatment
The results of surgical orthodontics reach well beyond appearance. Here’s what this treatment can accomplish:
Functional Improvements
- Corrects severe overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite
- Restores proper chewing function so you can eat with ease
- Improves speech clarity affected by jaw misalignment
- Opens airways to help with breathing and, in many cases, sleep apnea symptoms
- Relieves TMJ and chronic jaw discomfort
Aesthetic Benefits
- Creates balanced facial proportions
- Improves profile appearance
- Enhances chin projection and lip position
- Addresses facial asymmetry
Long-Term Stability
Unlike compromise treatments that work around skeletal conditions, surgical orthodontics corrects the underlying cause. Because the jawbones themselves are repositioned into a stable bite relationship, results tend to hold up well over the long term. Your bite functions the way it should, and your teeth have room to stay aligned for years to come.
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, orthognathic surgery is recognized as the standard of care for adults with significant skeletal discrepancies that cannot be resolved through tooth movement alone.
The Surgical Orthodontics Process at Cater Galante in Grass Valley
Treatment follows a carefully planned sequence. Surgical orthodontic care at Cater Galante typically unfolds across six phases over roughly 2 to 3 years, from consultation through retention. Each phase builds on the last, and your orthodontist coordinates with your oral surgeon throughout.
Step 1: Initial Consultation
Your care begins with a thorough evaluation at Cater Galante Orthodontics. We use 3D imaging to assess your jaw structure, bite relationship, and facial proportions. From there, we can determine whether surgery is the right path for you.
Step 2: Pre-Surgical Orthodontics
Before surgery, you’ll wear braces or Invisalign to position your teeth properly. This phase typically takes 6 to 18 months. It may seem like your bite gets worse during this time, but that’s actually the plan. We’re aligning your teeth so they’ll fit together correctly once your jaws are repositioned.
Step 3: Orthognathic Surgery
In a hospital setting under general anesthesia, your oral surgeon performs the jaw surgery. The specific procedure depends on your needs and may involve the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both.
Step 4: Initial Healing
Recovery from the procedure usually takes 4 to 8 weeks. A modified diet is part of this phase, and any swelling or soreness is managed with medication and careful post-op instructions.
Step 5: Post-Surgical Orthodontics
Once healing progresses, we fine-tune your bite with continued orthodontic treatment. This refinement phase usually lasts 6 to 12 months.
Step 6: Retention
After your braces or aligners come off, retainers keep your teeth in their new positions. This final phase protects your investment in treatment.
Who Is a Candidate for Surgical Orthodontics?
Surgical orthodontics is generally a fit for adults with fully developed jaws who have significant skeletal bite discrepancies, such as severe Class II (overbite) or Class III (underbite) relationships, open bite, or notable facial asymmetry. Candidates are typically in good overall health and have bite concerns that braces or Invisalign alone cannot resolve.
Surgical orthodontics in Grass Valley, CA may be right for you if:
- You’re an adult with completed jaw growth. Most patients are 18 or older. Jaw surgery isn’t recommended until growth is complete.
- Your bite conditions are skeletal, not just dental. If your upper and lower jaws are significantly misaligned, braces alone won’t create a stable result.
- You have chronic jaw discomfort or TMJ symptoms. When jaw position causes ongoing soreness, correcting the alignment can bring real relief.
- Chewing or speaking takes more effort than it should. Severe bite discrepancies make everyday functions a challenge.
- You notice significant facial asymmetry. One side of your face looks noticeably different from the other due to jaw structure.
- You have sleep apnea linked to jaw position. Some patients find that jaw surgery improves their airway and sleep quality.
- You’re in good overall health. Surgery requires that you’re healthy enough for a general anesthesia procedure.
- You have a severe Class II or Class III bite. A pronounced overbite (Class II) means the upper jaw sits well ahead of the lower; a Class III underbite is the reverse, with the lower jaw projecting forward. Both can benefit from surgical correction when the discrepancy is skeletal.
Not sure if you qualify? A free consult with our expert team can answer that question. We’ll review your situation and discuss all your options honestly.
Why Choose Cater Galante Orthodontics in Grass Valley
Surgical orthodontic cases require experience and careful coordination. At Cater Galante Orthodontics, you’re in capable hands.
Expert Team with Complex Case Experience
Dr. Paul Cater and Dr. Donna Galante bring decades of orthodontic expertise to every case. Both doctors are members of the American Association of Orthodontists and active in continuing education to stay current with advances in surgical orthodontic planning.
Advanced Technology
We use 3D imaging and digital treatment planning to map out your care with precision. This technology helps us communicate clearly with your oral surgeon and predict outcomes more accurately.
Trusted Surgical Partners
We’ve built relationships with skilled oral surgeons in the region. Your care team works together from day one, sharing records and coordinating each phase of treatment.
Personalized Attention
From your first free consult through your final retainer check, you’ll receive care tailored to your needs. Our expert team takes time to explain each step and answer your questions.
Cater Galante Orthodontics has proudly served Grass Valley and Nevada County families for decades. Change a smile, change a life. That’s what drives us.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does surgical orthodontic treatment take?
Most patients complete treatment in 2 to 3 years total. That includes pre-surgical orthodontics, the surgery itself, healing time, and post-surgical refinement. Your specific timeline depends on the complexity of your case and how your body heals.
Is jaw surgery uncomfortable?
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, so you won’t feel anything during the procedure. Afterward, you’ll have swelling and soreness that’s managed with prescribed medication. Most patients describe the recovery as manageable, with the first week being the toughest. After that, things get easier from there.
Does insurance cover orthognathic surgery?
Many insurance plans cover jaw surgery when it’s medically necessary. That often applies when the procedure corrects functional concerns like trouble chewing, breathing limitations, or TMJ dysfunction. Our expert team can help you understand your coverage and submit the proper documentation.
What is recovery like after jaw surgery?
Initial healing takes 4 to 8 weeks. During the first few weeks, you’ll eat soft foods and liquids. Swelling peaks around day 3 and gradually improves. Most patients return to work or school within 2 to 4 weeks, depending on their job. Full bone healing takes several months, but you’ll feel much better long before that.
Can teens get surgical orthodontics?
We typically wait until jaw growth is complete, which happens around age 16 to 18 for girls and 18 to 21 for boys. Operating before growth finishes can lead to relapse as the jaw continues to develop. If your teen has a severe jaw discrepancy, we’ll monitor their growth and plan surgery for the right time.
Will I need braces before and after surgery?
Yes. Pre-surgical braces align your teeth so they’ll fit together properly once your jaws are repositioned. Post-surgical braces fine-tune your bite and ensure a stable, lasting result. Some patients may qualify for Invisalign during one or both phases.
Schedule Your Free Consult
Ready to find out if surgical orthodontics is right for you? Book a free consult at Cater Galante Orthodontics in Grass Valley. Our expert team will evaluate your bite, review your options, and create a personalized treatment plan that fits your goals and lifestyle.
Virtual consults are available if you’d prefer to start the conversation from home. Our Grass Valley office welcomes patients from throughout Nevada County and surrounding communities, and we also serve patients at our Salinas location.