Surgical orthodontics combines braces or Invisalign with corrective jaw surgery to address severe bite issues that tooth movement alone aren’t enough to fix on their own. This treatment addresses the actual position of your jaw bones, not just your teeth. At Cater Galante Orthodontics in Salinas, CA, our expert team works closely with oral and maxillofacial surgeons to deliver life-changing results for patients with complex skeletal issues.
What Is Surgical Orthodontics?
Surgical orthodontics, also called orthognathic treatment, combines braces or Invisalign with corrective jaw surgery to reposition the upper or lower jaw. It corrects severe bite misalignment, facial asymmetry, and skeletal discrepancies that braces alone aren’t enough to fix on their own. Treatment requires close coordination between an orthodontist and an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
Some bite issues run deeper than misaligned teeth. When your upper and lower jaws don’t fit together properly due to their size, shape, or position, orthodontic appliances aren’t enough on their own. That’s where orthognathic treatment comes in. This approach corrects facial asymmetry, protruding or receding jaws, and severe malocclusion that affects your ability to chew, speak, and breathe comfortably.
The collaboration between your orthodontist and oral surgeon is essential. Your orthodontist handles tooth alignment before and after surgery, while the surgeon repositions the jaw bones themselves. Together, this team creates a treatment plan designed specifically for your anatomy and goals.
Benefits of Surgical Orthodontic Treatment
Surgical orthodontics delivers four key benefits: corrected bite function, improved breathing and airway opening, relief from chronic jaw soreness and TMJ symptoms, and better facial balance. The results go far beyond appearance. Here’s what this treatment can accomplish:
Functional Improvements
- Corrects severe overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites that braces can’t address on their own
- Restores proper chewing and biting function
- Improves speech clarity
- Opens the airway for better breathing
- May reduce or eliminate sleep apnea symptoms
These functional wins often matter most to patients. Many people don’t realize how much their bite affects everyday activities until those activities become easier.
Comfort and Health Benefits
- Relieves chronic jaw soreness and TMJ symptoms
- Reduces excessive wear on teeth
- Decreases strain on jaw joints and muscles
- Creates stable, long-lasting bite alignment
Beyond comfort, the aesthetic outcomes can be remarkable. Patients often see meaningful changes in their profile and overall facial harmony.
Aesthetic Results
- Brings facial features into better balance
- Improves profile appearance
- Enhances chin and jaw definition
- Builds confidence in your smile
Surgical orthodontic treatment can produce stable, lasting results when performed by qualified specialists working together. The outcomes aren’t just cosmetic. Many patients report meaningful improvements in daily functions they’d lived with for years.
The Surgical Orthodontics Process in Salinas
Here’s how the treatment unfolds at our Salinas office:
- Consultation and Treatment Planning. Your smile journey starts with a thorough evaluation at our Salinas office. We’ll take detailed 3D images, photographs, and impressions. Our orthodontic specialists analyze your jaw structure, bite relationship, and facial proportions to build your custom treatment plan.
- Pre-Surgical Orthodontics. Before surgery, you’ll wear braces or Invisalign for roughly 12 to 18 months. This phase moves your teeth into positions that will fit together correctly once your jaws are repositioned. Your bite may actually feel worse during this time. That’s normal and expected.
- Corrective Jaw Surgery. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon performs the orthognathic procedure, typically in a hospital setting. The surgery repositions one or both jaws, securing them with small plates and screws. Most patients stay one to two nights for monitoring.
- Post-Surgical Refinement. After you’ve healed from surgery, orthodontic treatment continues for another 6 to 12 months. This phase fine-tunes your bite and makes sure everything fits together properly.
- Retention. Once active treatment ends, you’ll wear retainers to maintain your results. Your investment deserves protection.
Total treatment time typically spans 2 to 3 years from start to finish. The timeline varies based on the complexity of your case.
Are You a Candidate for Surgical Orthodontics in Salinas?
Surgical orthodontics isn’t for everyone. It’s specifically designed for patients whose bite issues stem from jaw position rather than tooth alignment alone. You might be a candidate if you have:
- Severe bite misalignment: Significant overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite that hasn’t responded to traditional orthodontics
- Jaw size discrepancy: Your upper and lower jaws are noticeably different sizes
- Facial asymmetry: One side of your face looks different from the other due to jaw position
- Functional struggles: Trouble chewing food thoroughly, biting into things, or swallowing comfortably
- Chronic jaw discomfort: Ongoing TMJ symptoms, clicking, locking, or muscle tension
- Breathing issues: Airway obstruction related to jaw position
Age Requirements
Your jaw must be fully grown before surgery. For most females, this happens around age 16. Males typically reach skeletal maturity around age 18. Adults of any age can pursue surgical orthodontics as long as they’re in good overall health.
Not sure if you qualify? A free consult with our team can answer that question. We’ll evaluate your specific situation and discuss whether surgical treatment is the right path for you.
Why Choose Cater Galante Orthodontics in Salinas
Surgical orthodontics is a big decision, and the team behind it matters. Here’s how we’re different:
Expertise in Complex Cases
Dr. Paul Cater and Dr. Donna Galante bring decades of experience to challenging orthodontic situations. Dr. Galante is a Board-Certified Orthodontist through the American Board of Orthodontics. Both doctors hold memberships in the American Association of Orthodontists, American Dental Association, California Dental Association, and Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists.
Our orthodontic specialists are also graduates of the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Cater has served as a guest lecturer at Harvard University School of Dentistry and was twice voted Instructor of the Year at UPenn. This academic background means you’re getting care informed by current research and techniques.
Coordinated Surgical Care
We’ve built strong relationships with trusted oral and maxillofacial surgeons in the Salinas area. Your treatment involves careful coordination between our office and your surgical team, so everyone is working toward the same goal.
Every surgical orthodontics case is unique. We use advanced 3D imaging and digital planning tools to map out your treatment with precision. You’ll know exactly what to expect before treatment begins.
Frequently Asked Questions About Surgical Orthodontics
How long does surgical orthodontic treatment take?
Most patients complete treatment in 2 to 3 years total. This includes 12 to 18 months of pre-surgical braces, the surgery itself, and 6 to 12 months of post-surgical refinement. Your specific timeline depends on the complexity of your case and how your teeth respond to treatment.
What is recovery from jaw surgery like?
You’ll be under general anesthesia during surgery, so you won’t feel anything. Afterward, expect swelling, bruising, and soreness that’s managed with prescribed medications. Most patients return to work or school within 2 to 4 weeks. Full healing takes several months, though you’ll feel progressively better each week.
Does insurance cover surgical orthodontics?
Many medical insurance plans cover the surgical portion of treatment when it’s deemed medically necessary. Orthodontic insurance often covers the braces or aligner portion. Our team helps you understand your benefits and make the most of your coverage. We also offer low monthly payment plans through OrthoFi to make treatment accessible.
How much does surgical orthodontics cost in Salinas?
Treatment costs vary based on the complexity of your case, the type of surgery needed, and your insurance coverage. Surgical orthodontics typically falls into a higher cost bracket than traditional braces alone because it involves both orthodontic care and a hospital-based surgical procedure. During your free consult at Cater Galante Orthodontics, we’ll provide a detailed cost estimate and walk through financing options.
Can adults get surgical orthodontics?
Yes. Adults make excellent candidates as long as they’re in good general health. There’s no upper age limit. Many adults in their 30s, 40s, and beyond pursue surgical orthodontics to finally address bite issues they’ve lived with for years.
What are the risks of orthognathic surgery?
Like any surgery, orthognathic procedures carry some risks including infection, bleeding, nerve changes, and reactions to anesthesia. Temporary numbness in the lips, chin, or cheeks is common and usually resolves over several months. Your surgical team will go over all potential risks during your consultation. Serious complications are rare when surgery is performed by experienced specialists.
Schedule Your Surgical Orthodontics Consultation in Salinas
Take the next step toward a healthier bite and a more balanced smile. Our expert team at Cater Galante Orthodontics is here to answer your questions and evaluate your options.
Request your free consult online or call our Salinas office at (831) 202-3070. We also offer virtual consultations if you’d prefer to start from home.