Orthognathic Surgery in Winter Garden, FL
For patients with significant jaw discrepancies, orthognathic surgery combines orthodontic treatment with corrective jaw surgery to improve the way the jaws fit and function together. Treatment may improve bite function, facial balance, and, in appropriate cases, airway concerns. At Artful Orthodontics, Dr. Pawlak works closely with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to carefully coordinate treatment from initial planning through your final smile.
Orthognathic Surgery Explained
Orthognathic surgery, or corrective jaw surgery, repositions the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both when orthodontic treatment alone cannot achieve proper alignment. It can address significant underbites, overbites, open bites, crossbites, facial asymmetry and airway issues associated with sleep apnea.
Successful jaw surgery begins with careful coordination between your orthodontist and oral surgeon. Digital scans, X-rays, photographs and 3D technology are used to plan the position of the teeth and jaws. Braces or clear aligners prepare the teeth before surgery, followed by final orthodontic adjustments afterward to create a stable, functional bite.
How Surgical Orthodontics Works
Records and Planning
Detailed imaging, photos and 3D planning software simulate jaw movements before surgery.
Pre-Surgical Orthodontics
Braces or aligners position teeth so the surgeon can reposition the jaws.
Surgical Procedure
The surgeon repositions the jaws using small plates and screws to hold the new alignment while bone heals.
Post-Surgical Finishing
Orthodontic finishing refines the bite and confirms long-term stability.
Your Orthognathic Surgery Experience
Preparing for surgery includes maintaining good oral hygiene, following dietary guidance, and arranging help for the first few days at home. Swelling peaks within the first week and then steadily subsides. A soft or blenderized diet is typical for several weeks to protect healing bone. Numbness in the lips or chin can occur and often improves over months as nerves recover.
Artful Orthodontics coordinates each phase so you understand benefits of jaw surgery, expected timelines, and how recovery after orthognathic surgery is managed. Careful planning helps reduce risks, and follow-up visits track healing and bite stability.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthognathic Surgery
Good candidates have significant jaw misalignment causing functional issues such as difficulty chewing, speech challenges, airway concerns, or bite instability that orthodontics alone cannot correct.
Yes, jaw position affects facial balance. Planning reviews likely changes to profile, smile, and chin position so results align with your goals.
Initial healing is two to six weeks, with swelling improving most in the first month. Orthodontic finishing continues for several months.
Milder discrepancies may be treated with orthodontics, bite adjustments, or restorations. Significant skeletal issues usually require surgery for a stable result.
Discomfort is expected early on but managed with medication, cold compresses, and rest. Most patients transition to over-the-counter pain relief within days.
Yes, most patients need pre-surgical orthodontics and post-surgical finishing with braces or aligners to achieve an ideal, stable bite.