Surgical orthodontics combines orthodontic treatment with orthognathic (jaw) surgery to correct severe skeletal misalignments that braces or Invisalign alone can’t fix. This specialized approach repositions the jaw bones and aligns the teeth so your bite, function, and facial balance all work together. It addresses the root cause, not just the teeth on the surface.
What Is Surgical Orthodontics?
Surgical orthodontics is a specialized treatment that pairs braces or Invisalign with orthognathic jaw surgery to correct severe skeletal misalignments. It repositions the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both so the teeth meet properly and the face is balanced. The approach is reserved for cases where tooth movement alone cannot fix the underlying bone-level problem.
At Boller Orthodontic Arts in Dyer, Dr. Boller, a specialist-trained orthodontist, works closely with oral and maxillofacial surgeons to plan and carry out these complex cases. The orthodontic phases happen right here in our practice, while the surgical procedure is performed by a board-certified oral surgeon at a local hospital or surgical center. This coordinated care makes sure your teeth and jaws work together as they should.
Surgical orthodontics isn’t just about straightening teeth. It corrects skeletal issues that affect how you bite, chew, breathe, and even how your face looks in profile. For patients dealing with significant jaw discrepancies, this treatment offers results that aren’t possible through orthodontics alone. If you’ve been told that traditional braces or Invisalign won’t fully fix your bite, surgical orthodontics in Dyer, IN may be the right path forward.
Benefits of Surgical Orthodontics in Dyer, IN
When jaw misalignment goes beyond what tooth movement can address, surgical orthodontics produces meaningful change:
- Corrects severe bite problems including significant overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites that have resisted other treatments
- Eating becomes easier because your jaw can chew without strain, and you won’t have to avoid foods you used to love
- Reduces jaw pain and TMJ strain by positioning the jaws where they naturally belong
- Enhances facial symmetry and profile balance, balancing your facial features
- Sleep and breathing often improve as the airway opens up and obstructions linked to jaw position are addressed
- Provides long-term stability because you’re correcting the underlying skeletal issue, not just compensating for it with tooth movement
- Boosts confidence with results that affect both your smile and your overall facial appearance
For patients who’ve struggled with severe bite issues for years, surgical orthodontics often represents the first real solution. The changes are substantial and lasting because they address the skeletal foundation, not just the teeth sitting on top.
The Surgical Orthodontic Treatment Process
Surgical orthodontic treatment at Boller Orthodontic Arts typically spans two to three years across six carefully sequenced phases: full consultation, pre-surgical orthodontics, the surgery itself, healing, post-surgical refinement, and retention. Each phase builds on the last to make sure your final result is stable, functional, and beautiful. Here’s what to expect at each step:
Step 1: Full Consultation and Diagnosis
Your treatment starts with a thorough evaluation at our Dyer practice. Dr. Boller uses 3D imaging and detailed diagnostic records to assess your jaw relationship, bite, and facial structure. This information guides the entire treatment plan and helps coordinate with your surgical team.
Step 2: Pre-Surgical Orthodontics
Before surgery, you’ll often wear braces or aligners for several months. This phase positions your teeth correctly on each jaw so that when the jaws are surgically repositioned, your bite will fit together properly. Your teeth might look worse during this phase. That’s normal.
Step 3: Orthognathic Surgery
The surgical procedure is performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon at a hospital or surgical center. Dr. Boller coordinates closely with your surgeon throughout planning and provides detailed specifications for jaw positioning. The surgery itself typically takes several hours depending on complexity.
Step 4: Healing Period
Major healing takes about four to six weeks. You’ll follow a soft food diet and attend regular follow-up appointments with both your surgeon and our Dyer practice. Most patients return to work or school within two to three weeks.
Step 5: Post-Surgical Orthodontic Refinement
After healing, you’ll continue orthodontic treatment for several more months to fine-tune your bite and perfect tooth positioning. This phase is typically shorter than pre-surgical orthodontics.
Step 6: Retention
Like all orthodontic treatment, surgical cases require retention to maintain results. You’ll receive custom retainers and a long-term plan to protect your investment.
Are You a Candidate for Jaw Surgery?
You may be a candidate for surgical orthodontics if your jaw growth is complete and your skeletal misalignment is too severe for braces or aligners alone. Surgery addresses specific bone-level problems that tooth movement can’t reach. Common indicators include:
- Completed jaw growth (typically age 18 or older, though this varies)
- Severe overbite, underbite, or open bite that can’t be corrected with braces or aligners alone
- Chronic jaw pain or TMJ dysfunction related to how your jaws fit together
- Difficulty chewing or biting into food normally
- Sleep apnea or breathing concerns linked to jaw position
- Significant facial asymmetry or profile imbalance affecting your appearance
Not everyone with a bite problem needs surgery. Many cases respond well to orthodontics alone. The key is accurate diagnosis. Dr. Boller will evaluate your specific situation during a consultation at our Dyer, IN practice and give you an honest assessment of whether surgery would benefit you or if a non-surgical approach could achieve your goals.
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, orthognathic surgery is typically recommended only when jaw discrepancies are too severe for orthodontic treatment alone to produce a functional, stable result.
Why Choose Boller Orthodontic Arts for Surgical Orthodontics
Complex cases deserve specialized expertise. Here’s why Dyer, IN families and patients throughout Northwest Indiana trust Dr. Boller with their surgical orthodontic care:
Specialist-trained expertise
Dr. Boller, DDS, MS, completed multi-specialty post-doctoral training that specifically prepared her for complex skeletal cases. She understands how teeth, jaws, and face work together to shape both function and appearance.
We work with experienced local oral and maxillofacial surgeons who specialize in orthognathic procedures and meet rigorous board-certification standards. These coordinated surgical partnerships keep communication clear throughout your treatment, so nothing falls between the cracks during a multi-year case.
Advanced diagnostic technology
Our Dyer practice uses 3D imaging and digital treatment planning to create precise surgical specifications and predictable outcomes.
Treatment built around you
Every surgical case is different. Dr. Boller designs personalized plans that account for your unique anatomy, goals, and lifestyle.
True private practice care
As a true private practice, we provide personal attention throughout your multi-year treatment. You’ll see Dr. Boller at every appointment, not a rotating cast of providers.
From your first consult through final retention, our team guides you through each phase with clear communication and genuine care, the kind of real support that matters when treatment lasts years rather than months.
Frequently Asked Questions About Surgical Orthodontics
The questions below cover what most Boller Orthodontic Arts patients want to know before committing to surgical orthodontic treatment. If yours isn’t answered here, bring it to your free consult.
How long does surgical orthodontic treatment take?
Most surgical orthodontic cases take two to three years from start to finish. This includes pre-surgical orthodontics, the surgery itself, healing time, and several months of post-surgical refinement. The exact timeline depends on your specific case complexity and how your body heals.
Is jaw surgery painful?
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, so you won’t feel anything during the procedure. Post-surgical discomfort is managed with modern pain protocols and medication. Most patients describe the recovery as more uncomfortable than painful, with swelling and dietary restrictions being the main challenges. Discomfort typically peaks around days two to three and improves steadily after that.
Does insurance cover orthognathic surgery?
Yes, many insurance plans cover orthognathic surgery when it’s deemed medically necessary for issues like difficulty chewing, breathing problems, or TMJ dysfunction. Coverage varies by plan, with the orthodontic portion often falling under dental insurance and the surgical portion under medical insurance. Our team can help you check benefits and obtain pre-authorization.
How long is recovery from jaw surgery?
Major healing takes about four to six weeks. Most patients return to work or school within two to three weeks, though you’ll need to follow dietary restrictions for six to eight weeks. Full bone healing takes several months, but you’ll be back to most normal activities well before that. Your surgeon will provide specific recovery guidelines based on your procedure.
Will I need braces before and after surgery?
Yes. Pre-surgical orthodontics positions your teeth so they’ll fit together correctly once your jaws are repositioned. Post-surgical orthodontics fine-tunes your bite and addresses any minor adjustments needed after healing. Both phases are essential for achieving optimal results.
Can teenagers have surgical orthodontics?
We typically wait until jaw growth is complete before performing orthognathic surgery, which occurs around age 16 to 18 for most girls and 18 to 21 for most boys. Operating before growth completion risks the jaws continuing to grow and undoing surgical corrections. Dr. Boller can assess skeletal maturity and recommend appropriate timing during your consultation in Dyer, IN.
What happens if I don’t get the surgery?
For patients with significant skeletal discrepancies, attempting orthodontics alone often produces compromised results. Teeth may be straightened, but the bite won’t function properly, results may be unstable, and underlying issues like jaw pain or breathing problems will persist. Dr. Boller will always give you an honest assessment of what treatment can realistically achieve for your situation.
Schedule Your Surgical Orthodontic Consultation in Dyer, IN
If you’re dealing with a severe bite problem, jaw pain, or facial imbalance that hasn’t responded to other treatments, surgical orthodontics may be the answer you’ve been looking for. The first step is an accurate diagnosis.
Schedule a free consult with the Boller Orthodontic Arts team to find out if you’re a candidate. Dr. Boller, DDS, MS, will evaluate your bite, review 3D imaging, and discuss your options honestly, including whether surgery is truly necessary for your case.
Call (219) 322-7645 or book your free consult online today.
We serve patients from Dyer, Crown Point, and communities throughout Northwest Indiana. Whether your case requires surgical intervention or can be addressed through other means, you’ll get a personalized plan built on careful planning and an aesthetic result you’ll be proud to share, delivered with clinical precision and an artist’s eye.