During your orthodontic treatment, you wear braces or aligner system and will visit your orthodontist for scheduled adjustments to your braces. As your teeth move with treatment, you may think that your bite is getting worse rather than better. However, when your jaws are placed into proper alignment during orthognathic surgery, the teeth will then fit into their proper positions.

Surgery if often performed as an 'outpatient' procedure in surgical suite of a recommended oral surgeon or at times may need to be performed in a hospital.

It can take several hours, depending on the amount and type of surgery needed. In lower jaw surgery, the jawbone behind the teeth is separated and the tooth-bearing portion is moved forward or backward, as needed. In upper jaw surgery, the jaw can be repositioned forward or backward, or the jaw can be raised or lowered. Certain movements may require the jaws to be separated, with bone added/removed to achieve the proper alignment and stability. Other facial bones that contribute to alignment may also be repositioned or augmented.

When you have completed surgery, you should be able to return to school or work within two weeks. After the necessary healing time (about 4-8 weeks), your orthodontist "fine-tunes" your bite. In most cases, braces are removed within 6-12 months following surgery. After your braces are removed, you will wear a retainer to maintain your beautiful new smile.