Only as much as necessary.
Orthognathic surgery:
Orthodontics meets jaw surgery – when tooth alignment alone is not enough
Not every malocclusion arises from the position of individual teeth. Some dysgnathias originate in the jawbone itself. For example, when the lower jaw is positioned too far forward or too far back, the upper jaw is too narrow, or the jaws do not harmonize with each other.
Such skeletal malpositions can often only be corrected to a limited extent through tooth movement alone.
In these cases, a combined orthodontic–orthognathic treatment is the most sustainable, aesthetically satisfying, and functionally stable solution.
When is surgical support advisable?v
We recommend combined therapy in particular when:
- the jaw base position deviates significantly from the ideal
- a harmonious bite cannot be achieved through tooth movement alone
- pronounced aesthetic impairments are present
- functional problems exist (chewing, speech, breathing)
- a purely orthodontic solution would be unstable in the long term
Adults in particular benefit from the surgical option, as their bone growth is complete and therefore no longer controllable.
Why not correct only the teeth?
Often, a poor bite can be visually masked by shifting the teeth within the dental arch.
But:
- the load-bearing chewing structures remain unchanged
- pressure is distributed unfavorably in the long term
- teeth relapse or become overloaded
- aesthetic profile disharmonies persist
In such cases, a surgical jaw solution is more periodontal-friendly, functionally stable, and aesthetically natural.
Course of a combined orthodontic–orthognathic treatment
1. Preparation through orthodontics
Our task is to prepare the dental arches so that they fit together perfectly after surgery. This means:
- shaping both dental arches
- eliminating compensations
- eliminating premature contacts in the target bite position
- setting the correct tooth axes
The result is two dental arches that are anatomically correct and can then be surgically aligned to each other.
2. The operation (orthognathic surgery)
The procedure itself is performed by experienced maxillofacial surgeons in the hospital.
Important points about the process:
- inpatient stay: usually 1–2 days
- surgery under general anesthesia
- precise planning together with us, the surgeons, and (for adolescents) the parents
- complete 3D diagnostics and simulation in advance
Modern, minimally invasive techniques are used – with the aim of improving form and function at the same time.
3. Fine adjustment after the operation
After surgery, the orthodontic appliance is still needed in order to:
- carry out fine adjustments
- stabilize the new jaw relationship
- ensure the result is durable in the long term
This is where the value of close collaboration becomes clear: surgery and orthodontics interlock like gears.
Why patients choose a surgical solution
- significantly improved aesthetics, especially in profile
- harmonious jaw relationship for a stable overall result
- gentler on the gums (no excessive tooth movements)
- more stable in the long term than tooth corrections alone
- functional improvements in chewing, speaking, and breathing
The decision is always individual – but often the key to a natural and sustainably healthy result.
