Panoramic X-ray of the jaw on a practice monitor

Combined orthodontic and oral surgical treatment

In most cases a further form of therapy is used only in adult patients with particularly severe jaw misalignments, with malformations of the jaw or with deformations of the jaws or the facial skull: the combined orthodontic and oral surgical treatment.

Inherited and acquired malformations in the jaw and facial region frequently have an unfavourable influence on the harmony of the facial aesthetics. In most cases speech and chewing ability as well as breathing are also considerably impaired.

Surgical team during an oral surgical procedure

Therapy for malformations in the jaw and facial region

Such misalignments can often only be corrected satisfactorily by a combination of orthodontic and oral surgical treatment.

After orthodontic preparatory treatment the misalignment is corrected surgically by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon – for example by moving the jaw forwards or backwards.

The final step is a short orthodontic phase of fine adjustment, in which the teeth are precisely adapted to the new bite situation.

The key facts at a glance

  • Combined orthodontic and jaw surgery treatment is used for severe jaw misalignments and malformations.
  • It mainly concerns adults whose jaw growth is complete.
  • Sequence: orthodontic preparatory treatment, surgical repositioning of the jaw by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, concluding fine correction.
  • Besides facial aesthetics, speech and chewing ability as well as breathing are often affected too.

Frequently Asked Questions

When are braces alone no longer enough?
If it is not only the teeth but the jaws themselves that are clearly displaced in relation to one another or malformed, and growth has already finished, braces alone cannot compensate for this. A combined orthodontic and oral surgical treatment is then the usual route.
How does jaw surgery for a misalignment work?
First the dental arches are prepared orthodontically so that they fit together after repositioning. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon then surgically repositions the upper and/or lower jaw. Finally a short orthodontic fine-tuning phase follows.
Who performs the operation – the orthodontist or a surgeon?
The procedure is carried out by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. We take care of the preparatory treatment, the planning in coordination with the surgeon and the fine-tuning afterwards. You are therefore looked after by one team throughout.
Is jaw surgery also necessary in children?
As a rule, no. As long as the jaw is still growing, many misalignments can be influenced with growth-guiding appliances. Combined treatment mainly concerns adult patients whose growth has finished.