Surgical Orthodontics in Pennington, NJ

Some bite and jaw alignment issues go beyond what braces or clear aligners can correct on their own. When skeletal discrepancies are involved, surgical orthodontics combines orthodontic treatment with corrective jaw surgery to produce results that are both functional and lasting. At Pennington Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, our orthodontic team brings over 35 years of clinical experience to complex cases, working closely with oral surgeons to coordinate care for teens and adults throughout Pennington, Trenton, Princeton, and Hopewell.

Orthodontics in Pennington, NJ

When Braces Alone Are Not Enough

Braces and clear aligners are highly effective for correcting crowded, misaligned, or crooked teeth. However, when the underlying cause of a bite problem is the position of the jaw itself, orthodontic appliances can only do so much. Surgical orthodontics is the coordinated approach used for these more complex cases. It typically involves a preparatory phase of orthodontic treatment, followed by corrective jaw surgery performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, and then a finishing phase of orthodontics to fine-tune alignment. The result is a bite that functions properly and a facial profile that is balanced and comfortable. Conditions commonly addressed include severe overbites, underbites, open bites, and significant jaw asymmetries that affect chewing, speaking, or breathing.

What to Expect

The Surgical Orthodontic Process

Treatment typically unfolds in three coordinated phases. The first phase uses braces or other orthodontic appliances to align the teeth within each arch so they will fit together correctly once the jaw is repositioned. This phase can last anywhere from one to two years depending on the complexity of the case. The second phase is the surgical procedure itself, performed by a specialist in a hospital or surgical center setting. After recovery, the third phase of orthodontic treatment fine-tunes the bite and ensures the teeth settle into their corrected positions. Throughout the entire process, our team uses iTero digital scanning for high-precision records and treatment planning, reducing the need for traditional impressions and providing a clear picture of progress at every stage.

Airway and Functional Health

Jaw Correction and Total Health Benefits

Correcting jaw position is not only about aesthetics. Patients who undergo surgical orthodontic treatment often report improvements in chewing efficiency, speech clarity, and even breathing. At POP Smiles, our airway orthodontics focus means we pay close attention to how jaw and bite relationships affect breathing patterns, including issues like mouth breathing and sleep-disordered breathing. For patients whose skeletal structure contributes to these concerns, surgical correction can be a meaningful part of a broader wellness outcome. Our clinical team evaluates each case with this total-health perspective in mind, ensuring that treatment goals address both form and function.

Experience and Technology

Precision Planning with 35+ Years of Expertise

Surgical orthodontic cases require a high level of clinical coordination and planning precision. Our orthodontist has more than 35 years of experience managing complex bite and alignment cases, and our practice manager Antoinette Slavin has supported this practice for 31 years, bringing operational consistency that patients and families rely on. We use advanced digital radiographs and the iTero digital scanning system to build detailed 3D records that inform every stage of treatment. All imaging is digital, which means significantly lower radiation exposure compared to traditional X-ray methods. Patients from Pennington, Princeton, Hopewell, and Trenton trust our team to manage the details of their care from the initial consultation through the final retainer fitting.

Common Questions

Surgical Orthodontics: What Patients Ask

  • Who is a candidate for surgical orthodontics?

    Surgical orthodontics is typically recommended for patients whose bite or jaw alignment problems stem from skeletal discrepancies rather than tooth position alone. Common indicators include a severe overbite, underbite, open bite, or a noticeable jaw asymmetry that affects chewing, speaking, or breathing. These conditions cannot be fully corrected with braces or clear aligners alone. Candidates are usually adults or older teens whose jaw growth is complete, since surgery is most effective and stable once growth has stopped. A thorough evaluation using digital records and iTero scanning helps determine whether surgical treatment is the appropriate path.

  • How long does the full surgical orthodontic treatment take?

    The full surgical orthodontic treatment timeline varies depending on the complexity of each patient’s case and individual treatment needs. The available information does not specify standard treatment durations for the orthodontic, surgical, or recovery phases.

  • Will I need to wear braces before and after the surgery?

    Yes, in most surgical orthodontic cases braces or other fixed orthodontic appliances are worn both before and after the procedure. The pre-surgical phase aligns the teeth within each arch so they will fit together correctly once the jaw is moved into its new position. After surgery, a shorter finishing phase of orthodontic treatment ensures the teeth settle precisely into the corrected bite. The total time in orthodontic appliances depends on the starting condition of the teeth and the goals of treatment. Our team uses iTero digital scanning throughout to monitor progress and adjust the plan as needed.

  • Can corrective jaw surgery affect breathing or airway health?

    For some patients, yes. When jaw position contributes to mouth breathing, sleep-disordered breathing, or airway restriction, correcting the skeletal structure can produce meaningful improvements in those areas. At POP Smiles, airway health is a core part of how we evaluate and plan orthodontic treatment. Patients who present with signs of mouth breathing or related concerns are assessed with that lens in mind. While surgical orthodontics is not a universal treatment for sleep apnea or airway disorders, it can be a relevant component of care when the jaw structure is a contributing factor.

  • At what age is surgical orthodontic treatment typically performed?

    Surgical orthodontic treatment may be appropriate for patients with complex jaw and bite concerns. The available information does not specify age requirements, jaw growth criteria, or a standard timeline for surgical treatment. POP Smiles also offers early orthodontic care and expansion therapy to address developing alignment and jaw concerns.

  • What technology is used to plan surgical orthodontic cases at POP Smiles?

    Our practice uses the iTero digital scanning system to create high-precision 3D records that are essential for surgical orthodontic planning. Digital radiographs are used throughout treatment as well, providing high-resolution imaging with significantly lower radiation exposure than traditional X-ray methods. These tools allow our orthodontist and the treating oral surgeon to coordinate treatment with a detailed, accurate picture of the patient's anatomy. The iTero scanner also eliminates the need for traditional impression materials, which many patients find more comfortable.

  • What bite problems are most commonly treated with corrective jaw surgery?

    The most frequently treated conditions include severe overbites, where the upper jaw protrudes significantly beyond the lower; underbites, where the lower jaw extends in front of the upper; open bites, where the front teeth do not make contact when the back teeth are closed; and jaw asymmetries that cause the face or bite to appear uneven. These issues can affect chewing function, speech, and in some cases breathing. When the root cause is the position of the jaw bones rather than the teeth themselves, surgical correction is the most effective long-term solution. Orthodontic treatment alone cannot reposition the jaw bones.

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