Surgical orthodontic treatments combine braces with corrective jaw surgery to fix bite and jaw problems that braces alone cannot resolve. At Ahrens Orthodontics in Taylorsville, KY, we align the teeth first, coordinate surgery with an experienced oral surgeon, and then fine-tune the bite so patients chew, speak, and smile with greater comfort.
What Is Surgical Orthodontics and Who Needs It?
Surgical orthodontics, also called corrective jaw surgery, repositions the upper jaw, the lower jaw, or both when a bite problem comes from the bones rather than the teeth. Braces move teeth, but braces cannot change the size or position of the jaw itself.
Common signs that a jaw evaluation may help include:
- Difficulty biting or chewing food
- A severe underbite, overbite, or open bite
- Jaw joint discomfort or clicking
- Trouble closing the lips comfortably
- An uneven facial profile
Because corrective jaw surgery is planned after growth stops, surgical orthodontic treatments are typically recommended for older teens and adults. Jaw growth usually finishes around ages 14 to 16 for females and 17 to 21 for males, so younger patients may benefit from growth modification appliances first.
Treatment Process Work at Ahrens Orthodontics
At Ahrens Orthodontics, we guide every patient through five clear stages:
- Consultation: We review X-rays, photos, and bite records, then explain every option in plain language.
- Pre-surgical alignment: Braces prepare the teeth for the new jaw position over about 18 months.
- Corrective jaw surgery: Dr. Gerry Ahrens coordinates with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, and hospital stays often last one to two nights.
- Healing: The jaw begins to stabilize in about six weeks and is fully healed within roughly 12 weeks.
- Finishing: We fine-tune the bite, and braces usually come off six to 12 months after surgery.
Surgical Orthodontics Different From Braces Alone
| Factor | Braces or Aligners Alone | Surgical Orthodontics |
| Main focus | Tooth position | Tooth and jaw position |
| Best for | Crowding, spacing, mild bite concerns | Severe bite and jaw imbalances |
| Typical timing | Childhood through adulthood | After jaw growth is complete |
| Care team | Orthodontist | Orthodontist and oral surgeon |
Results Patients Expect From Jaw Correction
A properly aligned jaw supports everyday comfort and function in several ways:
- Easier biting and chewing
- Clearer speech
- Better lip closure and facial balance
- Less strain on the jaw joints
Research shows strong patient outcomes after corrective jaw surgery. In one study of 102 patients, 91% were satisfied or very satisfied with their results, and another survey of 110 patients found 94% satisfaction with both preparation and the final outcome.
What Should Taylorsville Patients Do Next?
Consider a few questions: Do you avoid certain foods because biting feels difficult? Has a dentist mentioned that your jaw position affects your bite? If either answer is yes, write down your symptoms, gather past dental records, and ask about the full treatment timeline during your consultation.
At Ahrens Orthodontics, our family-owned practice has served Taylorsville, Louisville Metro, and Buckner families for more than 40 years. Dr. Gerry Ahrens brings specialized training in surgical treatments and coordinates each stage with a trusted oral surgeon, so your plan stays clear from the first visit to the final bite check. Call (502) 426-2744 or visit our office at 4819 Taylorsville Road to book your consultation. Better jaw alignment starts with a single visit. For more information on surgical orthodontic treatments, contact Ahrens Orthodontics at https://ahrensortho.com.
FAQ’s
Jaw surgery may be recommended when a bite problem comes from the position of the jawbones rather than the teeth. Signs include a severe underbite, overbite, or open bite, along with difficulty chewing. At our Taylorsville office, we use X-rays and bite records to confirm the right approach.
Corrective jaw surgery is scheduled once the face has finished growing, which usually happens around ages 14 to 16 for females and 17 to 21 for males. Because of this timing, surgical orthodontic treatments are most often recommended for older teens and adults.
The full process often spans two years or more. Braces prepare the teeth for about 18 months before surgery, and they usually come off six to 12 months after surgery. Our team shares a personalized timeline with each Taylorsville patient during the consultation.
Yes, braces are an essential part of the process. Repositioning the jaw also shifts the teeth, so we first align the teeth to fit the planned jaw position. At Ahrens Orthodontics, the pre-surgical phase typically lasts about 18 months before the surgery date.
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon performs the procedure, while Dr. Gerry Ahrens manages the orthodontic care before and after surgery. We coordinate closely with the surgeon on planning and timing, so every Taylorsville patient receives connected care from the first consultation through the final bite adjustment.
Most corrective jaw procedures involve a short hospital stay, often one to two nights. Many patients are back at school or work within about two weeks. Our team helps you prepare for recovery so the return to daily routines feels more manageable.
The jaw usually reaches initial stability in about six weeks, and full healing can take up to 12 weeks. A liquid and then soft diet is common during early recovery. Once the jaw is stable, we fine-tune the bite with braces so the teeth settle into ideal positions.
Surgical orthodontic treatments can correct severe underbites, overbites, open bites, and jaw imbalances that affect chewing, speech, lip closure, or facial symmetry. These cases involve the jawbones themselves, so combining surgery with orthodontic care at our Taylorsville office allows both the bite and facial profile to improve together.
Research shows high satisfaction after corrective jaw surgery. One study of 102 patients found 91% were satisfied or very satisfied, and another survey of 110 patients reported 94% satisfaction. Patients especially value improved chewing and a more balanced lower face after treatment.
Call Ahrens Orthodontics at (502) 426-2744 or request an appointment online at ahrensortho.com. Our Taylorsville office is located at 4819 Taylorsville Road. During your visit, we evaluate your bite, review your goals, and explain whether surgical orthodontic treatments suit your needs.