Surgical orthodontic coordination
Planning orthodontic care around corrective jaw surgery
When a jaw relationship needs more than tooth movement alone, understanding the roles of your orthodontist and surgeon matters. Citrus Grove Orthodontics provides orthodontic evaluation and coordinates care with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon when appropriate.
For additional patient information, review the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons’ corrective jaw surgery overview and clinical indications document. Candidacy, risks, recovery, and surgical recommendations must be individualized by the treating specialists.
When is surgical orthodontics considered?
Surgical orthodontics combines orthodontic treatment with corrective jaw surgery for selected skeletal jaw differences. Evaluation may be appropriate when jaw position contributes to difficulty biting or chewing or when the treatment goals cannot be adequately addressed with tooth movement alone.
A consultation is not a commitment to surgery. Dr. Jeffrey Brumbaugh reviews bite and alignment concerns and discusses whether a surgical opinion would help. Many orthodontic problems can be treated without an operation. Suitability depends on examination, records, growth status, oral health and individual goals.
Who does what in your care?
The orthodontist plans tooth movement and coordinates the orthodontic stages. The oral and maxillofacial surgeon evaluates the surgical options, explains the operation and its risks, performs surgery and directs surgical recovery. The providers work together on sequencing and treatment goals.
Ask which office handles each appointment, whom to call with appliance concerns and whom to contact about surgical symptoms. Clear responsibilities are especially helpful when records, insurance questions and visits involve more than one provider.
Preparing for a joint treatment discussion
Bring a list of your main concerns, previous dental or orthodontic treatment, medications and relevant medical history. Ask whether existing records should be transferred before the visit. Describe the changes that matter most to you so the discussion addresses function as well as appearance.
Questions worth asking include: What can orthodontics alone achieve? What would surgery add? What are the alternatives? Which parts of the estimate come from each office? How could the proposed plan affect work, school or caregiving commitments?
Coverage varies by plan, and benefits are subject to verification.
How treatment is commonly organized
- Assessment and planning: The orthodontist and surgeon review the teeth, jaws and goals and determine a coordinated approach.
- Orthodontic preparation: Braces or another planned appliance may position the teeth before surgery.
- Surgery and recovery: The surgeon carries out the procedure and gives individualized instructions for healing, food, activity and follow-up.
- Orthodontic finishing: Treatment may continue once the surgical team permits, refining tooth position and the bite.
- Retention: Retainers and follow-up help maintain the completed orthodontic result.
The order and length of these stages vary. Do not schedule travel, return to work or changes in activity around a generic online recovery timeline. Confirm those details with the treating surgeon.
Risks, responsibilities and costs
Jaw surgery requires an informed discussion of risks, which can include bleeding, infection, altered sensation and changes in the planned result. The surgeon should explain the risks relevant to the proposed procedure and your health. Orthodontic care also requires regular visits, cleaning and following appliance instructions.
Ask each office for its own fee estimate and insurance requirements. Dental and medical benefits may address different parts of care, and final reimbursement depends on the insurer’s review. Our insurance information can help you prepare questions.
Surgical orthodontics FAQs
Does Citrus Grove perform the jaw surgery?
No. Citrus Grove provides orthodontic care and coordination. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon evaluates and performs the operation.
Can I choose orthodontics without surgery?
Sometimes. Ask the providers to compare the likely results and limitations of the available approaches for your diagnosis. The decision requires individual assessment.
How do I begin?
Request an orthodontic evaluation at our Orange or Whittier office. You can also learn about adult orthodontic options.
For more detail about combined treatment and its risks, see the Cambridge University Hospitals patient guide to orthognathic surgery.
Coverage varies by plan, and benefits are subject to verification.
