Surgical Orthodontics: Jaw & Bite Correction
If you've been told your jaw or bite issue requires more than braces alone, you're not alone, and you're in the right place. At Bowie Braces, Dr. Alexis Kirkland-Miller provides surgical orthodontics in Bowie, MD for patients whose complex jaw alignment needs a coordinated approach between orthodontics and oral surgery. We accept most major insurance plans and offer appointments six days a week (Monday through Saturday), including evenings, to make your consultation as convenient as possible.
What Is Surgical Orthodontics?
Surgical orthodontics, also called orthognathic surgery combined with braces, is a treatment approach for adults and teens whose jaw and bite problems are too significant for braces or aligners alone. While traditional orthodontics moves teeth, surgical orthodontics corrects the underlying skeletal relationship between the upper and lower jaws.
Dr. Kirkland-Miller manages the orthodontic phases of your care, coordinating with a trusted oral and maxillofacial surgeon who performs the surgical portion. Think of it as a team effort: your orthodontist prepares your teeth and bite for surgery, the surgeon repositions the jaw, and then your orthodontist fine-tunes your smile to perfection.
Who Is a Candidate for Surgical Orthodontics?
You may be a candidate for surgical orthodontic treatment in Bowie if you experience:
- ✓A severe overbite, underbite, or crossbite that affects chewing or speaking
- ✓An open bite (front teeth don't meet when you close your mouth)
- ✓Chronic jaw pain, TMJ discomfort, or headaches related to jaw alignment
- ✓Difficulty breathing or sleep apnea tied to jaw position
- ✓Facial asymmetry that affects your appearance or confidence
A comprehensive evaluation with Dr. Kirkland-Miller, including 3D imaging, determines whether surgical orthodontics is the right path for you.
Surgical Orthodontics vs. Dentofacial Orthopedics: Which Do You Need?
While both services address jaw development, they serve different purposes. Dentofacial orthopedics guides jaw growth in growing children, often using appliances like expanders. Surgical orthodontics is for patients whose jaws are fully developed and need surgical repositioning. If you're an adult or teen with a fully grown jaw, surgical orthodontics may be the appropriate choice.
Benefits of Surgical Orthodontic Treatment
Surgical orthodontics doesn't just straighten your smile. It transforms how your jaw functions and how you feel every day.
Functional Outcomes: Bite, Breathing, and Jaw Alignment
The most important benefit is improved function. Correcting your jaw alignment helps you chew more effectively, speak more clearly, and breathe more easily. Many patients find that chronic jaw pain, clicking, or headaches improve significantly after treatment. A properly aligned jaw also reduces uneven wear on your teeth, protecting your smile for years to come.
Aesthetic and Quality-of-Life Benefits
When your jaw is properly positioned, your facial profile often balances naturally. Patients frequently report feeling more confident in their appearance, and more comfortable in social and professional settings. The emotional relief of resolving a lifelong bite issue is something our patients describe as life-changing.
What to Expect: Your Surgical Orthodontic Journey
Your treatment unfolds in three distinct phases, each carefully managed by Dr. Kirkland-Miller.
Pre-Surgical Orthodontic Phase
Before surgery, you'll wear braces (or clear aligners in select cases) to move your teeth into the ideal position for surgery. This phase typically lasts 6 to 12 months. The goal is to align your teeth so the surgeon can reposition your jaw correctly.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Coordination
The surgery itself is performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon at a hospital or surgical center. Dr. Kirkland-Miller works closely with your surgeon to ensure every detail of your treatment plan is coordinated. Note: Bowie Braces manages the orthodontic phases of surgical orthodontic care; the surgical procedure is performed by a specialist surgeon outside our office.
Post-Surgical Orthodontic Finishing
After you've healed from surgery, you'll return to Bowie Braces for the finishing phase. This lasts 6 to 12 months and fine-tunes your bite and smile alignment. Once your results are stable, you'll transition to a retainer to keep your new smile in place.
Frequently Asked Questions About Surgical Orthodontics
The full process typically takes 18 to 36 months. This includes 6 to 12 months of pre-surgical orthodontics, the surgery itself, and 6 to 12 months of post-surgical finishing. Dr. Kirkland-Miller will give you a personalized timeline during your consultation.
Many medical insurance plans cover orthognathic (jaw) surgery when it is deemed medically necessary for function, breathing, or pain relief. Orthodontic braces are typically covered under dental insurance. Our team helps you understand your benefits and maximize coverage. Learn more about insurance and financing options.
Untreated skeletal bite issues can lead to chronic jaw pain, headaches, uneven tooth wear, difficulty chewing, and sleep-disordered breathing. Addressing the problem early with surgical orthodontics helps prevent these long-term complications.
Dr. Alexis Kirkland-Miller brings specialized expertise as a surgical orthodontic specialist who coordinates every phase of your care. We offer appointments six days a week, Monday through Saturday, including evening hours for flexible scheduling, accept most insurance plans, and provide a warm, supportive team environment from consultation through retention. Our approach to specialized orthodontics ensures you receive comprehensive care tailored to complex needs.
If you're exploring surgical orthodontics, the first step is a conversation. We'll listen to your concerns, evaluate your jaw and bite, and help you understand whether surgical orthodontic treatment is right for you, no pressure, just honest guidance.