Orthognathic Surgery
Orthognathic Surgery in Oakton, VA
Expert Orthodontic Care Before and After Jaw Surgery
Sometimes, a beautiful smile takes more than just braces or aligners. When the jaws don’t grow in harmony, it can affect your bite, facial appearance, breathing, and long-term oral health. In these cases, orthognathic surgery (also called jaw surgery) may be the key to achieving lasting balance and function.
At Oakton Family Orthodontics, Dr. Kilic works closely with trusted oral and maxillofacial surgeons in the Oakton and Northern Virginia area to guide patients through the orthodontic portion of jaw surgery treatment. From diagnosis and planning to preparing your bite and finishing your smile, we’re with you every step of the way.
What Is Orthognathic Surgery?
Orthognathic surgery is a corrective procedure performed by an oral surgeon to reposition the upper jaw (maxilla), lower jaw (mandible), or both. The goal is to bring the jaws into proper alignment, which improves your bite, facial symmetry, and function.
Surgery is often combined with orthodontic treatment before and after to align the teeth and create a bite that fits naturally once the jaws are repositioned.
Who Needs Jaw Surgery?
Not everyone with a bite issue needs jaw surgery, but it may be recommended if:
Your upper and lower jaws grow at significantly different rates
You have an open bite, underbite, or severe overbite that braces alone can’t correct
Your facial profile appears unbalanced due to jaw position
You experience difficulty chewing, speaking, or breathing
You suffer from chronic jaw pain or TMJ issues
We’ll carefully evaluate your bite, jaw structure, and facial symmetry to determine whether orthognathic surgery is necessary — and if so, we’ll walk you through the process in detail.
What to Expect From Orthodontic-Surgical Treatment
Orthognathic surgery is a team approach. Here’s how we coordinate the process:
2. Surgical Planning
We collaborate closely with your oral surgeon using advanced imaging and 3D models to plan the exact movements of your jaws.
3. Surgery
Your procedure is performed in a hospital or surgical center by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Most patients return to school or work within 2–3 weeks.
4. Post-Surgical Orthodontics
Once your jaws have healed, we’ll make final adjustments to the bite and alignment. This phase typically lasts 4–9 months.
5. Retention
As with any orthodontic treatment, you’ll wear retainers to protect and maintain your new smile.
Our Role at Oakton Family Orthodontics
Dr. Kilic has extensive experience coordinating jaw surgery cases and ensuring that the orthodontic portion of treatment runs smoothly. While we do not perform the surgery ourselves, we:
- Diagnose and explain whether surgery is necessary
- Coordinate all communication with the oral surgeon
- Prepare the teeth before surgery and refine them afterward
- Support you every step of the way — from your first scan to your final retainer
Schedule a Free Jaw Surgery Evaluation
Considering orthognathic surgery? We’ll help you understand your options, timeline, and treatment plan. Whether you’ve been referred or are just exploring your next step, we’re here to guide you with clarity and care.
Located in Oakton, VA — proudly serving Vienna, Fairfax, Falls Church, and nearby communities
FAQs
About Jaw Surgery
Is jaw surgery painful?
Discomfort is expected in the days following orthognathic surgery, but it’s well managed with medication and typically improves quickly. Most patients return to work or school in about 2–3 weeks.
Can braces or Invisalign fix my bite without surgery?
In many cases, yes — but when the underlying jaw structure is significantly imbalanced, surgery is often the only way to create a stable, functional bite. We’ll let you know during your consultation whether jaw surgery is truly necessary.
Will my face look different after surgery?
Possibly — and often in a very positive way. Orthognathic surgery can improve facial balance and harmony by repositioning the jaws into better alignment.
How long does the whole process take?
From the start of braces to final retainer, the entire process usually takes 18 to 30 months, depending on the complexity of your case. We’ll give you a personalized timeline after your initial evaluation.
Does insurance cover jaw surgery?
If your surgery is deemed medically necessary, some or all of the surgical cost may be covered by your medical or dental insurance. Our team will help you explore your benefits and provide a pre-authorization when needed.
