Surgical Orthodontic Treatment in Southland and Queenstown
Modern, comfortable orthodontic care for all ages
Find your treatment option
Surgical orthodontic treatment is recommended when jaw alignment concerns cannot be corrected with orthodontic treatment alone. At Embrace Orthodontics, we provide specialist orthodontic care in Southland and Queenstown, working closely with oral and maxillofacial surgeons to achieve safe, effective and long-lasting outcomes.
This type of treatment is usually recommended for adults whose jaw growth is complete and who have significant bite or jaw discrepancies affecting function, comfort or facial balance.
Why Choose Surgical Orthodontic Treatment?
In some cases, the position of the jaws rather than the teeth is the main cause of orthodontic concerns. Surgical orthodontic treatment allows these underlying issues to be addressed in a planned and coordinated way.
Surgical orthodontic treatment can help with:
Significant overbite or underbite
Severe jaw misalignment
Facial asymmetry
Difficulty chewing or speaking
Jaw pain or excessive tooth wear related to bite issues
By combining orthodontic treatment with jaw surgery, we can achieve results that are not possible with braces or aligners alone.
How Surgical Orthodontic Treatment Works
Surgical orthodontic treatment is carefully planned and completed in stages. Orthodontic treatment is used before and after surgery to align the teeth and ensure they fit together correctly once the jaws are repositioned.
Your orthodontist will work closely with a surgical specialist to plan each stage of treatment, ensuring clear communication and coordinated care throughout the process.
What to Expect from Your Journey
Your Consultation
You’ll meet with one of our specialist orthodontists to discuss your concerns and treatment goals. We’ll assess your teeth, bite and jaw alignment, then explain whether surgical orthodontic treatment is recommended.
Your Personalised Plan
If surgery is advised, we’ll take detailed records including photos, X-rays and 3D imaging. This allows us to create a coordinated treatment plan in collaboration with your surgical team.
Treatment and Ongoing Care
Orthodontic treatment begins before surgery to prepare your teeth. Surgery is performed by a specialist surgeon, followed by continued orthodontic care to refine alignment and bite.
Retention
After treatment is complete, retainers help maintain your results. Wearing them as advised ensures your smile stays beautifully aligned long term.
FAQs
Who is suitable for surgical orthodontic treatment?
Surgical orthodontic treatment is for adults and late teens whose jaw size or position is significantly out of alignment and cannot be corrected with braces or aligners alone. This may include severe overbites, underbites, open bites, facial asymmetry, or jaw growth discrepancies affecting chewing, speech, or breathing.
Does surgical orthodontic treatment always involve braces?
Yes. Braces or clear aligners are used before and after jaw surgery to position the teeth correctly so the jaws can fit together properly. Surgery aligns the jaws; orthodontics aligns the teeth.
How long does surgical orthodontic treatment take?
Treatment typically takes 26-36 months. Braces are worn before surgery to prepare the teeth, followed by a healing period and further orthodontic finishing after surgery. It involves another specialist called oral and maxillofacial surgeon to perform the corrective jaw surgery.
Will I need time off work or school?
Yes. Most patients need 2–4 weeks off after jaw surgery for recovery, depending on the type of procedure and individual healing.
Is surgical orthodontic treatment painful?
You may experience discomfort and swelling after surgery, but this is well managed with medication. Most patients describe it as manageable and temporary.
Will surgery change my facial appearance?
Yes — often in a positive and balanced way. Surgery can improve facial harmony, jaw definition, and profile. Your orthodontist and surgeon will discuss expected changes in detail before treatment.
What happens after treatment is complete?
You will need to wear retainers to maintain your new smile. Teeth naturally want to shift over time, so long term retainer wear is essential for lasting results.