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Surgical Orthodontics

Generations of Smiles and Trust.
Hudson Valley's Premier Orthodontist.

About Surgical Orthodontics

At Van Vliet & Ganz Orthodontics, we’re proud to offer comprehensive solutions for even the most complex orthodontic concerns — including cases that require surgical intervention. Surgical orthodontics, also known as orthognathic surgery, is a specialized treatment used to correct severe jaw misalignments that can’t be addressed with braces or aligners alone.
Our board-certified orthodontists work closely with trusted oral and maxillofacial surgeons to plan and coordinate your care with precision. From diagnosis to recovery, we guide you through every step to ensure the best possible outcome—both functionally and aesthetically.

What Is Surgical Orthodontics?

Surgical orthodontics involves repositioning the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both to improve how the teeth and jaws fit together. It’s typically recommended for adult patients (after jaw growth is complete) who have significant bite discrepancies, facial asymmetry, or jaw alignment issues that affect chewing, speaking, breathing, or appearance.

Orthognathic surgery may be recommended to treat:

  • Severe underbites, overbites, or open bites
  • Jaw size discrepancies or asymmetry
  • Difficulty chewing or speaking
  • Obstructive sleep apnea caused by jaw positioning
  • Long-term TMJ pain or jaw discomfort

Orthodontic treatment (braces or aligners) is often completed before and after surgery to align the teeth and ensure a stable bite.

Our Approach to Surgical Orthodontic Treatment

At Van Vliet & Ganz Orthodontics, we take a collaborative, personalized approach to every surgical case. Our team uses advanced diagnostic tools—including CBCT imaging and digital models—to create a detailed treatment plan tailored to your anatomy and goals.

Here’s what the process typically involves:

  1. Initial Evaluation – We assess your bite, jaw structure, and facial balance to determine if surgical treatment is appropriate.
  2. Pre-Surgical Orthodontics – You’ll begin with braces or aligners to align the teeth in preparation for surgery.
  3. Surgical Phase – We coordinate with an experienced oral surgeon who performs the procedure in a hospital or surgical center.
  4. Post-Surgical Orthodontics – After healing, we make fine adjustments with orthodontic treatment to ensure everything is aligned and stable.

Throughout your treatment, we’ll communicate closely with your surgical team and keep you informed every step of the way.

Is Surgical Orthodontics Right for You?

While most orthodontic issues can be corrected with braces or aligners alone, surgical orthodontics is the right choice for patients whose jaw structure significantly affects their bite, facial harmony, or quality of life. If you’ve been told you’re not a candidate for traditional treatment—or if you’ve had limited success with previous orthodontic care—surgical orthodontics may offer the solution you need.

During your consultation, our doctors will evaluate your case, discuss your goals, and explain all your options clearly. If surgery is needed, you can feel confident knowing you’re in experienced, compassionate hands from start to finish.
Let’s Build a Stronger, Healthier Smile
Surgical orthodontics is a powerful tool to restore both function and confidence. At Van Vliet & Ganz Orthodontics, we combine advanced technology with personalized care to make the process smooth, safe, and effective.

Schedule your consultation today to learn more about how surgical orthodontics can help transform your bite—and your quality of life.

Surgical Orthodontics FAQ

Surgical orthodontics—also known as orthognathic surgery—is a corrective jaw surgery used to fix significant skeletal and dental irregularities that braces or aligners alone can’t resolve. It’s often combined with orthodontic treatment to properly align the teeth before and after the surgery, resulting in improved function, bite, and facial balance.

Surgical orthodontics is typically recommended for adult patients (after jaw growth is complete) with:

  • Severe bite issues (underbite, overbite, open bite)
  • Jaw misalignment or asymmetry
  • Difficulty chewing, speaking, or breathing
  • Facial imbalance due to jaw positioning
  • Sleep apnea caused by jaw structure

Our doctors will evaluate your case to determine if surgical treatment is the best path forward.

Treatment generally follows these steps:

  1. Pre-surgical orthodontics – Braces or aligners are used to align the teeth in preparation for surgery.
  2. Surgical procedure – A specialist (oral and maxillofacial surgeon) performs the jaw surgery, typically in a hospital setting under general anesthesia.
  3. Healing and recovery – Most patients return to normal activities within 1–2 weeks, with full healing over a few months.
  4. Post-surgical orthodontics – We make final adjustments to your bite with braces or aligners to ensure optimal results./li>

Throughout the process, we’ll coordinate every phase and keep you informed at each step.

You’ll be under general anesthesia during surgery, so you won’t feel anything during the procedure. Afterward, you may experience swelling, soreness, or temporary discomfort, which can be managed with pain medication and proper care. Most patients say the recovery is very manageable—and well worth the life-changing results.

The full process, including orthodontic treatment before and after surgery, typically takes 18–24 months, depending on the complexity of your case. The surgical phase itself is just one part of a carefully coordinated treatment plan designed to deliver long-term results.

In many cases, medical or dental insurance may cover part or all of the surgical procedure, especially if it’s needed for health reasons (like difficulty chewing or sleep apnea). Our team will work with you to verify benefits, explain costs, and help you understand your coverage. We also offer flexible payment options for any out-of-pocket expenses.

Surgical orthodontics can dramatically improve your:

  • Bite function and chewing ability
  • Facial symmetry and jaw alignment
  • Speech and breathing
  • Long-term oral health and comfort
  • Confidence in your smile

Many patients say it’s a life-changing experience—both functionally and cosmetically.