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Life-changing orthognathic surgery (corrective jaw surgery) coordinated with comprehensive orthodontic care to fix severe jaw misalignment and restore function, balance, and confidence.
Surgical orthodontics — also called orthognathic surgery (corrective jaw surgery) — combines jaw surgery with braces or aligners to fix severe skeletal malocclusion (when the jaw bones themselves are misaligned, not just the teeth). A board-certified orthodontist and an oral surgeon work together to reposition the jaws for a stable bite, better breathing, and improved facial balance.
When the upper and lower jaws are significantly out of alignment, braces or aligners alone may not be enough to achieve a stable, functional bite. Orthognathic surgery repositions the jawbones into proper alignment, while orthodontic appliances are used before and after surgery to align the teeth within the corrected jaw position.
Surgical orthodontics corrects conditions such as severe overbite, underbite, open bite, and jaw asymmetry. These are examples of common orthodontic problems that sometimes require surgical correction. Beyond improving your bite and smile, this treatment can also resolve functional issues like difficulty chewing, chronic jaw pain, and obstructive sleep apnea related to jaw position.
At Zipper Orthodontics in Boca Raton and Boynton Beach, Dr. Zipper is a board-certified orthodontist who works closely with experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeons in South Florida. This coordinated care with oral surgeons ensures every phase of your surgical orthodontic treatment is planned and managed for the best possible results.
Jaw surgery is needed when skeletal malocclusion (when the jaw bones themselves are misaligned, not just the teeth) is too severe for braces or aligners to fix on their own.
If you experience any of the following, you may be a candidate for orthognathic surgery (corrective jaw surgery) at Zipper Orthodontics:
Dr. Zipper evaluates each case with X-rays, photos, and digital scans during a free consultation to determine whether surgical orthodontics is the right path for you.
Not sure if you need surgery? Here is how surgical orthodontics compares to non-surgical orthodontic treatment:
| Factor | Surgical Orthodontics | Non-Surgical Orthodontics |
|---|---|---|
| Who Needs It | Patients with severe skeletal malocclusion — jaw bones are misaligned | Patients with mild to moderate tooth misalignment |
| Treatment Duration | 12 to 36 months total (braces + surgery + post-surgical braces) | 6 to 24 months with braces or aligners |
| Cost Range | $20,000–$40,000+ (surgery + orthodontics). Learn about costs | $3,000–$8,000 for braces or aligners |
| Recovery | 2–4 weeks off work/school; full bone healing in 3–6 months | No surgical recovery needed |
| Results | Corrects jaw position, facial balance, bite, and airway — life-changing improvements | Straightens teeth and corrects mild bite issues |
Addresses skeletal malocclusion that braces or aligners alone cannot fix, delivering life-changing results not possible with orthodontics alone.
Mandibular advancement (moving the lower jaw forward) can open the airway, reducing or eliminating breathing difficulties and sleep apnea symptoms.
Proper jaw alignment restores full chewing function, making it easier to eat comfortably and improving digestion and nutrition.
Correcting jaw position improves facial symmetry and proportions, enhancing your overall appearance and profile.
Because surgery corrects the underlying skeletal issue, results are stable and long-lasting when followed by proper retention. It is worth it for lasting change.
Dr. Zipper is a board-certified orthodontist who works closely with top oral surgeons in South Florida for comprehensive care from start to finish.
Dr. Zipper performs a thorough evaluation at our Boca Raton or Boynton Beach office, including CBCT (cone-beam computed tomography) 3D imaging -- critical for surgical planning -- along with clinical photos and iTero Element digital scans to assess your jaw alignment, bite, and facial structure. CBCT provides a detailed 3D view of your skeletal anatomy, airway, and nerve pathways that traditional X-rays cannot capture. Together with an oral surgeon, a detailed treatment plan is developed.
Before surgery, you will wear braces or aligners for several months to position your teeth so they fit together properly after the jaw is repositioned. iTero digital scans are used throughout pre-surgical orthodontic planning to track tooth movement and coordinate with the surgical team. This phase typically lasts 6 to 18 months depending on the complexity of your case.
The oral surgeon performs orthognathic surgery (corrective jaw surgery) in a hospital setting under general anesthesia. The jawbones are repositioned and secured with small plates and screws. Most patients return home the same day or the following day.
After surgery, orthodontic treatment continues for several months to fine-tune your bite and tooth alignment within the newly positioned jaws. This phase ensures everything fits together precisely.
Once treatment is complete, you will be fitted with retainers to maintain your results. With proper retention, the improvements to your bite, function, and facial balance will last a lifetime.
Most patients return to work or school within 2 to 4 weeks after jaw surgery. Full bone healing takes about 3 to 6 months. The discomfort is very manageable and most patients say the results are worth it.
Initial swelling and discomfort typically peak around days 3 to 5 and gradually improve over 4 to 6 weeks. You will follow a soft-food diet for the first few weeks while your jaw heals. Dr. Zipper and your oral surgeon will guide you through every step of the recovery process with comprehensive care and regular check-ups at our Boca Raton or Boynton Beach office.
During recovery, your orthodontic treatment continues. Post-surgical adjustments fine-tune the bite as the jaw settles into its new position. The coordinated care between your board-certified orthodontist and oral surgeon ensures a smooth recovery.
In many cases, yes. Medical insurance often covers orthognathic surgery because it is considered medically necessary. Orthodontic insurance may also cover the braces or aligner portion of treatment.
Orthognathic surgery (corrective jaw surgery) is typically classified as a medically necessary procedure when it corrects functional problems like difficulty chewing, breathing issues, or TMJ disorders. This means your medical insurance — not just dental insurance — may cover a significant portion of the surgical costs.
The orthodontic portion of treatment (braces or aligners before and after surgery) may be covered separately by your orthodontic or dental insurance plan. Our team at Zipper Orthodontics will help you understand your benefits, file claims, and maximize your coverage. Visit our cost and insurance page for more details on payment options.
Surgical orthodontics — also called orthognathic surgery (corrective jaw surgery) — is a combined treatment that uses jaw surgery and braces or aligners to fix severe skeletal malocclusion. This means the jaw bones themselves are misaligned, not just the teeth. A board-certified orthodontist and an oral surgeon work together to reposition the jaws for a stable bite and improved facial balance.
Jaw surgery is needed when braces or aligners alone cannot fix a severe skeletal problem. Common reasons include significant overbite, underbite, open bite, jaw asymmetry, chronic TMJ pain, difficulty chewing, or obstructive sleep apnea caused by jaw position. Dr. Zipper evaluates each case with X-rays, photos, and digital scans to determine whether orthognathic surgery is the right path.
Most patients return to work or school within 2 to 4 weeks after jaw surgery. Swelling and discomfort peak around days 3 to 5 and gradually improve over 4 to 6 weeks. Full bone healing takes about 3 to 6 months. Dr. Zipper and your oral surgeon guide you through every step of recovery.
In many cases, yes. Because orthognathic surgery is considered medically necessary to correct functional problems like difficulty chewing, breathing issues, or TMJ disorders, medical insurance often covers the surgical portion. Orthodontic insurance may cover the braces or aligner portion. The team at Zipper Orthodontics helps you navigate your benefits and maximize coverage.
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, so you feel no pain during the procedure. After surgery, patients typically experience swelling, stiffness, and moderate discomfort managed with prescribed medication. Most patients say the discomfort is very manageable and goes down significantly within the first week.
Surgical orthodontics is typically recommended after jaw growth is complete — around age 16 to 18 for females and 18 to 21 for males. However, adults of any age can benefit from orthognathic surgery as long as they are in good overall health. Dr. Zipper assesses your individual case during a free consultation at our Boca Raton or Boynton Beach office.
Regular braces move teeth within the existing jaw position. Surgical orthodontics repositions the jaw bones themselves to fix severe skeletal malocclusion (when the jaw bones themselves are misaligned, not just the teeth). The orthodontist and oral surgeon work together: braces align the teeth before and after surgery, while the surgeon repositions the jaws. This comprehensive care delivers life-changing results that braces alone cannot achieve.
Dr. Brandon Zipper, DMD, MS is a board-certified orthodontist and member of the American Association of Orthodontists. He earned his undergraduate degree from Cornell University, his Doctor of Dental Medicine from Nova Southeastern University, and completed his orthodontic residency and Master of Science in Oral Biology at Temple University.
Our practice uses advanced diagnostic technology including iTero Element™ 3D intraoral scanners and CBCT (cone-beam computed tomography) imaging for precision treatment planning. All materials are BPA-free and biocompatible, with nickel-free wire options available for sensitive patients.
Surgical orthodontic treatment at Zipper Orthodontics is led by Dr. Zipper, a board-certified orthodontist trained at Cornell University, Nova Southeastern University, and Temple University. With offices in Boca Raton and Boynton Beach, we proudly serve families across Palm Beach County with comprehensive care that is worth it.
