Surgical Orthodontics in Houston, TX

Reviewed by Dr. Amir Davoody, board-certified orthodontist (ABO Diplomate).

Surgical orthodontics, also called orthognathic surgery, corrects jaw problems that braces or aligners cannot fix on their own. At Davoody & Hablinski Orthodontics in Houston, Dr. Amir Davoody plans and manages the orthodontic side of this combined treatment and coordinates closely with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon so your bite, jaw function, and facial balance improve together.

When Braces Alone Are Not Enough

Most orthodontic problems are solved with braces or Invisalign alone. But when the upper and lower jaws are sized or positioned differently, moving the teeth is only half the picture. The jaws themselves have to be repositioned for the bite to work and last. That is what surgical orthodontics does, and it is one of the more complex treatments an orthodontist plans.

Because the stakes and the planning are higher, this is a treatment where experience matters. Dr. Davoody is a board-certified orthodontist (a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics) whose graduate research focused on the precise mechanics of tooth movement. He guides patients through every orthodontic phase of combined surgical treatment, from the first records to the final retainer, while an oral surgeon handles the procedure itself.

What Is Surgical Orthodontics?

Surgical orthodontics is the coordination of orthodontic treatment (braces) with corrective jaw surgery to fix significant misalignment between the upper and lower jaws. Orthodontics moves the teeth into their correct positions; the surgery moves the jawbones into correct alignment with each other. Together they improve how you bite, chew, and speak, and they can meaningfully improve facial symmetry and profile.

The surgery itself, orthognathic surgery, is performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. The orthodontics before and after surgery is planned and delivered by Dr. Davoody. Good outcomes depend on those two halves being planned together from the start, which is why the orthodontist’s role is central even though the orthodontist does not perform the operation.

When Is Jaw Surgery Needed?

Surgical orthodontics is usually recommended for adults whose jaws have finished growing and whose bite problems come from the position or size of the jaws rather than the teeth alone. You may be a candidate if you have:

• A severe overbite, underbite, open bite, or crossbite caused by jaw position
• A noticeable size or position mismatch between the upper and lower jaw
• Ongoing difficulty biting, chewing, or speaking
• Facial imbalance or asymmetry that bothers you
• A bite that contributes to breathing or sleep problems (see airway orthodontics)

Jaw growth typically finishes around age 16 in females and age 18 in males. Braces may begin before then, but the surgical step is performed only after growth is complete, so the result stays stable for life. The only way to know whether surgery is truly needed is a clinical exam with imaging, which is exactly what a consultation provides.

The Orthodontist’s Role in Your Treatment

Patients are often surprised to learn how much of surgical orthodontics is orthodontic, not surgical. Dr. Davoody’s role spans most of the treatment timeline:

• Diagnosis and planning. He evaluates your bite, takes records and imaging, and works with your surgeon to design the combined plan, including exactly how far and in which direction the jaws will move.
• Pre-surgical orthodontics. He uses braces to position your teeth so they will fit correctly once the jaws are repositioned.
• Post-surgical orthodontics. After healing, he fine-tunes the bite so the teeth settle into a stable, comfortable result.
• Retention. He prescribes and monitors a retainer to protect your new bite.

Choosing a board-certified orthodontist for this planning matters because the surgical result is only as good as the orthodontic setup that surrounds it.

How the Process Works

Surgical orthodontics moves through four phases:

1. Pre-surgical orthodontics. Braces align the teeth in preparation for surgery. It is normal for the bite to look temporarily worse during this phase, because the teeth are being set up to fit the corrected jaw position, not the current one.
2. Orthognathic surgery. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon repositions the jaw or jaws. Depending on your diagnosis, the surgeon may move the lower jaw forward or backward, reposition the upper jaw, or adjust the facial bones for balance.
3. Post-surgical orthodontics. After you heal, Dr. Davoody makes minor adjustments with braces to perfect the bite.
4. Retention. Braces typically come off 6 to 12 months after surgery, and a retainer maintains the final alignment.

What to Expect During and After Surgery

Orthognathic surgery is performed under general anesthesia, usually in a hospital setting, by your oral surgeon. Recovery is gradual and predictable:

• Initial recovery: most patients return to work or school within about two weeks.
• Fuller healing: the jaw continues to heal over roughly 4 to 8 weeks, with diet and activity guidance from your surgeon.
• Braces removal: usually 6 to 12 months after surgery, once the bite is refined.
• Long-term: a retainer protects your result, and Dr. Davoody monitors stability.

Dr. Davoody and your surgical team guide you through each step, from planning and preparation to healing and final retention.

Cost and Insurance for Surgical Orthodontics in Houston

Because orthognathic surgery corrects a functional problem, the surgical portion is often partly covered by medical insurance when it is medically necessary, which is different from typical orthodontic coverage. The orthodontic portion (your braces) is planned separately, and flexible financing is available. Every case is different, so we review your specific coverage and provide a clear estimate at your consultation rather than quoting a one-size figure.