The Surgical Orthodontic Process
Orthodontist in Lancaster County
Surgical orthodontics, also known as orthognathic surgery, is a specialized treatment option that addresses complex cases involving jaw bone abnormalities, malocclusion, and improper bites. As a recognized dental specialty, oral and maxillofacial surgery plays a crucial role in treating craniofacial issues related to the mouth, jaw, face, and skull. If you require surgical orthodontics, our dedicated orthodontist will collaborate with an experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon to provide you with exceptional care and outstanding results.
When is Surgical Orthodontics Recommended?
Surgical orthodontics is typically recommended for adults who have concerns about their bite functionality or aesthetic appearance. It is essential for jaw growth to be complete before undergoing orthognathic surgery, which generally occurs by age 16 in females and 18 in males. This treatment becomes necessary when the jaws do not align properly, making it impossible to achieve a correct bite through orthodontic treatment alone. By aligning the jaw accurately, orthognathic surgery enables orthodontic braces to reposition the teeth effectively.
Determining the Need for Orthognathic Surgery
Dr. Weibel will assess your case to determine whether orthognathic surgery is required as part of your treatment plan. Factors such as the severity of your condition and the alignment of your jaw will be taken into consideration.
The Process of Orthognathic Surgery
Orthognathic surgery is performed by an experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon in a hospital setting. The duration of the surgery varies depending on individual cases and can take several hours. Following the procedure, a rest period of approximately two weeks is recommended. As orthognathic surgery is a major treatment, it is advisable to schedule time off from work or school during the healing process. After your jaw has fully healed, Dr. Weibel will fine-tune your bite using braces, which are typically removed within six to 12 months post-surgery. To maintain your new smile, a retainer will be provided.
Understanding the Risks and Rewards
Like any major surgery, orthognathic surgery carries certain risks. However, this procedure has been performed successfully for many years. Should you have any concerns or questions about your upcoming orthognathic surgery, please don’t hesitate to contact our practice. We prioritize your comfort and are dedicated to addressing all your inquiries and providing any necessary information. The ultimate reward of orthognathic surgery is achieving a beautiful, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime, restoring your confidence and leaving you smiling with pride for years to come.
“Surgical orthodontics represents the highest level of smile transformation because it allows us to correct severe skeletal problems that braces alone cannot address. I work closely with experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeons to create comprehensive treatment plans that combine precision orthodontics with surgical expertise. For patients with significant jaw misalignment, the results are life-changing—not just a beautiful smile, but improved function, breathing, and confidence that impacts every aspect of their lives.”
Dr. Paul Weibel, Owner
Weibel Orthodontics, Lancaster County, PA
Surgical Orthodontics Outcomes For Severe Skeletal Jaw Problems
Treatment Success Rate
Long-Term Stability (5+ Years)
Class III Malocclusion (Underbite)
81%
76%
Class II Malocclusion (Overbite)
96%
88%
Anterior Open Bite
86%
79%
Two-Jaw Skeletal Discrepancies
94%
87%
Facial Asymmetry
91%
83%
Airway & Breathing Concerns
89%
81%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
0%
50%
100%
| Surgical Problem or Condition | Success Rate | Long-Term Stability |
|---|---|---|
| Class III malocclusion (underbite) correction through mandibular setback or maxillary advancement achieves significant skeletal correction with average ANB angle improvements of 6.8 degrees and stable results maintained in majority of patients over long-term follow-up. | 96% | 76% |
| Class II severe malocclusion (overbite) with maxillary retrusion or mandibular advancement corrected through bimaxillary surgery shows excellent long-term stability with nearly all patients achieving Class I occlusion and maintaining results over years. | 96% | 88% |
| Anterior open bite correction through mandibular rotation, maxillary advancement, and combined surgical procedures demonstrates variable stability depending on surgical technique, with modern approaches showing improved long-term outcomes and retention compliance. | 86% | 79% |
| Bimaxillary discrepancies requiring two-jaw surgery for maxillary and mandibular correction achieve predictable results through virtual surgical planning, with all patients typically achieving ideal Class I relationships and stable outcomes long-term. | 94% | 87% |
| Facial asymmetry correction through surgical-orthodontic treatment provides skeletal improvements and soft tissue rebalancing with high patient satisfaction regarding facial appearance, function, and long-term stability of corrected relationships. | 91% | 83% |
| Airway expansion and breathing improvement through maxillary and mandibular advancement during surgical orthodontics provides functional benefits alongside aesthetic and occlusal improvements, with 19% relapse rate offset by substantial quality-of-life gains. | 89% | 81% |
Sources: Systematic review of orthognathic surgery outcomes, Frontiers in Oral Health (2026) | Long-term stability studies on surgical-orthodontic treatment (5–10+ year follow-up) published in PMC | American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) clinical guidelines on treatment outcomes
Six Key Findings About Surgical Orthodontics
Surgical orthodontics effectively corrects severe skeletal jaw problems through combined orthodontic-surgical treatment, with success rates ranging from 81–96% depending on the specific malocclusion type, and long-term stability maintained in 76–88% of patients over 5+ years of follow-up.
Class II malocclusions (severe overbite/maxillary protrusion) show the highest success rates (96%) with excellent long-term stability (88%), with nearly all patients achieving ideal Class I occlusion and maintaining results through proper retention and postsurgical orthodontic refinement.
Treatment combines three phases: presurgical orthodontics (12–24 months for dental decompensation), jaw surgery (maxillary Le Fort I osteotomy and/or mandibular bilateral sagittal split osteotomy), and postsurgical orthodontic refinement for final occlusal settling and stability.
Class III malocclusion (underbite) correction achieves average ANB angle improvements of 6.8 degrees, with approximately 19% relapse rate offset by dramatic functional and aesthetic improvements; modern surgical planning with virtual simulation significantly enhances treatment predictability and outcomes.
Surgery-first approach shortens overall treatment time from 26 months (conventional) to 15 months while maintaining equivalent long-term skeletal stability and clinical outcomes, offering faster results for appropriately selected cases without compromising predictability or durability.
Beyond skeletal and occlusal correction, surgical orthodontics improves breathing, eliminates functional problems, and provides psychosocial benefits including restoration of facial aesthetics, improved self-esteem, and transformative quality-of-life enhancement that braces or aligners alone cannot achieve for severe skeletal problems.
Read our Verified Reviews
Orthodontist in Lancaster County
“Outstanding work on three of our children, giving them great smiles. They all had difficult mouths but the doctors spent all the time needed to get the correct results. Nice, friendly staff. Very accommodating practice. You can be confident you are getting the best care here.”
-Marjorie K
“The Weibel’s are fantastic, knows their craft, made my daughter feel comfortable throughout the entire process from beginning to end. Staff are phenomenal too! Couldn’t be more pleased with the results. McKenna thanks you, and her smile is stellar!”
-Charles D
“Each and every member of the Weibel Ortho team is kind, caring, and so professional with children and adults. Both my son and I had care from this team (me – Invisalign; my son – braces) and we had both had a great experience.”
-Loreal M
Questions Lancaster County Adults Ask About Surgical Orthodontics
When is surgical orthodontics necessary instead of traditional braces?
Surgical orthodontics becomes necessary when the skeletal structure of the jaws is severely misaligned in ways that braces cannot correct. This includes severe underbites where the lower jaw extends significantly forward, severe overbites with extreme upper jaw protrusion, significant jaw asymmetry, or severe open bites where teeth cannot meet. Dr. Weibel will evaluate your specific case and determine whether braces alone will achieve your goals or if orthognathic surgery is needed for optimal results.
What is the timeline for surgical orthodontics treatment?
Pre-operative bracing usually lasts six to eighteen months while Dr. Weibel positions your teeth optimally for surgery. After surgery, there is a healing period of two to three weeks, followed by six to twelve months of post-operative bracing to refine your bite and finalize your results. Dr. Weibel will provide a specific timeline estimate during your consultation based on your individual case complexity.
How long is the actual surgical procedure, and what is recovery like?
The surgical procedure itself typically takes two to four hours depending on whether one jaw (single jaw surgery) or both jaws (bimaxillary surgery) require repositioning. Following surgery, most patients take two to three weeks off work or school while the initial healing occurs. You will experience some swelling, discomfort, and dietary restrictions during the first few weeks. Most patients return to normal activities within four to six weeks, though complete healing takes several months.
Will I have difficulty eating after surgical orthodontics?
Immediately after surgery, you will follow a soft diet for the first few weeks while your jaw heals. As healing progresses, you will gradually return to a more normal diet. By four to six weeks post-surgery, most patients can eat most foods, though very hard or chewy items should be avoided initially. Dr. Weibel and your surgical team will provide detailed post-operative dietary instructions to ensure proper healing and comfort.
What are the risks of orthognathic surgery?
Like any major surgery, orthognathic surgery carries certain risks including infection, temporary nerve sensations, bleeding, or anesthesia complications. However, orthognathic surgery has been performed successfully for decades with high safety records when completed by experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Dr. Weibel will discuss specific risks and benefits during your consultation and address all your concerns before proceeding with treatment.
How much improvement can I expect in both appearance and function?
Most surgical orthodontics patients experience dramatic improvements in both appearance and function. Patients report improved ability to chew, swallow, and speak, as well as significant aesthetic changes in their facial profile and smile. Many patients also experience breathing improvements if their condition previously compromised airway function. The transformation is often life-changing, improving confidence and quality of life in ways that extend far beyond the smile itself.