John J Roche Orthodontics is proud to offer surgical treatments for our orthodontic patients.

Surgical orthodontics, also called orthognathic surgery, is used for severe cases of bad bites, jaw bone abnormalities, and malocclusions.

Surgical orthodontics helps patients improve their bites, though it can also help with other aesthetic concerns. Surgery can be completed only after the jaw is finished growing. This typically happens by age sixteen for females and age eighteen for males.

Surgery is needed when the jaws do not line up correctly and no amount of braces can correct the misalignment. We will line up your jaw correctly so that your braces can do the job that they are meant to.Surgery is not always necessary, so it is important to discuss your case with an orthognathic surgeon. They will be able to discuss your treatment options, whether or not they include surgery.

After surgery, you will need to rest for about two weeks. It is a major surgery and you should take some time off of work and school while you heal. After you heal, your orthodontist will work on straightening your teeth. Most people have to wear braces for six months to a year after surgery. Then, you will need a retainer to maintain your beautiful smile.

Like all surgeries, there are risks. However, orthognathic surgeries have been around for years and are pretty safe and effective.

If you have any questions about surgery, don’t hesitate to contact us today at (631) 878-3000 (Center Moriches), (631) 204-1221 (Southampton), or (718) 634-9700 (Belle Harbor).