Orthognathic Surgery: When Braces Alone Aren’t Enough in The Woodlands TX

Let’s say your teeth are straight—but your bite still feels off. Or maybe you’ve tried braces in the past, but jaw discomfort, trouble chewing, or breathing issues have persisted. If that sounds familiar, orthognathic surgery in The Woodlands TX might be the missing piece in your treatment plan.

That may sound intimidating, but don't worry—we're here to break it down. Orthognathic surgery, also known as corrective jaw surgery, is a carefully planned procedure designed to correct jaw irregularities that can’t be fixed with orthodontics alone.

Let’s dive into what this surgery involves, who it’s for, and how it fits into the bigger picture of your oral health and smile goals.

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What Is Orthognathic Surgery in The Woodlands TX?

Orthognathic surgery is a surgical procedure that repositions the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both to improve how your jaws function and align. It’s typically recommended when jaw growth is uneven or misaligned in a way that affects chewing, speaking, breathing, or facial appearance.

This isn’t a one-size-fits-all procedure. It’s a customized collaboration between your orthodontist and an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, designed specifically around your anatomy and treatment goals.

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Common Reasons for Jaw Surgery

While braces and aligners can move teeth into place, they rely on a stable jaw foundation to work properly. If the jaws themselves are out of alignment, orthodontics alone can only go so far.

Here are some common reasons a patient might need orthognathic surgery:

• Severe overbite, underbite, or open bite
• Crossbite caused by jaw asymmetry
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking
• Jaw pain or TMJ disorders
• Obstructive sleep apnea related to jaw position
• Noticeable facial imbalance (like a receding chin or elongated jaw)

In many cases, patients come to us after years of trying to live with these issues. Orthognathic surgery offers a long-term solution—not just for how your bite functions, but also for how your face looks and feels.

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What the Process Looks Like

Don’t worry—you won’t be heading into surgery right away. Orthognathic treatment is a journey, and we’re with you through every step.

Step 1: Pre-Surgical Orthodontics
Before surgery, we’ll use braces to move your teeth into alignment in preparation for the jaw repositioning. This stage usually lasts 12–18 months.

Step 2: The Surgery
Once your teeth are ready, your oral surgeon will perform the procedure in a hospital setting. Most patients stay 1–2 nights and return home shortly after. The jawbones are repositioned and held in place with plates and screws that stay in permanently.

Step 3: Recovery and Post-Surgical Braces
Initial healing takes a few weeks, with full recovery over several months. During that time, we’ll continue fine-tuning your bite with braces or aligners to ensure everything settles exactly as planned.

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Is Orthognathic Surgery in The Woodlands TX Worth It?

Absolutely—if it’s what your bite and health truly need.

Orthognathic surgery isn’t just about appearance (though yes, facial symmetry often improves). It’s about fixing foundational issues that impact your ability to eat, speak, breathe, and live comfortably.

Many patients report:

• Better sleep and breathing
• Relief from chronic jaw pain
• Improved speech clarity
• Increased confidence in both appearance and function

Think of it this way: we’re not just adjusting teeth. We’re helping you realign your quality of life.

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Who Is a Good Candidate?

If you’ve been told that braces aren’t enough—or if your bite still feels wrong after orthodontic treatment—you might be a candidate for orthognathic surgery.

The best candidates are:

• In good general health
• Finished growing (usually ages 17+ for females, 18+ for males)
• Willing to commit to a multi-phase treatment plan
• Dealing with jaw-related bite or function problems that can’t be corrected through braces alone

We’ll perform a detailed evaluation with digital imaging, X-rays, and bite analysis to determine if surgery is the right call.

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Let’s Talk About Your Jaw—No Pressure

We understand that surgery can sound overwhelming. That’s why we take the time to explain every option, answer your questions, and work closely with your oral surgeon to make sure you feel confident from day one.

If you’ve been living with jaw discomfort, bite issues, or facial imbalance, orthognathic surgery at Showtime Orthodontics could be the solution you didn’t know you needed.

Ready to explore your options? Schedule a FREE consultation today and let’s find out whether jaw surgery is the right fit for your smile and your future.