Some bite and jaw issues go beyond what braces or clear aligners can correct on their own. When the underlying skeletal structure of the jaw is the source of the issue, surgical orthodontics (also called orthognathic surgery) offers a way to achieve lasting results that orthodontic appliances alone simply cannot deliver. For patients in Jeffersonville and Southern Indiana, this collaborative approach brings together the skills of an orthodontist and an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to address complex jaw and bite issues that go beyond the reach of traditional orthodontic treatment.
At McCullum Orthodontics, Dr. Heather McCullum has extensive experience coordinating surgical orthodontic care as part of a broader multidisciplinary approach. With over a decade of clinical experience and specialty training from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry, Dr. McCullum works closely with trusted oral surgeons in the region to guide patients through every phase of treatment, from the initial evaluation through final retention. If you’ve been told your bite can’t be fully corrected with braces alone, or if you’re dealing with significant jaw discomfort, difficulty chewing, or facial asymmetry, surgical orthodontics may be the comprehensive solution you’ve been looking for.
Surgical orthodontics is a collaborative treatment approach that combines the expertise of an orthodontist and an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Rather than relying solely on orthodontic forces to move teeth, this approach involves repositioning the upper jaw (maxilla), the lower jaw (mandible), or both to establish a balanced bite and proper facial alignment. Braces or clear aligners are used before and after surgery to position the teeth correctly so they fit together properly once the jaw is in its new position.
This type of care is typically recommended for adults or older teens whose jaw growth is complete. While growth modification techniques like palatal expanders and Herbst appliances can address many skeletal issues in younger patients, those who have finished growing and still have significant jaw discrepancies are often the best candidates for a surgical approach.
Not every orthodontic case requires surgery, but for certain patients, it’s the most effective path to a functional bite and a healthy, balanced smile. Surgical orthodontics is often recommended for patients who are experiencing one or more of the following:
According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, orthognathic surgery can significantly improve a patient’s ability to chew, speak, and breathe, while also enhancing overall facial appearance and oral health outcomes.
During your consultation at McCullum Orthodontics, Dr. McCullum will conduct a thorough evaluation using advanced diagnostic tools to determine whether surgical orthodontics is the right fit for your case or whether a non-surgical approach may still be possible.
Surgical orthodontic treatment involves several stages and requires close coordination between Dr. McCullum and a trusted oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
The process begins with a detailed diagnostic phase that includes 3D imaging, photographs, dental impressions, and a review of your jaw function and facial structure. Dr. McCullum and your oral surgeon will use this information to develop a coordinated treatment plan tailored to your specific anatomy and goals.
Once treatment is planned, braces or aligners are placed to begin aligning the teeth in preparation for surgery. This phase is essential because it positions the teeth so they will fit together correctly once the jaw is repositioned. Pre-surgical orthodontic treatment typically lasts 12 to 18 months, depending on the complexity of the case.
The surgical procedure itself is performed by an oral surgeon in a hospital or surgical center setting, typically under general anesthesia. The specific technique will depend on whether the upper or lower jaw, or both, need to be repositioned. Recovery time varies by patient and procedure but generally involves a few weeks of restricted activity and a modified diet.
Following surgery, orthodontic treatment continues for several more months to fine-tune the bite and ensure the teeth settle into their ideal positions. Most patients also use retainers after treatment is complete to maintain their results long-term, and McCullum Orthodontics even offers in-office 3D printed retainers for added convenience.
Coordinating surgical orthodontic treatment requires a high level of clinical expertise and clear communication between your orthodontist and surgeon. Dr. McCullum brings over a decade of experience in orthodontic care, with training from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry and deep familiarity with complex, multidisciplinary cases. She approaches every patient with meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to delivering results that are both functional and aesthetically meaningful.
At McCullum Orthodontics, you’ll find a modern, welcoming practice equipped with advanced technology and a team that takes the time to explain every step of your treatment clearly. Dr. McCullum partners with experienced oral surgeons in the region and maintains close communication throughout the surgical process so that your care is seamlessly coordinated from start to finish.
If you’ve been living with a significant bite problem or chronic jaw discomfort, surgical orthodontics could be the answer. McCullum Orthodontics is proud to serve patients in Jeffersonville, Floyds Knobs, Sellersburg, Utica, and the surrounding Southern Indiana communities. We work with patients of all ages and backgrounds, and we’ll take the time to help you understand whether surgical orthodontic treatment is the right path for you.
Getting started is simple. Call our office or use our online form to request a consultation, and our team will walk you through what to expect from your first visit. Dr. McCullum takes the time to thoroughly review your records, answer your questions honestly, and help you feel confident in your treatment plan before any decisions are made. Whether surgical orthodontics turns out to be the right path or a different approach makes more sense for your situation, you can count on receiving personalized, expert guidance every step of the way. Contact our office today to get started.
We commonly collaborate with other healthcare professionals to offer specialized care for complex dental cases and are committed to providing the best for your patients.
McCullum Orthodontics is conveniently located in Jeffersonville, Indiana, serving patients throughout southern Indiana and the greater Louisville area.
