Surgical Orthodontics — Corrective Jaw Treatment at Smiles for Kids
Surgical orthodontics — also called orthognathic surgery combined with braces — addresses bite problems and jaw misalignment that cannot be corrected with orthodontic appliances alone. Surgery and braces work together to reposition the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both, achieving bite correction and facial balance that orthodontic treatment by itself cannot accomplish.
At Smiles for Kids, Dr. Sharma coordinates surgical orthodontic treatment in collaboration with qualified oral surgeons. Her role — as your board-certified orthodontist jaw alignment specialist — is to plan and manage all pre-surgical and post-surgical orthodontic care, ensuring your bite is perfectly prepared for surgery and beautifully refined afterward.
Who Is a Candidate for Orthognathic Surgery & Surgical Orthodontic Treatment?
Surgical treatment is typically recommended for patients whose jaws have finished growing — usually after age 17–18 for females and 18–21 for males. When jaw discrepancies are too significant for orthodontic appliances alone, corrective jaw surgery becomes the most effective path to functional and aesthetic results.
Common indications for combined treatment include:
- Severe overbites or underbites that orthodontic treatment alone cannot correct
- Open bites where the teeth don’t meet at all
- Significant facial asymmetry due to jaw discrepancy
- Chronic jaw pain or TMJ issues related to jaw misalignment
- Difficulty chewing, biting, or speaking due to jaw position
STEP 1
Orthodontic Preparation (Pre-Surgical Braces)
Before jaw surgery, Dr. Sharma uses braces to align your teeth within each jaw. This phase typically lasts 12–18 months and positions your teeth for optimal surgical outcomes.
STEP 2
Surgery
The oral surgeon performs the jaw surgery to reposition the jaw or jaws as planned. Most patients spend 1–3 days in the hospital and recover at home for 2–4 weeks.
STEP 3
Post-Surgical Orthodontic Refinement
After recovery, Dr. Sharma continues surgery and braces treatment to fine-tune your bite and perfect the final result. This phase typically takes 6–12 months.
STEP 4
Retention
A custom orthodontic retainer maintains your result long-term.
Why Choose Smiles for Kids to Coordinate Your Surgical Orthodontics?
Combined treatment requires seamless communication between your orthodontist and oral surgeon. Dr. Sharma’s board certification and extensive experience with complex cases makes her an exceptionally skilled coordinator for surgical treatment — ensuring your bite is precisely prepared and refined for the best possible outcome.
- Dual board-certified pediatric dentist & orthodontist — rare expertise in one office
- Board certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry & American Board of Orthodontics
- Gentle, child-first approach — even the most anxious patients leave with a smile
- Georgia Medicaid, PeachState & most major insurance plans accepted
- CareCredit & in-house financing available
- Saturday & early morning hours at Cumming, Decatur, and Peachtree Corners offices
