Foundations Orthodontics

Surgical Orthodontics

Overview

Correcting More Complex Bite and Jaw Concerns

For some patients, especially adults, ideal bite correction can’t be achieved with orthodontics alone. Surgical orthodontics combines braces or clear aligners with jaw surgery to correct significant jaw discrepancies and create a healthy, balanced bite.

This approach allows us to address concerns such as:

Severe overbite or underbite (Class II / Class III)

Jaw asymmetry or facial imbalance

Open bites or significant vertical discrepancies

Airway-related concerns connected to jaw position

Book An Appointment

Key Takeaways

Surgical orthodontics combines orthodontic treatment with jaw surgery to correct significant bite and jaw discrepancies that cannot be fully addressed with braces or clear aligners alone.

Treatment is carefully planned using advanced 3D imaging and coordinated between your orthodontist and an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

Surgical orthodontics can improve bite function, jaw alignment, facial balance, and long-term stability—and, in appropriate cases, may also improve airway function.

Every surgical case is different. At Foundations Orthodontics, we take a comprehensive, individualized approach to determine whether surgery is appropriate and guide you through each stage of treatment.

Schedule Your Next Appointment With Us Today.

303-694-4330

Book Now

What to Expect

Treatment is carefully planned in collaboration with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon using advanced imaging, including 3D CBCT scans and digital models.

Your journey typically includes:

Pre-surgical orthodontics to align the teeth
Jaw surgery to reposition the jaws
Post-surgical orthodontics to refine your bite and smile

Throughout the process, our team coordinates closely with your surgeon to ensure a smooth, well-managed experience.

Why Patients Choose Surgical Orthodontics

While it’s a more involved treatment, surgical orthodontics can deliver results that are not possible with orthodontics alone:

Improved bite function and long-term stability
Enhanced facial balance and profile
Relief from jaw strain or discomfort
Potential improvement in airway and breathing

Does everyone with a severe bite problem need surgery?

No. The appropriate treatment depends on the cause and severity of the bite discrepancy, the patient’s age and growth, dental health, facial structure, and treatment goals.

Our goal is not to recommend surgery whenever possible—it is to identify the treatment approach that offers the best balance of health, function, stability, and your individual goals.

How long does surgical orthodontic treatment take?

Treatment time varies depending on the complexity of the bite and surgical correction. Because treatment includes orthodontics both before and after surgery, the entire process commonly takes considerably longer than the surgical recovery itself.

We will provide a more individualized timeline after completing your diagnostic records and treatment plan.

Who performs the jaw surgery?

Jaw surgery is performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Your orthodontist is responsible for diagnosing and planning the orthodontic portion of treatment, preparing the teeth and bite for surgery, and completing the orthodontic treatment afterward.

Your orthodontist and surgeon work together to coordinate the position of the teeth and jaws and achieve the planned result.

Our Approach at Foundations

At Foundations Orthodontics, we take a thoughtful, individualized approach to surgical cases. We focus on comprehensive diagnosis, clear communication, and coordinated care, so you feel confident every step of the way.

If we believe surgical orthodontics is the best path for you, we’ll guide you through the process, answer your questions, and help you make an informed decision.

Take Action Today

If you’re searching for surgical orthodontics near you, look no further than Foundations Orthodontics. With the expertise of Dr. Renee Moran and Dr. Caitlin White, patients can expect personalized care addressing their unique needs. Call (303) 694-4330 today to schedule your consultation or reach out through our contact page. Visit us on Google Maps to find our location!

Reviews

What Our Amazing Patients Say

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Erica Tovar Smith 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a fantastic experience with Dr. Moran and her team. Our own child’s dentist said orthodontics could wait, but a friend recommended Dr. Moran, so I decided to go for an evaluation — and I'm so glad I did. She caught an issue early and got ahead of it, and treatment finished with a short stint in braces. Dr. Moran and her staff were knowledgeable, attentive, and easy to work with the whole way through. Highly recommend her and her practice!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Thunder Knuckle 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great place to go as an adult needing braces. I went in for jaw pain. I've been dealing with jaw issues since I was a teenager. Everyone is amazing and im happy to say my pain is leaps and bounds better. They were able to help when no one else could.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Janet Rudolph 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Moran is an amazing, professional, supportive and empathetic Doctor.
Dr Moran also treats TMJ. I went to see her for TMJ years ago. When I started having issues again I called Dr. Moran.
Foundations Orthodontics is the place to go for your orthodontic needs!!! The office staff is very kind and caring! ❤️
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jennifer Analovitch 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a great experience at Foundations Orthodontics. I really felt like both doctors listened to me when I had questions.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Cody Hammond 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent care and service from the staff members and doctors. Friendly, professional and take such good care in making your teeth are wonderful!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Lindsay Moriarty 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It’s been a great experience for my daughter. Getting an expander is not the most fun but Foundations makes it fun for her and answers all her questions.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ous Badwan 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thank you for taking great care of our daughter!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Holly Merry 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Highly recommend!  My treatment was not straight forward - due to bone loss, I required bone grafting, three implants, and ultimately had to wear my braces for an extended period of time.  Throughout this complex treatment, Dr. Moran’s collaboration with my periodontist and dentist to achieve the final outcome was exceptional.
Equally important was the support Dr. Moran provided to me throughout the process. She was always patient and reassuring whenever I had questions or concerns.  I truly felt cared for every step of the way.
I’m so pleased with my experience that I’ve recommended Dr. Moran to my daughter for my grandchildren’s orthodontic needs!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Lyndsay Vallejos 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I never thought I would be getting braces as an adult but Dr. Moran and Dr. White are amazing at what they do and I definitely recommend them for kids and adults.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Pamela Flor-Stout 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Staff is always super helpful and knowledgeable,  Ryan went above and beyond to create my daughter's retainer before we left their office so we can have it beforehead back to the mountains.

Don’t Wait

Book Your Orthodontic Appointment With Foundations Orthodontics.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I need jaw surgery?

Jaw surgery may be recommended when the upper and lower jaws do not align properly and orthodontic treatment alone cannot create a healthy, stable bite. Significant underbites, overbites, open bites, jaw asymmetry, and certain airway concerns are examples of conditions that may require a combined orthodontic and surgical approach. A comprehensive orthodontic evaluation, including 3D imaging when appropriate, allows us to determine whether your concerns can be addressed with orthodontics alone or whether surgery should be considered.

Will jaw surgery change my facial appearance?

It can. Repositioning the jaws may change the facial profile, symmetry, or proportions in addition to correcting the bite. The extent of these changes depends on the underlying jaw discrepancy and the movements required. Facial balance is considered as part of the overall treatment-planning process, and expected changes will be discussed with you before treatment.

Can jaw surgery help with breathing or airway problems?

In some patients, jaw position contributes to a restricted airway. Certain surgical jaw movements can increase airway dimensions and may improve breathing or sleep-related concerns. Airway health is only one part of a comprehensive diagnosis, however, and not every breathing or sleep problem is caused by jaw position. When appropriate, we coordinate with other healthcare providers as part of the evaluation.

Is surgical orthodontics only for adults?

Surgical orthodontics is most commonly performed after jaw growth is substantially complete, which typically means late adolescence or adulthood. Younger patients with significant jaw discrepancies may be monitored during growth and, in some situations, treated early to help guide growth and development.

What is the typical process for surgical orthodontic treatment?

Treatment generally occurs in three stages. First, braces or clear aligners are used to position the teeth in preparation for surgery. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon then repositions the jaw or jaws according to the treatment plan. After healing, orthodontic treatment continues to refine the bite and final tooth positions. Foundations Orthodontics coordinates your orthodontic treatment with your surgeon throughout the process.