Surgical OrthodonticsIn Clackamas, OR
Orthodontic surgery is typically used alongside orthodontic treatment to improve complex orthodontic cases. Whether it’s to expand the palate to make space for crowded teeth, realign your jaws to correct your bite, remove teeth, or expose impacted teeth, orthodontic surgery can help ensure you achieve a healthy, beautifully aligned smile.
Why should I choose orthodontic surgery?
Orthodontic surgery can address jaw misalignment, impacted teeth, and other issues that affect how your mouth functions. It can also enhance facial balance and appearance. If surgery may be needed, we’ll refer you to an oral surgeon for a consultation before or at the start of orthodontic treatment. Procedures like orthognathic surgery or expose-and-bond typically take place during your treatment.
In some cases, conditions like impacted teeth, severe crowding, or jaw growth discrepancies may require surgical intervention to achieve the best possible outcome. That doesn’t mean you’re not a candidate for braces or clear aligners, it just means additional steps may be necessary. We also offer compromised treatment plans for patients who want alignment but prefer to avoid surgery. Rest assured, orthodontic surgery can help set the stage for more effective and stable orthodontic results and our team works hard to make the process comfortable and seamless for you.
We Work Closely With Your Oral Surgeon
Collaboration is key to achieving the best outcomes. Our team works directly with your oral surgeon throughout the planning and treatment process — whether it’s for jaw surgery, impacted canine exposures, or other surgical needs. Together, we create a seamless, personalized plan to support the healthiest, most stable smile possible.
The Benefits of Orthodontic Surgery
enhance your facial aesthetics
More than straight teeth, surgical orthodontics plays a key role in improving facial proportions and overall facial esthetics. Working closely with your surgeon, we set a strong foundation for functional, aesthetic results through tailored treatments designed to boost confidence.
Improve Your Oral Hygiene
Misalignment in the mouth or crowded teeth can make brushing and flossing more difficult, increasing your risk for gum disease. Orthodontic surgery may be used in conjunction with your orthodontist as a necessary step to improve your overall oral health.
Relieves Pain & Tension
Tooth crowding, impacted teeth, and misalignments of the teeth and jaw can cause discomfort and pain, especially in the joints. Orthodontic surgery can relieve the discomfort and help you feel empowered in your smile.
Flexible Payment Options
free consultation
in-house, interest-free financing
retainer plan for a lifetime guarantee
Third-party financing to extend payments if treatment goes beyond estimated timeframe
Keeping Care Accessible
Everyone deserves to love their smile. That’s why we make it easy to pay for your treatment in a way that fits your budget and lifestyle.
The Orthodontic Surgery Process
Initial visit
If we see signs that surgery may be necessary such as impacted teeth, jaw misalignment, severe crowding, or other complex issues, we’ll discuss your options and refer you to a trusted oral surgeon for a consultation if needed.
consultation with oral surgeon
Your oral surgeon will go over the procedure in detail, including what to expect before, during, and after surgery. This may include treatments like orthognathic (jaw) surgery, extractions, or expose-and-bond for impacted teeth.
Coordinated Treatment and Ongoing Care
If surgery is part of your plan, we’ll work closely with your oral surgeon to make sure everything stays on track. Most surgical procedures happen during orthodontic treatment, and we’ll continue to monitor your progress and make adjustments as needed. In some cases, we may also be able to offer a compromised treatment plan, depending on your unique needs and goals.
What makes us different
Invisalign and Orthognathic Surgery
Many patients assume that orthognathic surgery must be paired with traditional braces — but that’s not always the case. At our practice, we’re experienced in coordinating surgical treatment with both braces and Invisalign, giving you more flexibility and comfort throughout your journey. Whether you’re a better fit for aligners or brackets depends on your unique needs, and we’ll help you decide what’s right for you. If you're a candidate for aligners, you can feel confident knowing your surgical plan can still move forward with a discreet and modern treatment option.
Orthognathic Surgery for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Orthognathic surgery isn't just for improving bites or facial esthetics, it can also be a powerful solution for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or other sleep-related breathing issues. By repositioning the jaws, surgery can help open the airway and reduce nighttime obstruction. If sleep-disordered breathing is a concern, we’ll work closely with your medical team to determine if jaw surgery is a potential part of your treatment plan. Your orthodontic care plays a key role in preparing the bite and jaw alignment for a more effective, long-term airway solution.
Impacted Canines
Canines are important when it comes to your oral health and orthodontic treatment. But sometimes, canines can become impacted which can damage nearby teeth. Luckily, Dr. Hill is skilled in canine tooth exposure. Get your oral health on track with expert surgical care.
MSE (marpe) for Non-Surgical Expansion
For teens and young adults with a narrow upper jaw, Maxillary Skeletal Expansion (MSE) offers a powerful, non-surgical way to create more space and improve bite alignment. Using a special appliance anchored by mini-implants, MSE gently widens the upper jaw at the skeletal level, not just the teeth. This advanced approach can help correct crossbites, support better breathing, and set the stage for a healthier, more balanced smile.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out these frequently asked questions, or call us to speak with our team.
No! You’ll be entirely numb during your procedure, and sedation options can further enhance your comfort. It is normal to experience some discomfort after your surgery is complete, but it can be managed with cold compresses, as well as medications as recommended by your doctor.
In some cases, your insurance provider may cover all or a portion of your treatment. This depends on your policy’s coverage. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about your dental insurance plan, but we recommend that you get in touch with your insurance provider to see if your recommended oral surgery, extraction, or other treatment is covered.
It may also be a good idea to file your claim with both your dental insurance provider and your medical insurance provider, as the surgery may qualify as a medically necessary procedure. Your oral surgeon's team can help provide guidance on the medical insurance side.
Orthognathic surgery is a corrective procedure that shifts a misaligned or improperly grown jaw bone into the proper position. This promotes good oral health as well as whole-body health. After undergoing corrective jaw surgery, patients are able to speak, breathe, chew, and bite properly while enhancing facial balance and aesthetics. During the procedure, your oral surgeon will make incisions behind your molars to create more mobility. From there, they will move your jaw into the proper position. Biocompatible plates and screws may be placed to ensure your jaw stays in the new placement and promote proper healing.
Start Your Smile Journey
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Whether you're considering treatment for yourself or your child, we're here to help. Contact us today to schedule your complimentary consultation and take the first step toward a healthy, confident smile.