Surgical Orthodontics in Everett, WA
Surgical orthodontics, also called orthognathic treatment, combines braces with corrective jaw surgery to fix severe bite and skeletal problems that braces alone cannot. At Advanced Orthodontics Everett, board-certified orthodontist Dr. Lauren Lewandowski plans and coordinates this care with a trusted oral and maxillofacial surgeon, guiding you through every stage.
For most patients, braces or clear aligners are all it takes to create a healthy, beautiful smile. But when the upper and lower jaws are significantly out of balance, moving the teeth is only part of the answer. Surgical orthodontics corrects the position of the jaws themselves, so your bite works the way it should for the rest of your life. Dr. Lewandowski has the training and the published research experience to plan these complex cases with confidence.
What Is Surgical Orthodontics?
Surgical orthodontics treats skeletal problems, meaning the jaws are the wrong size or in the wrong position relative to one another. Braces move teeth, but they cannot move the jawbones. When the imbalance is severe, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon repositions the jaw, while the orthodontist aligns the teeth before and after surgery so everything fits together. This combined approach is the standard of care for true skeletal cases.
When Is Jaw Surgery Needed?
Most people never need surgery. It is usually considered only for adults whose jaws have finished growing and who have a significant skeletal imbalance, such as:
- A severe underbite or overbite that braces alone cannot correct
- An open bite where the front teeth do not meet
- Noticeable facial asymmetry or a markedly receding chin
- Difficulty chewing, biting, or speaking from a misaligned jaw
- Some cases related to obstructive sleep apnea and airway concerns
Dr. Lewandowski will tell you honestly whether surgery is truly needed, or whether a non-surgical option can reach your goals.
How Coordinated Treatment Works
Surgical orthodontic care happens in three stages, and Dr. Lewandowski guides you through all of them:
- Before surgery: You wear braces to align your teeth into their correct positions. This phase prepares your smile so the jaws fit together properly once they are repositioned.
- The surgery: A skilled oral and maxillofacial surgeon performs the jaw procedure in a hospital or surgical setting. Dr. Lewandowski coordinates the timing and the surgical plan closely with your surgeon.
- After surgery: You continue with orthodontic treatment to fine-tune your bite as you heal, followed by retainers to protect your result.
Expert, Research-Informed Care
Complex cases call for a true specialist. Dr. Lewandowski is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, and she has contributed to published research in this exact area: she co-authored a 2024 study in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics on how adults with anterior open bite weigh their treatment options, including jaw surgery. That depth of experience means you are in capable, thoughtful hands from your first consultation through your final result.
Schedule a Consultation in Everett
If you have been told you may need jaw surgery, or you have a bite that braces alone have not fixed, Dr. Lewandowski can help you understand your options. Call Advanced Orthodontics Everett at (425) 745-6322 or request your complimentary consultation online. Proudly serving Everett, Mill Creek, Lynnwood, and the surrounding communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
We know you may have questions about orthodontic care and what to expect along the way. This section offers clear, straightforward answers to help you understand how treatment works and how we support you through each step. It’s an easy way to learn more before your first visit and feel confident about your smile journey.
Does Dr. Lewandowski perform the jaw surgery?
No. The jaw surgery itself is performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Dr. Lewandowski plans your case, provides the braces phase before and after surgery, and coordinates closely with your surgeon so your treatment is seamless.
Do I really need surgery, or can braces fix it?
Most bite problems are corrected with braces or aligners alone. Surgery is reserved for severe skeletal imbalances in adults. Dr. Lewandowski will always recommend the most conservative option that can give you a lasting result.
How long does surgical orthodontic treatment take?
It varies by case, but combined treatment often spans about one to two years, including the braces phases before and after surgery. You will receive a personalized timeline at your consultation.
Will insurance cover corrective jaw surgery?
Because orthognathic surgery is often medically necessary, it may be covered in part by medical insurance, separate from orthodontic benefits. We will help you understand your coverage and offer flexible financing for the orthodontic portion.