Orthognathic (Jaw) Surgery in Greensboro, NC

Orthognathic surgery, or corrective jaw surgery, repositions the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both to fix significant skeletal differences that braces or clear aligners cannot correct on their own. At Robert Stoner Orthodontics in Greensboro, our board-certified orthodontists provide the orthodontic care that surrounds the procedure and coordinate closely with a trusted oral and maxillofacial surgeon, who performs the surgery.

Most bite problems can be corrected with braces or clear aligners alone. But when the upper and lower jaws are sized or positioned very differently, moving the teeth is not enough, the jaws themselves need to be aligned. That is what orthognathic surgery does. It improves how you chew, speak, and breathe, and it brings the face into better balance. If your case may call for it, we will guide you through every step and make sure you are cared for by an experienced surgical team.

What Orthognathic Surgery Corrects

Corrective jaw surgery treats skeletal differences in the facial bones, especially the jaws, that affect both function and appearance. It may be recommended for:

• A severe underbite, overbite, or open bite
• A significant crossbite
• Noticeable facial asymmetry or a jaw that is set too far forward or back
• A marked size difference between the upper and lower jaws
• Difficulty chewing, biting, or swallowing tied to jaw position
• Trouble speaking clearly because of how the jaws meet
• In some cases, breathing or sleep problems linked to jaw structure (often evaluated alongside our airway orthodontics care)

Who Is a Candidate?

Orthognathic surgery is usually considered when a jaw difference is skeletal, meaning it comes from the size or position of the bones rather than the teeth, and when that difference is too large for orthodontics alone to fix. Because it works best once jaw growth is complete, it is most often recommended for older teens and adults. With today’s advanced orthodontic techniques, some cases that once required surgery can now be treated without it, so the first step is always a careful evaluation. We will tell you honestly whether surgery is the right path or whether orthodontics alone can achieve your goals.

How Treatment Works: A Coordinated Team

Jaw surgery is a team effort between your orthodontist and an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. The journey usually follows four stages:

1. Pre-surgical orthodontics. First, we use braces or aligners to position your teeth so they will fit together correctly once your jaws are realigned. This phase prepares your bite for surgery and can take several months.
2. Surgery. The oral surgeon repositions the jaw or jaws and secures them with titanium plates and miniature screws, which provide stability and predictable healing. Procedures are planned in advance using digital imaging and computerized treatment planning, which helps shorten surgery and recovery time and lets you preview the functional and aesthetic results.
3. Healing. You will have a recovery period during which your jaw heals. Thanks to modern techniques and materials, many patients return to their normal routines sooner than they expect. Your surgeon will give you specific guidance for your case.
4. Post-surgical orthodontics. Once you have healed, we fine-tune your bite with orthodontics and then move you into retention with a retainer to protect your new, balanced result.

Why Choose Coordinated Care

The success of jaw surgery depends on precise teamwork between the orthodontist and the surgeon, before, during, and after the procedure. We plan your treatment together from the start, so your bite, your jaw alignment, and your facial balance all come together into one cohesive result. You are supported the entire way, from your first evaluation to your final retainer.