Can Braces Fix Your Bite, or Do You Need Corrective Jaw Surgery?

Braces can move your teeth, but they can’t always fix a bite problem if your jaws aren’t lined up right. If your upper or lower jaw is out of position, corrective jaw surgery in West Hollywood may be the best way to address what’s behind your bite issues.

At Sunset Oral & Facial Surgery, Dr. David Salehani looks at bite problems from every angle, including your tooth position, jaw alignment, facial balance, and airway.

When Are Braces Enough for a Bite Problem?

Braces or clear aligners can help when your main concern is how your teeth are positioned. If your teeth are crowded, spaced, rotated, or tilted, orthodontic treatment can improve how your bite fits together.

If your jaw bones are already in a good position, orthodontics alone can often guide your teeth into better alignment without surgery. The main thing to figure out is whether your bite problem starts with your teeth, your jaws, or both.

When Might Corrective Jaw Surgery Be Needed?

Corrective jaw surgery, also called orthognathic surgery, may be needed if your upper and lower jaws don’t fit together the way they should. The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons explains that jaw surgery can help with breathing, chewing, and speaking problems.

Signs that may point to a jaw alignment problem include:

• A severe underbite, overbite, open bite, or crossbite
• Trouble biting, chewing, speaking, or closing your lips comfortably
• Facial imbalance, jaw asymmetry, or jaw position that affects breathing during sleep

Jaw surgery can change facial balance since your jaws support the lower part of your face, but the main goal is always to improve how your bite works.

How Do Orthodontists and Oral Surgeons Work Together?

For most people, braces vs jaw surgery isn’t an either-or decision. Orthodontics often gets your teeth ready before surgery and fine-tunes your bite afterward.

Mayo Clinic explains that jaw surgery may be needed when braces alone can’t fix the jaw problem. Your orthodontist and oral surgeon work together to see if surgery should be part of your treatment.

What Happens During a Jaw Surgery Consultation?

At Sunset Oral & Facial Surgery, Dr. David Salehani, DDS, MD is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon. With a background in dentistry, medicine, and surgery, he can look at whether your bite problem involves your teeth, jaws, airway, or facial structure.

During a consultation for corrective jaw surgery in West Hollywood, he may review your symptoms, examine your bite, and use imaging like X-rays, CT scans, or 3D models. Virtual Surgical Planning can also help map your jaw movements before surgery.

FAQ

Can braces fix an underbite or open bite?
Sometimes. If the problem comes mostly from tooth position, orthodontics may help. If your jaws are misaligned, surgery may need to be part of the plan.

Is corrective jaw surgery only cosmetic?
No. Corrective jaw surgery is often planned for bite function, chewing, speech, jaw alignment, or airway concerns. Facial changes can happen because your jaw supports your face.

Do I need a referral before seeing an oral surgeon?
Not always. You can come through an orthodontist, dentist, or physician, but a consultation can clarify whether the issue involves your teeth, jaws, or both.

Schedule a Corrective Jaw Surgery Consultation in West Hollywood

If you’re unsure whether braces can fix your bite problem, schedule an evaluation with Sunset Oral & Facial Surgery in West Hollywood. Dr. Salehani will examine your bite, jaw alignment, and facial structure and explain whether corrective jaw surgery belongs in your treatment plan.