Surgical Orthodontics

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Taking Care Of Your Smile

At Harner Orthodontics, we want to help every patient obtain their best smile. That’s why we’re proud to offer exceptional orthodontics for patients of all ages, including Invisalign and braces. Our Huntington Beach office serves surrounding areas such as Fountain Valley and Seal Beach, so top-quality orthodontic care is always convenient and close by.

Surgical Orthodontics in Huntington Beach

In addition to perfectly straight teeth, a correctly aligned bite is essential to having a beautiful and healthy smile. In most cases, Dr. Harner can align your teeth and bite with Invisalign or braces alone. However, there are certain circumstances in which jaw surgery (also known as orthognathic surgery) combined with orthodontic treatment is necessary to achieve ideal results. 

When Are Orthodontics and Surgery Needed?

The following circumstances may necessitate orthodontics combined with orthognathic surgery:

  • Open bites (where only a few teeth touch when biting down completely instead of all teeth)
  • Severely weak/receding chins (overbites) or severely protruding chins (underbites)
  • Facial asymmetries or unbalanced facial appearance
  • Obstructive Sleep Apnea
  • Cleft palates or other birth defects
  • Facial trauma

What is a typical timeline for Orthodontic Surgical Treatment?

After determining that orthognathic surgery and orthodontics will be necessary to achieve ideal results, Dr. Harner will work closely with the oral and maxillofacial surgeon in order to coordinate overall treatment. Typically, the timeline is as follows:

  • Dr. Harner places your braces or Invisalign treatment and initial alignment of the upper and lower teeth is achieved. (approx. 12 months)
  • Orthognathic (jaw) surgery is performed by the oral and maxillofacial surgeon in order to position the jaws in an aesthetic and functional position that is balanced with the rest of the face. 
  • Continuation of orthodontic treatment for approx. 6-12 months post-surgery—this portion of the treatment allows Dr. Harner to fine-tune the positions of the teeth now that the jaw is in the correct positions so that the teeth meet together perfectly when biting and chewing.

Contact Your Huntington Beach Orthodontist Today!

If you have any questions regarding your need or your child’s need for orthognathic surgery, just give us a call at (714) 842-9933, and we will happily set up a consultation. Dr. Harner will be glad to evaluate your individual case and give you information regarding his findings and overall treatment recommendations. As your Huntington Beach orthodontist also serving Seal Beach and Fountain Valley, we are here to help you achieve your best smile! Schedule an appointment or contact us today. We can’t wait to hear from you!