Orthognathic Surgery in Atlanta, GA

Braces fix malocclusion in most cases, but not all. Severe bite problems may need to be corrected with orthodontic (orthognathic) surgery by a specially trained oral surgeon in conjunction with a skilled orthodontist. Board-certified orthodontists Dr. Ruchir Patel and Dr. Kal Thakkar of iClear Orthodontics are available to consult with residents of the Atlanta area including Alpharetta, Roswell, and Kennesaw about orthodontic surgery.

What Is Orthodontic (Orthognathic) Surgery?

Orthodontic surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, is jaw surgery that corrects malocclusion, bite pattern issues or irregularities with the facial bones. Orthodontic surgery is done to improve a patient’s appearance, as well as to correct related speaking and breathing issues. Orthodontic surgery can be conducted as a stand-alone treatment or as a step in an overall orthodontic treatment plan that includes braces.

Who Is A Candidate For Orthodontic (Orthognathic) Surgery?

Orthodontic surgery is reserved for patients who have completely finished growing.  This means waiting until a male is approximately 18 years old and a female is 16 or older. If a younger patient requires orthodontic surgery, alternative treatment options, such as braces, may be used until the patient is old enough for orthodontic surgery.

Who Performs Orthodontic (Orthognathic) Surgery?

An oral and maxillofacial surgeon partners with Dr. Patel and Dr. Thakkar to perform orthognathic surgery. Four years of dental school and an additional four years of a hospital-based residency are required for all oral and maxillofacial surgeons.

How Do I Know If I Need Orthodontic (Orthognathic) Surgery?

The best way to determine whether you need orthodontic surgery is to consult with Dr. Patel and Dr. Thakkar first and then an oral surgeon. Signs that you may need surgery include chronic headaches, jaw popping and difficulty chewing. The signs often begin at a young age with severe symptoms.

What Does Surgical Orthodontic (Orthognathic) Treatment Entail?

Some patients wear braces for a while before the need for orthodontic surgery is identified. If your bite problems seem to get worse as your teeth begin to move, surgery may be required to move your teeth into the right position.

What is accomplished during your procedure and how long the procedure will take is determined on a case-by-case basis. Both depend upon how much correction needs to be made and factors such as whether work is being done on one jaw or two, and if any bones need to be cut.

After orthodontic surgery, patients typically need to wait two weeks before returning to school or work. It takes at least four to six weeks for the jaw to fully heal. A follow-up visit with Dr. Patel and Dr. Thakkar will be scheduled after the bone and soft tissues have healed to monitor progress. Patients with braces will have adjustments made until their braces are removed and then a retainer will be worn for maintenance.

What Are The Benefits Of Having Orthodontic (Orthognathic) Surgery?

Either alone or in conjunction with braces, orthognathic surgery delivers an improved smile. Regardless of the jaw or bite abnormality you may have had, the surgery alleviates symptoms and improves your appearance.

How Much Does Orthodontic (Orthognathic) Surgery Cost in Atlanta, GA?

The cost of orthognathic surgery varies based on each individual patient’s requirements.  Health or dental insurance sometimes covers a portion or the full cost of orthodontic surgery. Your coverage may vary based upon whether your procedure is cosmetic or health-related. It is important to check your policy’s coverage.

If you have Flexible Spending Account dollars available through your employer, your pre-tax dollars can be applied to the cost orthodontic surgery.

To give all patients access to quality orthodontic treatment, iClear Orthodontics offers many payment plans to help make orthodontic surgery more affordable. iClear Orthodontics offers interest-free in-house financing which divides the total cost of treatment into reasonable monthly payments for the duration of your treatment.

Options also exist to extend payments beyond your treatment period. In addition to traditional credit cards, iClear Orthodontics accepts CareCredit® cards that extend financing up to 60 months with a reduced APR and fixed monthly payments. Customizable OrthoFi is available to design a flexible payment plan. With OrthoFi, you are able to select the down payment and ongoing monthly payment amounts.

Anytime you are considering surgery, it is important to feel comfortable with your doctor and fully understand what the procedure entails. If you are a resident of the Greater Atlanta area and have questions regarding orthodontic surgery, please contact Dr. Ruchir Patel and Dr. Kal Thakkar at iClear Orthodontists for an appointment at our Alpharetta, Roswell or Kennesaw location.