Sometimes
braces alone can’t give you the smile you deserve. When your jaw itself is the issue, orthodontic surgery offers a path to lasting correction that changes not just how you look, but how you eat, breathe, and speak.
Dr. Gass and his skilled team at Lanier Orthodontics work closely with respected oral surgeons to coordinate surgical orthodontic care for families throughout
Dawsonville and the surrounding communities. From your first free consult to your final retainer check, you’ll have guidance at every step.
What Is Orthodontic Surgery?
Orthodontic surgery (also called orthognathic surgery) is a corrective jaw procedure that repositions the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both to address skeletal misalignments that braces or Invisalign cannot correct on their own. It restores proper bite function, improves breathing, and creates facial balance.
While traditional orthodontic treatment moves teeth within the jawbone, orthodontic surgery repositions the jawbone itself. Think of it this way: if your teeth are misaligned but your jaw is properly positioned, braces can do the job beautifully. But if your upper and lower jaws don’t fit together correctly because of how they grew, no amount of tooth movement will create a stable, functional bite. The jaw structure itself needs to change.
Dr. Wesley Gass, a skilled orthodontist serving Dawsonville and surrounding communities, uses detailed diagnostic imaging to evaluate whether jaw surgery is the right path for your family. A small but significant number of people have a jaw discrepancy severe enough to benefit from orthognathic surgery. The procedure treats several conditions:
- Severe underbite where the lower jaw extends too far forward
- Significant overbite with the upper jaw positioned too far ahead
- Open bite where the front teeth don’t meet when you close your mouth
- Jaw asymmetry causing the face to appear uneven
- Breathing difficulties related to jaw structure
- Chronic jaw soreness or headaches tied to skeletal misalignment
Orthodontic surgery isn’t about cosmetics alone. It restores proper function so you can chew food effectively, breathe more easily, and speak clearly. Many families who pursue this treatment have dealt with these daily challenges for years before finding a real solution.
During your free consultation at Lanier Orthodontics in Dawsonville, Dr. Gass evaluates whether surgical intervention might be right for you. Our diagnostic imaging helps us see exactly what’s happening with your jaw structure, so you get an honest, informed assessment from the start.
What Are the Benefits of Orthodontic Surgery?
Orthodontic surgery at Lanier Orthodontics in Dawsonville can restore proper jaw alignment, improve daily function like chewing and breathing, and create lasting facial balance. Choosing orthodontic surgery is a big decision, and families who go through with it consistently tell us the results were worth it. Here’s what makes it worthwhile:
- It corrects what braces cannot. Some jaw discrepancies are too severe for orthodontic appliances alone. Surgery addresses the root cause of misalignment rather than just compensating for it. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, skeletal discrepancies that affect both function and appearance often require a combined surgical and orthodontic approach for stable, long-term results.
- Your daily life gets easier. Families often notice real improvements in chewing ability after healing, along with better breathing (especially during sleep) and clearer speech patterns. These aren’t small changes. For someone who has struggled to bite into an apple or breathe comfortably through their nose, the difference is significant.
- Jaw repositioning naturally improves facial symmetry, too. Your profile changes, your chin aligns properly, and your features come into better proportion. Because surgery corrects the underlying skeletal issue, these results remain stable for decades, not just years. That kind of permanence matters when you’re investing in your health.
- Confidence follows. Families tell us they smile more, feel more at ease in photos, and carry themselves differently after treatment. Finally having a smile and profile that feel right makes a noticeable difference in daily life. It’s one of those changes that touches everything, from job interviews to family photos.
Dr. Gass and the team at Lanier Orthodontics take time to explain exactly what surgery can accomplish for your specific situation. Everyone should have a smile they love, and sometimes that means going beyond traditional orthodontics. Our Dawsonville office is equipped to help.
What Should You Expect During the Orthodontic Surgery Process?
The orthodontic surgery process at Lanier Orthodontics involves five phases: free consult, pre-surgical braces, the surgical procedure, post-surgical orthodontics, and retention. Upgrading your smile through orthodontic surgery takes coordination, and our Dawsonville team has made the process as straightforward as possible.
Step 1: Your Free Consult and Diagnostic Imaging
Everything starts with a thorough evaluation at our Dawsonville office. Detailed images of your teeth, jaw, and facial structure help Dr. Gass understand exactly what’s causing your bite issues and whether surgery is the right solution.
You’ll leave this first visit with a clear picture of your options. No pressure, no obligation. Just honest answers about what your jaw needs.
Step 2: Pre-Surgical Orthodontic Treatment
Before surgery, you’ll wear braces for several months to a year or more. This phase positions your teeth so they’ll fit together correctly once your jaw is repositioned.
It might seem backward to wear braces first, but preparation at this stage is essential. Your teeth need to be in specific positions for the surgical result to work. Dr. Gass monitors your progress throughout this phase and stays in close communication with your oral surgeon to make sure everything is tracking toward the surgical plan.
Step 3: The Surgical Procedure
An oral surgeon performs the actual surgery at a hospital or surgical center. The procedure repositions your upper jaw, lower jaw, or both, depending on your needs. Modern techniques often allow surgeons to work entirely inside the mouth, leaving no visible scars.
Your care team coordinates closely with the surgeon throughout this phase, reviewing imaging and confirming that the surgical plan aligns with your orthodontic goals.
Step 4: Post-Surgical Orthodontics
After healing, you’ll return to Lanier Orthodontics for the finishing phase. Your braces remain on while Dr. Gass fine-tunes your bite and makes sure everything settles into the ideal position. This phase typically takes several months and involves regular visits so the team can track how your bite is responding.
Step 5: Retention for Long-Term Success
Once your braces come off, retainers keep everything in place. You’ll get clear instructions on how to use them, and follow-up visits let us monitor your results over time. Retention is the phase that protects everything you’ve invested in, so we take it seriously and make sure your family knows exactly what to expect going forward.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Orthodontic Surgery in Dawsonville?
Candidates for orthodontic surgery typically include families dealing with severe bite discrepancies, jaw growth imbalances, or functional difficulties that braces alone cannot resolve. Not everyone with bite issues needs surgery. Here’s who typically benefits most:
Families Dealing with Severe Bite Issues
Often find that a pronounced overbite, underbite, or crossbite won’t respond to orthodontic appliances alone. Some have tried
other treatments without success and finally get the results they wanted through surgical correction. Orthodontic surgery in Dawsonville gives these families a local, coordinated option for care.
Jaw Growth Discrepancies
Happen when the upper and lower jaws grow at different rates or in different directions. The resulting misalignment can’t be addressed through tooth movement alone, no matter how long you wear braces. The bone itself needs to be repositioned for a stable result.
Younger patients must wait until their jaws stop growing, typically around age 16 to 18 for girls and 18 to 21 for boys. Surgery before growth is complete can lead to relapse. That said, there’s no upper age limit. Families in their 20s, 40s, and beyond have achieved the bite correction they needed through this approach. Adult orthodontics is more common than many people realize, and surgical cases are no exception.
If you have trouble chewing certain foods, breathing through your nose, or deal with jaw soreness and headaches, these functional issues often point to jaw misalignment that surgery can address. Orthognathic surgery has a very high success rate for correcting these skeletal discrepancies, and most families who go through the process are glad they did.
The best way to know if you’re a candidate is to schedule a free consult at Lanier Orthodontics. Dr. Gass will examine your bite, review imaging, and give you an honest assessment of your options.
Why Dawsonville Families Trust Lanier Orthodontics for Surgical Care
Surgical orthodontic treatment requires a team you can count on. Families across Dawsonville and surrounding areas choose Lanier Orthodontics because the practice treats every family like their own, and that matters most when you’re facing something as involved as jaw surgery.
Dr. Gass works with respected oral surgeons in the region, and this collaboration ensures your pre-surgical preparation and post-surgical finishing align precisely with your surgical plan. Every jaw is different, so the team uses advanced diagnostic technology to create a treatment plan tailored specifically to you rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.
Orthodontic surgery represents a significant investment, and Lanier Orthodontics offers flexible payment options with low monthly payment plans that fit a range of budgets. The goal is to make treatment accessible for every family.
We’re not just in orthodontics — we’re adding value to people’s lives. In practice, that looks like thorough follow-up visits, clear communication about what to expect at each stage, and genuine concern for your comfort throughout the entire treatment process. The family-friendly atmosphere makes even complex treatment feel manageable. Families regularly mention in reviews that the team’s attentiveness and warmth stood out, especially during longer treatment plans like surgical cases.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontic Surgery
How long does orthodontic surgery recovery take?
Most families need two to six weeks for initial recovery. Many return to work or school within two weeks, though soft foods are necessary during early healing. Complete bone healing takes several months, but you’ll feel significantly better well before that point. Dr. Gass and the team at Lanier Orthodontics provide detailed recovery instructions and schedule follow-up visits to make sure healing stays on track.
Is orthodontic surgery safe and manageable?
You’ll be under general anesthesia during the procedure, so you won’t feel anything. Afterward, prescription medication manages discomfort effectively. Most families describe recovery as manageable, with swelling that fades gradually over the first few weeks. The Lanier Orthodontics team in Dawsonville checks in regularly during your recovery period to make sure everything is progressing well.
How much does orthodontic surgery cost?
Cost varies based on the complexity of your case and which jaws need repositioning. The total investment typically includes pre-surgical braces, the surgical procedure itself, and post-surgical orthodontic finishing. Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of orthognathic surgery when it’s medically necessary. During your free consult at Lanier Orthodontics in Dawsonville, the team will discuss costs and help you explore low monthly payment options.
Do I need braces before and after surgery?
Yes. Pre-surgical braces align your teeth so they’ll fit together properly once your jaw is repositioned. Post-surgical braces fine-tune your bite for stable, long-lasting results. Total time in braces typically ranges from 12 to 24 months. Types of braces options vary, and Dr. Gass will recommend the best approach for your surgical plan.
What is the difference between orthodontic surgery and regular jaw surgery?
Orthodontic surgery specifically targets bite alignment and jaw position to improve dental function and facial aesthetics. It’s always coordinated with orthodontic treatment before and after. Other jaw surgeries might address tumors, trauma, or conditions unrelated to bite correction.
Will I have visible scars after orthodontic surgery?
Most orthognathic surgery is performed entirely inside the mouth, leaving no visible external scars. In rare, complex cases, small external incisions may be needed, but these typically heal with minimal scarring.
Schedule Your Free Orthodontic Surgery Consult in Dawsonville
If you’ve been wondering whether your bite issues need more than braces, let’s talk about it. Your first visit at Lanier Orthodontics is completely free, with no obligation.
During your free consult, Dr. Wesley Gass will evaluate your bite, discuss your concerns, and explain whether surgical treatment could help you achieve the smile and function you deserve. You can also ask about timelines, recovery expectations, and what the process looks like from start to finish.
Low monthly payment options make treatment accessible. All smiles start with a free consultation.
Call us today at (706) 525-7797 or request your free consult online. Our Dawsonville team is here when you’re ready to talk about what’s going on with your bite.
