Jaw

Surgical Orthodontics in Clive: Correcting Severe Bite & Jaw Problems

Suffering from chronic jaw pain, difficulty chewing, or feeling unhappy with your bite? These aren’t just cosmetic issues—they can impact your eating habits, sleep quality, and overall health. When traditional orthodontics falls short, surgical intervention becomes a life-changing option. At Oral Surgeons, PC in Clive, IA, we specialize in surgical orthodontics—combining braces and jaw surgery—to treat severe bite and jaw irregularities with precision and compassion.

Understanding Surgical Orthodontics

Surgical orthodontics bridges the gap between dentistry and oral surgery. It’s designed to correct significant bite misalignments—such as underbites, overbites, crossbites, and open bites—that cannot be addressed with braces alone. Here’s how it works:

· Orthodontic braces first align the teeth but don’t correct the underlying skeletal structure.

· Oral surgery second repositions the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both to create a balanced bite.

· Final orthodontic phase fine-tunes the alignment so teeth and jaw work harmoniously.

This three-part journey transforms both function and appearance—but also restores chewing efficiency, speech clarity, and facial balance.

Recognizing Severe Bite and Jaw Issues

Not all bite problems require surgery—but here are telltale signs that surgical orthodontics may be the solution:

· Deep Overbite: When your top teeth cover most of your lower teeth, often causing jaw strain.

· Underbite: Lower jaw protrudes past the upper jaw, leading to chewing difficulty.

· Crossbite: When upper and lower teeth don’t align correctly, causing uneven wear.

· Open Bite: Front teeth don’t touch when your mouth is closed, making biting and speech challenging.

If you're experiencing jaw tension, uneven tooth wear, or emotional stress because of these issues, the best oral surgeon in Clive can guide you toward relief.

Why Partner with a Skilled Clive Oral Surgeon

Surgical orthodontics demands expertise that only a certified oral surgeon Clive specialist can provide. At Oral Surgeons, PC, here’s how we stand apart:

· Board-certified surgeons: Our team includes Dr. Ryan Marsh, Dr. Michael Morio, and Dr. Michelle Peters—all with advanced training in jaw surgery.

· CT-guided planning: We use 3D imaging to map bone structure and simulation software that predicts surgical outcomes.

· Collaborative care: We work closely with your orthodontist and dental team to ensure synchronized treatment.

This level of professional integration ensures each procedure is precise and personalized, from braces to bone healing.

Step-by-Step: The Surgical Orthodontic Journey

1. Comprehensive Assessment

o We begin with a consultation to understand your concerns and goals.

o A detailed exam includes facial structure, bite analysis, and speech evaluation.

2. Orthodontic Preparation

o Braces reposition teeth to optimal locations ahead of surgery.

o This phase usually lasts 6–18 months.

3. Surgical Planning

o CBCT scans and virtual surgical planning create a roadmap.

o You’ll preview your new jaw positioning before going into surgery.

4. The Surgery Day

o Under general anesthesia, we reposition the jaw bones and secure them with plates or screws.

o Surgery usually lasts 2–4 hours depending on complexity.

5. Recovery Phase

o Initial healing takes about 2–4 weeks—swelling and discomfort are normal.

o A soft-food diet and gentle movement aid recovery.

6. Final Orthodontic Adjustment

o Once healing is underway, your orthodontist finishes fine-tuning the teeth.

o Total treatment spans 12–24 months from start to finish.

Transformative Benefits You’ll Experience

· Improved Bite Function: Chewing becomes easier and more efficient.

· Facial Symmetry: A balanced jawline creates a more confident appearance.

· Reduced Jaw Pain: Alleviates TMJ stress and chronic tension headaches.

· Enhanced Speech: Open bites and jaw misalignment can be corrected to support clearer articulation.

Surgical orthodontics offers more than a perfect smile—it improves wellbeing that extends across daily life.

Is Surgical Orthodontics Right for You?

This treatment suits patients who:

· Have significant bite misalignment that impacts daily function

· Are healthily capable of undergoing surgery

· Have braces in place—or are prepared for orthodontic treatment

· Understand that full recovery may take several months

You don’t have to figure this out alone. Your oral surgeon near me in Clive will support you in deciding if surgery is your path to better oral health.

What You Can Expect During Recovery

· First Week: Swelling is most intense—rest and head elevation help reduce it.

· Diet: Start with liquids then progress to soft foods like yogurt, smoothies, and scrambled eggs.

· Oral Care: Gentle brushing and saline rinses support healing without disturbing the surgical area.

· Follow-ups: A schedule of check-ins helps ensure healthy recovery and alignment.

Most patients resume normal activities within six weeks and enjoy full benefits within a few months.

Comparing Surgical Orthodontics to Alternatives

While aligners and braces offer improvements, some conditions are beyond their reach. Here’s how surgical orthodontics compares:

Problem Type

Braces/Aligners Only

With Surgical Orthodontics

Severe Overbite/Underbite

Can't address jawbone placement

Realign jaw to correct bite and appearance

Facial Imbalance

Little to no correction

Enhances symmetry and profile

Chewing or Breathing Difficulties

May help minimally

Significantly improved function and comfort

Jaw Pain or TMJ Symptoms

Limited relief

Reduces strain and tension long-term

For those seeking not just dental care but functional and aesthetic transformation, a Clive oral surgeon offers stronger solutions.

Financing and Insurance Support

Surgical orthodontic treatment often qualifies partially under dental insurance—particularly when jaw repositioning improves function or alleviates pain. At Oral Surgeons, PC:

· Our team verifies your insurance coverage in advance

· We offer financing plans to spread costs over time

· You’ll receive clear pricing and no surprise bills

We believe everyone should have access to transformative care, regardless of budget constraints.

Finding the Right Oral Surgery Partner

If you’ve searched “oral surgeon Clive” or “oral surgery near me,” look for these indicators of exceptional care:

· **Board certification and specialized training

· **Collaborative team approach

· **3D imaging and advanced planning tools

· **Patient-first environment with comfort options

· **Transparent communication and follow-through

At Oral Surgeons, PC in Clive, IA, we meet these standards and work to exceed them—because each patient deserves quality, empathy, and results that change lives.

If chronic jaw pain or bite issues have limited your life, you don’t have to settle. With surgical orthodontics, we address underlying skeletal misalignment—not just superficial aesthetics. Let our team guide you through a transformational process that results in better health, confidence, and quality of life.

Ready to explore your path to lasting relief and a beautifully aligned bite? Reach out to schedule a consultation with Oral Surgeons, PC in Clive today and take the first step toward long-term wellness.