JAW SURGERY · ORTHOGNATHIC SURGERY · WASHINGTON DC
Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery) in Washington, DC | Georgetown Orthodontics
For cases where jaw irregularities are beyond what braces or aligners can correct alone, orthognathic surgery offers a permanent solution — with Georgetown Orthodontics providing continuity of care throughout.
CLINICAL OVERVIEW
What Orthognathic Surgery Is
Orthognathic surgery is the surgical correction of jaw irregularities — performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, with Georgetown Orthodontics providing orthodontic care before and after the surgical procedure. It's indicated for cases where the jaw relationship is beyond what orthodontics alone can correct.
Conditions Treated
- TMJ/TMD — chronic jaw joint pain and dysfunction
- Severe underbite or overbite beyond orthodontic correction
- Open bite — front teeth don't make contact when mouth is closed
- Sleep apnea related to jaw anatomy
- Protruding or receding jaw
- Facial asymmetry
- Trauma injury affecting jaw structure
The Process
Pre-surgical orthodontics
6–18 months of braces to align the teeth within each jaw before surgery.
Jaw surgery
Outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. The oral surgeon repositions the jaw(s). Georgetown Orthodontics coordinates closely with the surgical team.
Post-surgical orthodontics
Final orthodontic refinement and retention after surgical healing (typically 4–8 weeks post-surgery).
WHAT TO EXPECT
The coordination between Georgetown Orthodontics and Washington, DC-area oral surgeons means you have continuity throughout the process — one orthodontist who knows your case from start to finish, working in close partnership with a trusted surgical specialist.
We partner with many top-ranked oral surgeons in the Washington, DC area. Dr. Blackwood will discuss the appropriate surgical partnership for your specific case at your consultation.
The recovery from jaw surgery is generally 4–8 weeks. Most patients describe the recovery as manageable, particularly knowing what the procedure resolves long-term. The orthodontic care after surgery — the final refinement — is typically the easiest part of the process.
A note about non-surgical paths — from Dr. Blackwood:
Dr. Blackwood will tell you whether surgery is indicated for your case — and if it's not, there's always a non-surgical path to evaluate first. Many patients who come in expecting to hear “you need surgery” leave with a more conservative treatment plan. The evaluation determines the recommendation.