Surgical Orthodontics In Los Angeles For A Balanced Bite And Face
Being told you might need jaw surgery is a lot to take in. It sounds serious, maybe even scary, and you probably have more questions than answers right now.
Take a breath. Surgical orthodontics is for the small number of cases where the jaws themselves, not just the teeth, need to be aligned. At Alpan Orthodontics, these complex cases are planned carefully around your whole face by Dr. Alpan, so if surgery truly is the answer, it is done for the right reasons and the right result.
When Is Jaw Surgery Actually Needed?
Here is the honest picture: most bite problems can be fixed with braces or aligners alone. Surgery comes into play only when the upper and lower jaws are so out of line that moving teeth cannot bridge the gap.
That can happen with a severe overbite or underbite, an open bite, or a jaw that sits noticeably off to one side. In these cases, the issue is the bones, not just the teeth, and aligning the jaws is what creates a bite that works and a face that looks balanced.
A Second Opinion Before You Commit To Surgery
Already been told you need surgery? Before you agree to anything, it is worth a careful second look.
Dr. Alpan’s whole approach is built around the least invasive path that still gets a great result. Sometimes a case that looks surgical can be guided in another direction, especially when growth is still on your side. And when surgery genuinely is needed, you will understand exactly why, so you can move forward with confidence instead of fear.
How Surgical Orthodontics Works
So how does the whole process actually come together? It happens in stages, and you are guided through each one.
First, Dr. Alpan uses braces or aligners to line up your teeth so they will fit correctly once your jaws are in the right position. Next, an oral surgeon performs the jaw surgery itself, working from the plan Dr. Alpan has mapped out. Afterward, a final phase of orthodontic care fine-tunes your bite so everything settles into place.
It is teamwork, with Dr. Alpan guiding the orthodontic plan from start to finish.
What To Expect
Wondering what the road ahead looks like? Surgical treatment is a longer journey, and being honest about that upfront matters.
Because it involves multiple phases and healing time, a surgical case takes longer than standard braces, often well over a year. Your consultation will take real time too, since there is a lot to plan and explain. You will leave understanding each step, not just holding a diagnosis.
And when it is all done, your smile does not stop being cared for. It moves into lifetime care, so the result you worked so hard for stays stable for years.
Why Whole-Face Planning Matters For Surgery
Here is what makes a real difference in a surgical case: the plan has to account for far more than straight teeth.
Jaw surgery changes your bite, your profile, and even your airway, all at once. Dr. Alpan treats the face, the bite, the TMJ, and the airway as one connected system, so your plan is built around how everything works together. As a TMJ specialist and an airway-trained orthodontist, he brings a rare depth to exactly the kind of case where those things matter most.
He has also created more than 25,000 treatment plans and trained more than 12,000 doctors, so even a complex surgical case is mapped by someone others turn to for the hard ones.
Common Questions About Surgical Orthodontics
How do I know if I really need jaw surgery?
Surgery is only needed when the jaws themselves are misaligned, not just the teeth, such as a severe overbite, underbite, or open bite. Dr. Alpan will examine your bite, jaw, and airway and tell you honestly whether surgery is necessary or whether another option could work. You will never be pushed toward surgery you do not need.
Does Dr. Alpan perform the jaw surgery?
The surgery itself is performed by an oral surgeon, while Dr. Alpan designs and manages the orthodontic plan before, during, and after. He coordinates the whole process, so your care stays connected from start to finish. You get a specialist guiding every orthodontic step.
Is there any way to avoid jaw surgery?
Sometimes, yes, especially when treatment starts while a patient is still growing. Dr. Alpan favors the least invasive path that still achieves a healthy, balanced result. A consultation is the best way to learn whether a non-surgical option is realistic for your case.
How long does surgical orthodontic treatment take?
It varies, but because it includes orthodontic care before and after surgery plus healing time, it usually takes longer than standard braces, often more than a year. Dr. Alpan will give you a clear timeline as part of your plan. Every phase is mapped out so you know what to expect.
Can jaw surgery help with sleep or breathing problems?
In some cases, yes. Correcting how the jaws sit can open the airway, which is one reason Dr. Alpan’s airway training matters for these cases. He will assess whether your breathing is part of the picture during your consultation.
Ready For A Clear, Honest Answer?
A possible surgery is not a decision to make on your own or in a rush. The best next step is a careful evaluation from a specialist who plans these cases around your whole face.
With offices across Los Angeles, from Downtown LA and Century City to Pasadena and the Valley, expert guidance is close by. Book your consultation today and get real answers about your bite, your jaw, and your options.