Surgical Orthodontics in Greenville, SC

Jaw Correction Coordinated With Trusted Oral Surgeons

Orthodontist talking with a patient in a treatment room

Advanced Orthodontic Solutions Beyond Braces

Surgical orthodontics in Greenville, SC, at Katie Pizzo Orthodontics is a coordinated treatment that combines braces with corrective jaw surgery to address misalignments that cannot be resolved through tooth movement alone. When the jaw itself is the source of the problem, repositioning it is the only way to achieve a stable, functional result. Dr. Katie manages the full orthodontic side of this process, working alongside trusted oral and maxillofacial surgeons so that every phase of your treatment is planned and coordinated with precision.

Greenville is a city where people are active and visible, from the trails along the Swamp Rabbit to the stands at Fluor Field, and jaw problems that affect how you chew, speak, or feel about your appearance do not stay in the background for long. If you have been told your case is complex or that surgery may be part of your path, a complimentary consultation with Dr. Katie is the right place to start.

What Is Surgical Orthodontics?

Jaw repositioning surgery paired with orthodontic treatment corrects skeletal discrepancies, meaning the bones themselves, not just how the teeth are positioned. Braces prepare the teeth before surgery, the surgeon repositions the jaw, and orthodontic treatment continues afterward to finalize the bite. The process is coordinated from start to finish because the outcome depends on how well each phase connects to the next.

Conditions That May Require Surgical Orthodontics

Surgical orthodontics may be recommended for:

  • Severe overbite or underbite
  • Open bite that does not respond to orthodontic treatment
  • Crossbite involving jaw structure
  • Significant jaw asymmetry
  • Difficulty chewing, biting, or speaking related to jaw alignment
  • Obstructive sleep apnea connected to jaw positioning
  • Facial imbalance caused by jaw disproportion
  • Complex cases following trauma or congenital conditions

Benefits of Surgical Orthodontics

Surgical bite correction addresses more than appearance. When the jaw is structurally aligned, patients often notice improvements that go beyond how their smile looks.

During your consultation, Dr. Katie will help you understand which of these outcomes apply to your specific case and what you can realistically expect from treatment.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Surgical Orthodontics?

This treatment may be a good option for:

Adults or teens who have finished jaw growth and have a skeletal misalignment that braces alone cannot correct

Patients with a severe overbite, underbite, or open bite that has not responded to orthodontic treatment

Individuals with jaw asymmetry affecting chewing, speaking, or facial balance

Patients dealing with chronic jaw pain or bite-related discomfort with a structural cause

Those who have been advised by a dentist or specialist that surgery may be necessary

During your consultation, Dr. Katie will review your records and give you a clear answer on whether surgical orthodontics is the right fit for your case.

What to Expect During Treatment

Treatment moves through three connected phases:
  • Braces or Invisalign® are used to align the teeth within each arch and prepare for surgery.
  • This phase often takes 12 to 18 months and may feel counterintuitive at first, as the teeth are being positioned for surgery rather than final appearance.
  • Performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, this step repositions one or both jaws.
  • Return to normal activity is dependent on your jaw surgeon.
  • Once healing is confirmed, orthodontic treatment resumes to refine alignment and finalize the bite.
  • Retainers are worn after treatment to maintain results.
Total treatment time is typically two to three years depending on case complexity.

Why Patients Choose Katie Pizzo Orthodontics for Surgical Orthodontics

Surgical orthodontic treatment is a significant commitment, and the orthodontist managing your case matters.

Precise Pre-Surgical Planning
The success of jaw repositioning surgery depends heavily on how well the teeth are positioned beforehand. Dr. Katie uses detailed records, including X-rays, digital scans, and photographs, to plan pre-surgical tooth movement with the surgical outcome in mind from the start.
Dr. Katie works in close communication with the oral and maxillofacial surgeon throughout your treatment. You will never feel like you are navigating between two offices that are not talking to each other.
At Katie Pizzo Orthodontics, you work directly with Dr. Katie throughout your treatment, not a rotating staff. For a multi-year process like surgical orthodontics, that consistency makes a real difference.
Your first visit is at no cost. Come in, review your records, ask questions, and get a clear picture of what treatment involves before committing to anything.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I too old for surgical orthodontics?

Surgery is typically done after jaw growth is complete, usually late teens for females and early twenties for males. There is no upper age limit. A consultation will confirm what is appropriate for your situation.

Most patients should plan for two to three years total, covering pre-surgical orthodontics, surgery, recovery, and the post-surgical orthodontic phase.

We accept and submit claims for all insurance plans. Providers we work with include, but are not limited to, Aetna, Cigna, Delta Dental, MetLife, UnitedHealthcare, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Flexible financing options are also available. Our team will walk you through your benefits so you know exactly what to expect before treatment begins.

Retainers are required to maintain results. Dr. Katie will go over your retention plan before treatment concludes.

Schedule Your Consultation in Greenville, SC

If you have been told your case requires surgery, or if jaw alignment has been an ongoing concern, a consultation with Dr. Katie is the right next step. She will review your records, answer your questions, and give you a straightforward picture of your options.

Call us or request an appointment online. We see patients from Greenville, Simpsonville, Greer, Travelers Rest, Fountain Inn, and throughout the Upstate.

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