Before your surgery, orthodontic braces move the teeth into a new position. Because your teeth are being   moved into a position that will fit together after surgery, you may at first think your bite is getting worse rather than better. When your OMS reposition your jaws during surgery, however, your teeth should fit together properly. As your pre-surgical orthodontic treatment nears completion, additional or updated records, including x-rays, pictures and models of your teeth, may be taken to help guide your surgery.

Depending on the procedure, surgery may be performed under general anesthesia in a hospital, an ambulatory   surgical center or in the OMS office. Surgery may take from one to several hours to complete. Your OMS will reposition the jawbones in accordance with your specific needs. In some cases, bone may be added, taken away or reshaped. Surgical plates, screws, wires and rubber bands may be used to hold your jaws in their new positions. Incisions are usually made inside the mouth to reduce visible scarring; however, some cases do require small incisions outside of the mouth. When this is necessary, care is taken to minimize   their appearance.

After reconstructive jaw surgery, your OMS will provide instructions for a modified diet, which may include solids and liquids, as well as a schedule for transitioning to a normal diet. You may also be asked to refrain from using tobacco products and avoid strenuous physical activity. Pain following surgery is easily controlled with medication and patients are generally able to return to work or school from one to three weeks after surgery, depending on how they are feeling. While the initial recovery phase is about six weeks, complete healing of the jaws takes between nine and 12 months.