Some bite and jaw alignment problems run deeper than teeth, and that’s where jaw surgery in Davenport, FL can help. Our orthodontists at Shannon Orthodontics work closely with trusted oral surgeons to plan and coordinate care from start to finish, giving you a healthy, confident smile and improved function for the long term.
What Is Orthognathic (Jaw) Surgery?
Orthognathic surgery, also called corrective jaw surgery, is a procedure that repositions the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both to correct skeletal and bite irregularities that braces alone cannot fix. It restores proper alignment, function, and facial balance. The surgery is performed by an oral surgeon and coordinated closely with your orthodontist.
This treatment is often recommended when the teeth and jaws don’t fit together correctly. While braces and Invisalign can move teeth into better positions, they can’t change the underlying structure of the jawbones. That’s where orthognathic surgery comes in.
Common issues corrected with jaw surgery include severe overbites, underbites, open bites, crossbites, and facial asymmetry. These conditions can affect chewing, speaking, breathing, and even sleep quality.
Our orthodontists at Shannon Orthodontics evaluate each case carefully. We use advanced imaging and treatment planning to determine whether jaw surgery is the right option for you. If it is, we coordinate every step with your oral surgeon so your care feels smooth and well-organized.
Jaw surgery is typically reserved for older teens and adults whose facial growth is complete. The goal is always the same: a stable bite, better function, and a balanced, healthy smile.
Benefits of Corrective Jaw Surgery
Corrective jaw surgery improves how your bite works and how your face looks, addressing functional problems with chewing, speech, breathing, and jaw pain while creating lasting bite stability. For many patients, those everyday gains matter as much as the visible change in their smile.
Here’s what corrective jaw surgery can do for you:
- Better chewing and biting. When your jaws line up properly, eating becomes easier and more comfortable.
- Clearer speech. Misaligned jaws can affect pronunciation. Surgery often improves how you speak.
- Relief from jaw pain and TMJ symptoms. A balanced bite reduces strain on the jaw joints and muscles, easing chronic pain and headaches.
- Improved facial balance. Repositioning the jaws can create a more symmetrical, natural-looking profile.
- Easier breathing. Many patients see real improvement in airway function, including reduced symptoms of sleep apnea.
- Long-term bite stability. Because the underlying skeletal issue is corrected, results tend to be stable for years to come.
The American Association of Orthodontists notes that pairing orthodontic treatment with jaw surgery can correct both the bite and the underlying jaw position together, something neither braces nor surgery can fully achieve on its own. That’s why coordinated care matters so much.
Patients often tell us they didn’t realize how much their bite was holding them back until after treatment. Meals that once felt like a chore become enjoyable again, conversations feel more relaxed, and a balanced smile brings a noticeable lift in everyday confidence.
The Jaw Surgery Process in Davenport, FL: What to Expect
The jaw surgery process involves three main phases: pre-surgical orthodontics, the surgery itself, and post-surgical orthodontics. Treatment typically takes 18 to 24 months from start to finish, with the orthodontist and oral surgeon working together at every stage to align your teeth, reposition your jaws, and finalize your bite.
Here’s a closer look at each step:
- Consultation and planning. Your first visit is a complimentary new patient exam at Shannon Orthodontics. Our orthodontists review your bite, take X-rays and 3D scans, and discuss whether surgery is right for you. If it is, we coordinate with an oral surgeon to build your treatment plan.
- Pre-surgical orthodontics. Before surgery, you’ll wear braces for roughly 12 to 18 months. This phase moves your teeth into the positions they’ll need to be in once the jaws are repositioned. Your bite may temporarily feel worse during this stage, which is expected.
- The surgical procedure. An oral surgeon performs the surgery in a hospital setting under general anesthesia. The jaws are repositioned and stabilized with small plates and screws. Most patients stay in the hospital for one to two nights.
- Recovery and healing. Initial healing takes about six weeks, with a softer-food diet during that time. Most patients return to work or school within two to four weeks. Full bone healing continues for several months.
- Post-surgical orthodontics. After healing, you’ll return to our practice so we can fine-tune your bite. This final phase usually takes six to twelve months. Once braces come off, you’ll wear retainers to keep your smile in place.
Here’s a quick summary of the three treatment phases and how long each one typically lasts:
| Phase | What Happens | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-surgical orthodontics | Braces align teeth for the new jaw position | 12 to 18 months |
| Surgical procedure | Oral surgeon repositions and stabilizes the jaws | 1 to 2 night hospital stay |
| Post-surgical orthodontics | Braces fine-tune the bite, then retainers maintain it | 6 to 12 months |
Are You a Candidate for Jaw Surgery?
You may be a candidate for jaw surgery if you have a severe bite issue that can’t be corrected with braces alone, your facial growth is complete (typically late teens and older), and you experience functional problems like difficulty chewing, speaking, or breathing. A thorough evaluation with our orthodontists is the only way to know for sure.
Common signs that jaw surgery may be recommended include:
- A severe overbite, underbite, or open bite
- A noticeably uneven or asymmetrical jaw
- Difficulty chewing, biting, or swallowing food
- Chronic jaw pain, TMJ disorder, or frequent headaches
- Trouble closing your lips comfortably
- Sleep apnea or chronic mouth breathing
- Speech problems related to jaw position
Timing matters with orthognathic surgery. Because the procedure repositions the jawbones, we generally wait until skeletal growth has stopped. For most patients, that means the late teens or early twenties. Younger patients are often monitored with early orthodontics so we can plan ahead.
If you’re unsure whether jaw surgery is right for you, the best next step is an evaluation at our practice. Our orthodontists will review your case and recommend the best option going forward, whether that’s braces, Invisalign, or coordinated surgical care.
Why Choose Shannon Orthodontics in Davenport
The team you choose for jaw surgery shapes your entire experience. At Shannon Orthodontics, you’ll find experienced doctors, coordinated care, and a fun and energetic office that puts you at ease from your first visit.
Here’s what sets our Davenport practice apart:
- Experienced orthodontists. Dr. Chris Shannon, DDS, and Dr. Tyrel Larsen, DDS, MS, lead our team. Both doctors are active members of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), Southern Association of Orthodontists (SAO), American Dental Association (ADA), and Florida Dental Association (FDA).
- Coordinated surgical care. We work hand-in-hand with trusted local oral surgeons so your treatment plan is unified from day one.
- Experience with complex cases. Skilled in managing skeletal bite issues, our team handles complex jaw and bite cases with care and attention to detail.
- Personalized treatment plans. Every patient gets a plan built around their bite, growth, and goals.
- A welcoming local practice. Patients from Davenport, Celebration, Winter Haven, Auburndale, Kissimmee, Poinciana, and Haines City trust Shannon Orthodontics for thoughtful, friendly care.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jaw Surgery
How long is recovery from jaw surgery?
Initial recovery takes about six weeks, during which you’ll follow a softer-food diet and limit strenuous activity. Most patients return to work or school within two to four weeks. Full bone healing and final bite refinement continue for several months, with post-surgical orthodontics typically lasting six to twelve months.
Is jaw surgery painful?
Patients are under general anesthesia during the procedure, so you won’t feel anything during surgery. Afterward, swelling and discomfort are common for the first one to two weeks. Your oral surgeon will prescribe medication to keep you comfortable. Most patients report that the discomfort is very manageable and improves quickly.
Does insurance cover orthognathic surgery?
Many medical insurance plans cover orthognathic surgery when it’s medically necessary to correct functional problems like chewing, breathing, or TMJ issues. Coverage varies by plan, so we recommend checking with your insurance provider. The team at Shannon Orthodontics can help you understand your options and discuss financing if needed.
How long do I wear braces before and after surgery?
Most patients wear braces for about 12 to 18 months before surgery to align the teeth, then another six to twelve months after surgery to fine-tune the bite. Total treatment time usually ranges from 18 to 24 months, depending on the complexity of your case.
What are the risks of jaw surgery?
Like any surgery, orthognathic surgery carries some risks, including swelling, temporary numbness, infection, and reaction to anesthesia. Serious complications are uncommon when the procedure is performed by an experienced oral surgeon. Your surgical team will review all risks with you in detail before treatment begins.
Schedule Your Jaw Surgery Consultation in Davenport, FL
Ready to learn more about jaw surgery in Davenport, FL? Our team at Shannon Orthodontics is here to help every step of the way. Call us at 863-353-6867 or schedule your complimentary new patient exam online at a time that works for you. You’ll get expert, coordinated care from Dr. Shannon, Dr. Larsen, and our experienced team, right here in Davenport, FL. Whether you’re coming from Davenport itself or nearby communities like Celebration, Winter Haven, or Kissimmee, our welcoming practice is easy to reach and ready to answer your questions. We’ll walk you through your options, explain what to expect, and help you feel confident about your next step. Hablamos español, and we are eager to hear from you!