Preparation for Surgery

Creating the Perfect Foundation: Orthodontic Preparation for Surgery

Before the surgeon moves your jaws into the ideal position, we must create the perfect "foundation" for it. Pre-surgical orthodontics is the longest and most strategically important stage of combined treatment. Its goal is to prepare your dental arches so that at the moment of surgery, they fit together like two perfectly matched puzzle pieces.

Why are braces needed before surgery?

The main task of this stage is to eliminate the so-called dentoalveolar compensation. For years, your body has tried to adapt to the incorrect jaw position by tilting the teeth so they could make some contact. Our goal is to return the teeth to their correct, natural position relative to the bone of each jaw. Only then can the surgeon move the jaws for the bite to align perfectly.

Why might my bite look worse during preparation?

This is one of the most important points to understand. By eliminating compensation, we make the incorrect skeletal bite more apparent. For example, with a small lower jaw, the lower teeth may tilt back even further. This is completely normal and a planned part of the process. It means we are creating the right foundation for the surgeon.

How long does this stage last?

Orthodontic preparation for surgery with braces is a meticulous process that takes an average of 12 to 18 months. During this time, you will regularly visit the clinic for brace system activation. The final step of this stage is the creation of the final surgical plan based on 3D modeling.