Tooth alignment and angulation problems sometimes stem from an underlying skeletal anomaly.

It is possible to achieve an attractive smile and balanced face by combining orthodontics with maxillofacial surgery.

In general, these combined treatments start with the orthodontics with a view to aligning the teeth and positioning them correctly in the jaws. The aim is also to control the shape of the dental arches so that they can be aligned correctly after surgery.

After a few months of orthodontic treatment, the patient is operated on by a maxillofacial surgeon who moves the jaws in order to correct the skeletal anomaly. The previous dental alignment gives the surgeon a reference position for moving the jaws. He/she will know that the jaw position is correct when the teeth of the two jaws are perfectly aligned. The orthodontic brackets remain on the teeth during the surgical procedure. The procedure is followed by 2 to 3 days in hospital and then 2 to 3 weeks off work. This is why these kinds of procedures generally take place during the holidays.

A surgical retainer will need to be worn for a few weeks. It consists of elastic bands connecting the two jaws, resting on brackets. These bands enable the patient to open his/her mouth to eat and speak.

Three weeks after the operation, the patient is seen again by the orthodontist who starts the final orthodontic stage which takes around 6 months.