Orthognathic (Jaw) Surgery in Hendersonville, TN

Orthognathic surgery, also called corrective jaw surgery, may be recommended when jaw alignment affects the way you bite, chew, speak, sleep or feel about your facial balance. At Morris Orthodontics, Dr. J. Richard Morris Jr. provides orthodontic evaluation and treatment planning for patients who may need jaw surgery as part of a larger orthodontic care plan.

Some jaw and bite concerns cannot be fully corrected with braces or aligners alone. When surgery is appropriate, our team helps coordinate your orthodontic care before and after the procedure so your treatment is organized, understandable and focused on long-term function and stability.

Concerned about jaw alignment, bite function or a complex orthodontic issue? Call 615-431-2787 to schedule a consultation with our orthodontist and learn if orthognathic surgery in Hendersonville, TN, is the right choice for you.

What Is Orthognathic Surgery?

Orthognathic surgery is corrective jaw surgery used to reposition the upper jaw, lower jaw or both jaws when skeletal alignment problems affect oral function, facial balance or orthodontic treatment. It is typically considered when jaw growth or jaw position cannot be corrected predictably with orthodontic treatment alone.

Jaw surgery is often completed in coordination with orthodontic treatment. Braces or another orthodontic approach may be used before surgery to prepare the teeth, and additional orthodontic care may be needed afterward to fine-tune the bite.

When Jaw Surgery May Be Recommended

Patients in Hendersonville and the surrounding communities may be evaluated for orthognathic surgery when jaw alignment affects daily comfort, function or appearance. Jaw surgery may be considered for concerns such as:

Severe overbite, underbite, open bite or crossbite
Upper and lower jaws that do not fit together properly
Difficulty chewing or biting food
Speech concerns related to jaw or bite alignment
Facial imbalance related to jaw position
Jaw growth abnormalities
Sleep or breathing concerns related to jaw structure
Orthodontic problems that cannot be corrected with braces or aligners alone

During your consultation, our orthodontist will evaluate your teeth, bite and jaw relationship to determine whether orthodontic treatment alone may be sufficient or whether jaw surgery should be considered as part of your treatment plan.

How Orthodontics and Jaw Surgery Work Together

Orthodontic treatment and jaw surgery often work together to create a healthier bite. Before surgery, orthodontic treatment may be used to move the teeth into positions that allow the jaws to fit together correctly after the surgical correction.

After surgery, additional orthodontic care may be needed to refine tooth alignment and improve the way the teeth come together. Retainers are typically used after treatment is complete to help maintain the results.

Depending on your needs, treatment may involve braces, clear braces or other orthodontic appliances. Dr. Morris will explain how each step fits into your overall plan.

What to Expect During Your Consultation

Your consultation at Morris Orthodontics begins with a detailed evaluation of your smile, bite, jaw alignment and treatment goals. Our team will listen to your concerns, review your symptoms and explain whether your case appears to involve a tooth-position issue, a jaw-position issue or both.

If orthognathic surgery may be needed, we will discuss the orthodontic role in your care and help you understand the general sequence of treatment. Our team will also coordinate with the appropriate surgical providers when necessary so your care is organized from one stage to the next.

We will not rush you into a decision. Jaw surgery is a significant treatment recommendation, and our goal is to help you understand your options clearly so you can make an informed choice.

Benefits of Corrective Jaw Surgery

When jaw surgery is appropriate, it can improve concerns that cannot be addressed with orthodontic treatment alone. Benefits may include:

Improved bite alignment and jaw function
More comfortable chewing and biting
Better balance between the upper and lower jaws
Support for improved speech or oral function in some cases
Improved facial balance related to jaw position
A more stable foundation for orthodontic treatment

The potential benefits depend on your specific diagnosis, surgical plan and orthodontic needs. Dr. Morris will explain what orthodontic treatment can and cannot address in your case.

Is Jaw Surgery Always Necessary for Bite Problems?

No. Many bite problems can be corrected with orthodontic treatment alone, especially when they involve tooth position rather than jaw structure. Some patients may benefit from Invisalign clear aligners, braces, functional appliances or other treatment options.

Jaw surgery is generally considered for more complex skeletal concerns where the jaws themselves do not fit together properly. During your evaluation, our orthodontist will explain whether your bite concern appears mild, moderate or more complex and what treatment options may be appropriate.

Why Choose Morris Orthodontics for Orthognathic Surgery Planning?

Orthognathic surgery planning requires careful orthodontic evaluation, precise treatment sequencing and strong communication between providers. Dr. Morris is a Vanderbilt-trained orthodontist with a degree in engineering from Georgia Tech and a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the Medical College of Georgia. His background supports a detailed, function-focused approach to complex orthodontic cases.

Our orthodontist and team use advanced digital technology to evaluate smiles more comfortably and accurately. Dr. Morris was the first orthodontist in Sumner County to offer 3D scanning, replacing traditional goopy impressions with a more comfortable digital process.

Patients in Hendersonville and nearby communities choose Morris Orthodontics for orthodontic care that is honest, organized and personalized. If jaw surgery may be appropriate, we will explain the orthodontic steps clearly and help coordinate care so you know what to expect.

Need answers about a complex bite or jaw alignment concern? Call 615-431-2787 to schedule a visit with our orthodontist in Hendersonville, TN.

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Orthognathic Jaw Surgery FAQs

What is orthognathic surgery?

Orthognathic surgery is corrective jaw surgery used to reposition the upper jaw, lower jaw or both jaws when jaw alignment affects bite function, facial balance or oral health.

Why would I need jaw surgery with orthodontic treatment?

Jaw surgery may be needed when the jaws do not fit together properly and braces or aligners alone cannot fully correct the bite. Orthodontic treatment helps prepare and refine the teeth before and after surgery.

Can braces fix jaw alignment without surgery?

Sometimes. If the concern is mainly related to tooth position, braces or aligners may be enough. If the jaw bones themselves are significantly misaligned, surgery may need to be considered.

What problems can corrective jaw surgery help address?

Corrective jaw surgery may help with severe bite problems, difficulty chewing, jaw imbalance, facial asymmetry related to jaw position and orthodontic concerns that cannot be corrected with braces alone.

Will I need orthodontic treatment before jaw surgery?

Many patients need orthodontic treatment before surgery to position the teeth properly for the surgical correction. Additional orthodontic treatment may also be needed after surgery to fine-tune the bite.

How do I know if I am a candidate for jaw surgery?

The best way to know is to schedule an orthodontic evaluation. Our orthodontist will assess your teeth, bite and jaw relationship, then explain whether jaw surgery may be part of your treatment options.

Schedule an Orthognathic Surgery Consultation in Hendersonville, Tennessee

If you have a complex bite concern, jaw alignment issue or difficulty with chewing, speaking or jaw function, Morris Orthodontics can help you understand your options. Our team will evaluate your smile and explain whether orthodontic care with jaw surgery planning may be appropriate.

Call 615-431-2787 today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Morris!