surgical orthodontics

In some patients, it is not possible to achieve proper alignment by only utilizing braces. This may be due to inadequate jaw growth, excessive jaw growth, or a combination of the two. In these cases, it is important to have a team of professionals that consists of an orthodontist and an oral surgeon. 

Young girl sitting in a dental chair, smiling at the camera, with a dental bib on, in a dental clinic. A dental professional stands behind her, wearing blue scrubs and gloves.

Common Problems Include:

  • Orthognathic surgery can not only restore proper jaw alignment in adults, it can also help improve facial esthetics. Braces are required before, during, and after surgery. Growth of an adolescent will be monitored continuously, but the initiation of treatment will need to be delayed compared to non-surgical treatment. 

  • For patients with a cleft lip and palate, a surgical team is established during infancy. This team consists of a plastic surgeon, ENT doctor, speech pathology, nutritionist, pediatric dentist, and orthodontist. 

Dr. Keener currently serves as the team orthodontist at the University of Virginia. However, there are craniofacial teams at many major hospitals across the Commonwealth. Effective communication with team surgeons leads to improved surgical and orthodontic results and less time in braces.

With close collaboration between orthodontist and surgeon, we provide comprehensive care to achieve lasting results.

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