When your bite feels off because the jaws don’t line up, orthodontics alone can’t always carry the full load. That’s when Dr. John Foley and the team at Foley Orthodontics collaborate with oral surgeons to reshape not only how teeth fit together but how the jaws function as a whole. This blend of orthodontics and surgery can make everyday tasks (like chewing a sandwich or speaking clearly during a presentation) feel much easier. Next, let’s explore why braces sometimes need surgical backup to bring everything into balance.
Why Braces Alone Aren’t Always Enough
Braces and aligners can make a big difference, but they can’t always do the heavy lifting if the jaws themselves are out of sync. When growth patterns in the upper and lower jaws don’t match, orthodontics needs a surgical partner to complete the job. These issues can show up in ways that affect daily life, including:
- Trouble chewing or biting into certain foods
- Speech that feels harder to control
- Jaw strain after long conversations or chewing
- Facial imbalance that makes photos look uneven
In these cases, moving teeth alone won’t bring lasting results. Instead, orthodontics works alongside jaw surgery to create harmony between bite and bone structure. Next, let’s look at how orthodontic treatment prepares everything for surgery so the process is smoother from the very beginning.
The Orthodontic Phase Before Surgery
Braces, aligners, or both might play a role before jaw surgery, depending on jaw position problems and how teeth need to move. Sometimes, metal braces are the perfect workhorse tool, as they’re durable, proven, and very effective.
Foley Orthodontics offers modern metal braces that use smoother, smaller brackets and lighter wires, which help with comfort while your teeth shift into place. Other tools helping the pre-surgery stage include:
- Digital scans to map your bite
- LightForce braces are designed to match each tooth’s starting position
- Clear aligners, when movement can start with less visible tools
These steps set up the surgical phase so the jaw surgeon has the best possible foundation to work with. Next, let’s walk through what actually happens during jaw surgery and how everything joins together.
What Happens During Jaw Surgery
Orthodontic treatment sets the stage, but the actual jaw correction is carried out by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Dr. John Foley, a board-certified orthodontist, partners closely with these specialists to create a seamless treatment plan that covers both tooth movement and jaw repositioning.
The Surgical Process in Simple Terms
Jaw surgery, also called orthognathic surgery, is done in a hospital under anesthesia. The surgeon adjusts the position of the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both, depending on the case. The goal is to align bone structure so that once orthodontics takes over again, teeth will meet the way they’re supposed to.
Teamwork at the Core
Dr. Foley’s expertise makes sure the orthodontic phase and surgical phase work hand-in-hand. By collaborating with surgeons, patients can move forward with confidence knowing both aspects of treatment are connected.
Next, let’s explore what happens after surgery and how orthodontics fine-tunes the bite for a lasting outcome.
Orthodontics After Surgery
Surgery may realign the jaws, but the orthodontic phase afterward is what fine-tunes the bite so it feels natural in everyday life. Dr. John Foley and the Foley Orthodontics team carefully monitor this stage, making sure teeth settle into their new positions with precision.
The Role of Braces and Aligners
After the healing period, braces or aligners are adjusted to bring the bite into perfect harmony. Small tweaks in this stage can make a big difference in how the teeth come together, improving chewing, speech, and overall comfort.
Support Throughout Recovery
Follow-up appointments are scheduled around patients’ needs, with flexible options that help families in Cary, Apex, and Raleigh keep treatment on track. Dr. Foley’s board-certified expertise provides reassurance that each step is carefully overseen.
Next, let’s highlight the benefits of combining orthodontics and jaw surgery, and why this partnership creates results that last.
Benefits of a Combined Approach
When orthodontics and jaw surgery work together, the outcome goes far beyond straighter teeth. This team effort creates lasting improvements that affect both daily life and long-term health. Patients treated at Foley Orthodontics often notice changes in how they eat, speak, and even breathe.
Some of the most common benefits include:
- More effective chewing and easier digestion
- Clearer speech and better articulation
- Improved breathing in certain cases
- A bite that feels stable and comfortable
- A smile that looks balanced and natural
These benefits show why pairing orthodontics with surgical support can make such a difference for families across Cary, Apex, and Raleigh.
Next, let’s shift the focus from the process itself to what makes Foley Orthodontics the place families turn to for this level of care.
The Foley Orthodontics Difference
What sets this process apart for families in Cary, Apex, and Raleigh is the expertise guiding it. Dr. John Foley is a board-certified orthodontist with advanced training from the Mayo Clinic, giving patients confidence that even complex cases are in capable hands.
Beyond his credentials, the practice offers a supportive environment that makes treatment feel less overwhelming and much easier to manage from the start through every stage.
Highlights of the Foley Orthodontics experience include:
- Digital scans that replace old-school impressions
- Flexible scheduling designed around busy family calendars
- Clear pricing with options that fit different budgets
- Strong community ties through local schools and sports sponsorships
These details add up to a patient experience that blends advanced orthodontics with personal care. With this foundation, patients know they’re supported from the first consultation to the final result.
When Braces and Jaws Work as a Team
Orthodontics and jaw surgery may seem like separate worlds, but together they can create results that last a lifetime. With Dr. John Foley’s board-certified expertise and the supportive team at Foley Orthodontics in Cary, families across Apex and Raleigh know they’re in skilled hands. Every detail is designed with patients in mind. Schedule your free consultation today and see how teamwork can transform your bite and smile!