Surgical orthodontics, also known as ‘orthognathic surgery’, is undertaken in combination with braces. This is reserved for severe cases, correcting deficiencies of jaw growth, when aligners or braces alone will not resolve the problem a patient may face with their bite and smile. If Dr. Markey feels your case requires this kind of care, he will liaise with your General Dentist and an Oral Surgeon to ensure you receive the best possible care. To undertake this combined approach we wait for growth to be complete, which is typically around the age of 16 for girls and 18 for boys.