How Long Do I Need Braces Before Surgery?
The timeline for pre-surgical orthodontics is an important part of planning. Here is what to expect.
Most patients need braces for 12β18 months before their jaw surgery. This phase is called "pre-surgical orthodontic decompression."
Timeline breakdown:
| Case Complexity | Pre-Surgical Braces Time |
|---|---|
| Simple (mild misalignment) | 6β9 months |
| Moderate | 12β15 months |
| Complex (significant crowding, rotations) | 18β24 months |
| Already have straight teeth | 3β6 months |
- Factors that affect duration:
- How much the teeth need to move (decompensation)
- Age (younger patients' teeth move faster)
- Compliance with wearing rubber bands
- The specific type of bite problem
- Whether extractions are needed first
- What happens during this time:
- Regular orthodontic visits every 4β8 weeks
- Teeth are moved into their ideal positions within each jaw
- The bite may temporarily look worse
- Progress X-rays and photographs are taken
After Surgery
After surgery, you will need braces for an additional 4β6 months to fine-tune the bite. Total orthodontic treatment time is typically 18β24 months including both pre- and post-surgery.
Clinical Guidance
Plan on 12β18 months of braces before your jaw surgery. The exact time depends on your individual case. Your orthodontist will give you a personalized timeline during your consultation.