Severe overbite or underbite
When the upper and lower jaws are significantly mismatched in size or position, no amount of tooth movement alone will close the gap correctly.
Surgical Orthodontics
Surgical Orthodontics for Complex Bite & Jaw Cases
When jaw alignment is too far off for braces or aligners alone, surgical orthodontics combines orthodontic treatment with corrective jaw surgery to produce a functional bite and a balanced facial profile. We co-plan the case end to end.
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Tell us what you need and we'll call you back to book a time that works.
When Surgery Is the Right Answer
Most bites are fixed with orthodontics alone. A small number need jaw surgery to give the teeth somewhere correct to live. This is one of those cases.
Open bite or facial asymmetry
Cases where the front teeth do not meet, or where the lower jaw sits noticeably off-centre, often need a surgical reset.
Sleep apnea & airway cases
Some severe airway obstructions are addressed with maxillomandibular advancement - a surgical move that opens the airway as a side effect of bite correction.
Trauma reconstruction
Patients with previous facial trauma whose bite never returned to functional alignment.
The Treatment Sequence
1. Diagnostic & planning
Imaging, surgical modelling, and a coordinated plan built with the oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
2. Pre-surgical orthodontics
About 12 to 18 months of braces or aligners to position the teeth so they fit correctly after the jaw move.
3. Corrective jaw surgery
Performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Modern techniques use small incisions inside the mouth - no facial scarring.
4. Post-surgical finishing
A shorter orthodontic phase to perfect the bite, then retainers to hold the result.
Surgical Orthodontics FAQs
Who is a candidate for surgical orthodontics?
Patients whose jaw position is significantly off and who have finished growing - typically late teens onward for kids, any age for adults.
How long does surgical orthodontic treatment take?
Roughly 18 to 30 months in total, including pre-surgical alignment and post-surgical finishing.
What is recovery from corrective jaw surgery like?
Most patients are off work or school 1 to 2 weeks, on a soft diet 4 to 6 weeks, and close to normal at 6 to 8 weeks.
Does insurance cover jaw surgery for orthodontics?
Often yes - jaw surgery for functional correction is covered by Alberta Health for medically necessary cases, and the orthodontic portion is typically eligible under private insurance.
Are there non-surgical alternatives to surgical orthodontics?
For mild cases sometimes. Rivers Edge gives an honest read on whether the case can be handled without surgery or whether trying would leave a compromised bite.
Why Rivers Edge
What makes Rivers Edge different
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A dual-trained specialist
Pediatric dentistry and orthodontics in one doctor - a rare combination in Alberta.
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In-clinic anesthesia
Complex cases handled in our clinic, with no multi-month hospital wait list.
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Calm, kid-first care
Gentle, child-paced visits with sedation options for anxious and special-needs kids.
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Two Alberta locations
Convenient care in both Fort Saskatchewan and Fort McMurray.
Meet Your Specialist
Dr. Darren Isfeld, DDS
Dual-trained specialist - pediatric dentistry & orthodontics
A rare combination in Alberta. One specialist for your child's whole growing smile - so you're not handed off between practices as they age. Certified in both pediatric dentistry and orthodontics, Dr. Isfeld treats every child himself.
Book Your Appointment
We're Looking Forward To Seeing Your Smile
Two locations in Fort Saskatchewan and Fort McMurray. Whether it's your child's first visit or a follow-up, fill out the form and we'll call you back to book.
- No referral required. Book directly.
- Direct billing. Most insurance plans.
- CDCP accepted. Canadian Dental Care Plan.
- Flexible financing. Payment plans available.
Request a Callback
Tell us what you need and we'll call you back to book a time that works.