Jaw malocclusion
By The Treatment Registry editors
Misalignment between the upper and lower jaws — Class II (retrognathic mandible), Class III (prognathic mandible), open bite, or asymmetric — producing functional and aesthetic concerns. Treatment combines orthodontics and, in moderate to severe skeletal cases, orthognathic surgery.
Treatment ladder
Conservative options are first-line where appropriate; surgical options are typically reserved for cases where lower-tier options are unsuitable or have failed. Decisions are individual and depend on clinical assessment.
Conservative
- Orthodontics alone
Fixed or clear-aligner orthodontics can address mild skeletal discrepancy and most dental malocclusion. Treatment time is typically 12-36 months.
Procedural
- Orthodontics with skeletal anchorage
Temporary anchorage devices (mini-implants) enable orthodontic movement beyond what brackets alone achieve. Useful in borderline cases between orthodontics-only and surgery.
Surgical
- Orthognathic jaw surgery · View procedure page
Single-jaw (maxillary or mandibular) or double-jaw surgery, typically preceded and followed by orthodontic treatment. The standard treatment for moderate to severe skeletal malocclusion; outcomes can be marked but operative and recovery time are substantial.