Your orthodontist might refer you for surgical procedures to enable him to correct your malocclusion and to move the teeth into the correct position.

Surgical orthodontics include: orthognathic surgery, exposure and bonding of impacted teeth, teeth alignment surgery, corticotomy procedures as well as removal of impacted teeth and other pathology in the jaws.

Exposure and bonding of impacted teeth involves the surgical exposure of an impacted or malpositioned tooth in the alveolus (jaw bone) and placing of an orthodontic bracket on the tooth connected with a wire. After a short recovery period from the surgery, your orthodontist will apply traction and the tooth will appear in the mouth after 2 to 3 months.

Corticotomy procedures involve sectioning of the bone around the teeth or the jaw to enable your orthodontist to complete his treatment sooner.