Jaw misalignment is more common than most people think—and so is the assumption that fixing it means going under the knife. In reality, many patients achieve real, lasting improvements through non-surgical care. Modern orthodontics offers a range of tools and techniques that can address overbites, underbites, crossbites, and other bite problems without an operating room ever entering the picture.
Of course, not every case is the same. The best treatment path depends on several factors, including the type and degree of misalignment and the patient's age. Here, we walk through how orthodontic treatment corrects jaw alignment, which conditions it handles well on its own, and when surgery becomes the more appropriate option.
How Orthodontic Treatment Moves the Jaw Into Position
The core principle behind orthodontic treatment is straightforward: by placing steady, calibrated pressure on the teeth and jaw, we guide them into better positions over time. Braces—available in traditional metal, clear ceramic, and self-ligating varieties—use a system of brackets and archwires to move teeth gradually and precisely. Clear aligners, such as Invisalign®, achieve similar outcomes using a progression of custom-molded plastic trays worn throughout the day.
Some appliances go beyond tooth movement to address jaw structure directly. A palatal expander, for instance, gently widens the upper jaw to resolve crossbites and make room for teeth to come in correctly. These devices tend to work best in children and adolescents, whose jawbones are still pliable and more receptive to guided shaping.
Common Bite Problems That Orthodontics Can Treat
Several types of jaw and bite misalignment fall within the scope of orthodontic correction:
- Overbite – The upper front teeth extend too far over the lower teeth vertically
- Underbite – The lower jaw sits forward, causing the bottom teeth to protrude past the upper teeth
- Crossbite – One or more upper teeth close inside the lower teeth rather than outside them
- Deep bite – The upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth by an excessive amount
- Open bite – A gap remains between the upper and lower front teeth even when the mouth is fully closed
Mild and moderate forms of these conditions often respond well to braces or clear aligners alone. When the misalignment is more severe—rooted in the actual position of the jaw bones rather than just the teeth—a combined orthodontic and surgical approach may be necessary.
Why Patient Age Matters in Jaw Alignment Treatment
Patient age is one of the biggest factors in determining what orthodontics can accomplish. In younger patients, the jaws are still growing, and we can steer that growth. Orthodontic appliances used during childhood and early adolescence don't just reposition teeth—they can help shape the jaw itself as it develops. Addressing a crossbite at age 8 or 9, for example, is far simpler and more effective than tackling the same issue in adulthood.
Once a person reaches adulthood, the jaw is fully developed and no longer growing. That doesn't mean orthodontics stops working—many adults achieve excellent outcomes through braces or aligners. But when an adult's jaw bones are substantially out of alignment, tooth movement alone may not be enough. In those cases, orthognathic surgery combined with orthodontic care often delivers complete correction.
The Case for Early Orthodontic Evaluation
Getting children evaluated early gives us the best chance to catch problems while they're still manageable. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive their first orthodontic screening by age 7. At that point, we can assess jaw development, identify any emerging alignment concerns, and decide whether we need to act right away or simply monitor progress over time.
Early evaluation doesn't automatically mean early treatment. Sometimes the most valuable outcome is a solid baseline and a clear plan. But when treatment is indicated, acting during the growth years consistently produces better results, shorter treatment timelines, and fewer complications down the road.
When Surgery Is the More Appropriate Path
There are situations where orthodontic treatment alone isn't enough—and we think it's important to understand that distinction upfront. When jaw misalignment stems from the actual position of the jaw bones rather than the placement of the teeth, moving teeth can only accomplish so much. Orthognathic surgery corrects the underlying skeletal problem, and surgeons almost always perform it alongside orthodontic treatment rather than as a standalone procedure.
Situations that may call for surgical consideration include pronounced underbites or overbites that don't respond fully to tooth movement, noticeable facial asymmetry, difficulty chewing or speaking due to structural misalignment, and cases where orthodontic progress has plateaued without achieving a functional result.
We never take this decision lightly. When surgery appears to be the right path, we coordinate closely with qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeons to build a treatment plan that combines both disciplines for the best possible outcome.
Ready to Find Out What's Possible for Your Smile?
If jaw misalignment has been on your mind—whether someone has told you surgery is inevitable or you simply aren't sure where things stand—the right starting point is a thorough evaluation. Misalignment comes in many forms, and the range of available treatments is wider than most patients expect. A detailed exam, including advanced imaging, lets us identify exactly what's going on and map out an approach that fits your specific situation.
Many patients who come in expecting surgery discover that orthodontic treatment alone can get them where they want to be. The sooner we take a look, the more options remain open.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontics
Can braces correct jaw alignment on their own, without surgery?
In many cases, yes. Braces effectively resolve overbites, underbites, crossbites, deep bites, and other bite problems by moving teeth into better alignment and improving how the jaw functions. That said, when the underlying issue is the skeletal position of the jaw bones—rather than just the teeth—surgery may be needed alongside orthodontic treatment. The patient's age and the severity of the misalignment are the two biggest variables in determining the right course.
How long does jaw alignment treatment with braces or aligners typically take?
Every case is different, but most patients undergoing orthodontic treatment for bite correction can expect the process to take anywhere from 12 to 36 months. Younger patients in early treatment phases may finish faster. After a full examination, your orthodontist will give you a timeline estimate specific to your situation.
Can Invisalign fix jaw alignment problems, or is it only for crooked teeth?
Invisalign can address more than just tooth spacing—it can also treat many bite issues, including mild to moderate overbites, underbites, and crossbites. However, it isn't suited to every case. More complex skeletal misalignments may require traditional braces, surgical intervention, or a combination of both. We evaluate each patient individually to determine which treatment option will produce the best outcome.
What is the right age to have a child's jaw alignment assessed by an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. By this age, enough permanent teeth have come in that we can assess jaw alignment and spot early signs of developing problems. An early evaluation doesn't mean treatment will begin right away—but it allows us to act at the ideal time if intervention is needed.
Will correcting jaw alignment change the way my face looks?
Correcting jaw alignment can produce noticeable improvements in facial balance and symmetry, particularly in cases involving significant overbites, underbites, or crossbites. Many patients find their profile looks more proportionate after treatment. Before we begin, we walk through the changes you can expect so there are no surprises—and we discuss any impact on your appearance as part of the planning process.
At Greater Hartford Orthodontics, we treat patients of all ages—from young children to adults—across Newington and the wider Central Connecticut region. Our team brings specialized expertise and a genuinely personal approach to every visit. Whether you have questions about jaw alignment or you're ready to take the first step, we'd love to hear from you—contact us to schedule your consultation.