At Peach Orthodontics in Hayden, ID, we provide comprehensive orthodontic care — including treatment for more complex cases that may require surgical support. If you or your child has a severe bite issue, jaw misalignment, or facial imbalance, surgical orthodontics (also called orthognathic surgery) may be part of the path toward a healthy, functional smile.
Dr. Brent Rickheim and Dr. Brendan Smith work closely with trusted oral and maxillofacial surgeons in the Hayden and North Idaho region to coordinate treatment plans that lead to long-lasting results. We guide patients through every phase of care — with expertise, clarity, and a commitment to your comfort.
What Is Surgical Orthodontics?
Surgical orthodontics is a specialized treatment approach that combines orthodontic care with corrective jaw surgery to address issues that braces or Invisalign alone can’t fix. It’s typically recommended for patients with skeletal problems that affect their ability to bite, speak, chew, or breathe properly.
Orthognathic surgery is performed by an oral surgeon and focuses on correcting the position of the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both. Orthodontic treatment is used before and after surgery to align the teeth and fine-tune the bite.
This type of treatment is often used to correct:
- Severe overbite or underbite
- Crossbite or open bite
- Jaw size discrepancies
- Facial asymmetry
- Chronic jaw pain or TMJ problems
- Difficulty chewing, biting, or speaking
- Sleep apnea caused by jaw positioning
Who Needs Surgical Orthodontics?
Not every orthodontic issue requires surgery — but in some cases, it’s the most effective way to achieve proper alignment and long-term stability. Surgical orthodontics is typically recommended for older teens and adults once jaw growth is complete (usually after age 16–18).
You may be a candidate for orthognathic surgery if:
- You have significant bite problems that affect your daily function
- Your teeth don’t align even when orthodontic treatment is applied
- You experience facial discomfort or asymmetry due to jaw position
- Breathing or speech is affected by the structure of your jaws
- You’ve been told that braces alone won’t fully correct the issue
At your initial consultation, our team will conduct a full orthodontic evaluation — including digital imaging and bite analysis — to determine if surgical orthodontics is the right solution for your needs.
What to Expect from the Surgical Orthodontic Process
At Peach Orthodontics, we take a team-based approach to surgical orthodontics. We work in collaboration with experienced oral surgeons in the Hayden area to design a plan that aligns your teeth, corrects jaw positioning, and improves both function and aesthetics.
The surgical orthodontics process typically includes:
- Pre-surgical orthodontics — Braces or aligners are used to move your teeth into the correct position before surgery
- Surgery — Your oral surgeon performs jaw surgery under general anesthesia at a hospital or surgical center
- Recovery period — Most patients take 1–2 weeks off normal activities and begin seeing results as healing begins
- Post-surgical orthodontics — Braces or aligners are continued for several months to refine your bite and complete treatment
- Retention phase — A retainer is used to maintain your new smile
Throughout this journey, our team provides detailed instructions, compassionate support, and close communication with your surgeon to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Benefits of Surgical Orthodontics
While it involves a longer treatment timeline, surgical orthodontics offers life-changing results for patients with severe bite or jaw concerns. Beyond the cosmetic benefits, this treatment can have a dramatic impact on your health and quality of life.
Advantages of surgical orthodontics include:
- Improved chewing, speaking, and breathing function
- Correction of severe overbite, underbite, or open bite
- Relief from jaw joint pain or muscle tension
- Enhanced facial balance and aesthetics
- Long-term stability and reduced risk of relapse
- Boost in confidence and quality of life
Hayden Surgical Orthodontic Specialist
At Peach Orthodontics, we’re proud to be a trusted provider of surgical orthodontics in Hayden, ID and surrounding communities. Dr. Rickheim and Dr. Smith have extensive experience in diagnosing complex orthodontic cases and creating effective treatment plans that include surgical support when necessary.
We coordinate directly with your oral surgeon to make sure every phase of care is seamless, comfortable, and focused on your long-term health and satisfaction.
We serve adult and teen patients from Hayden, Rathdrum, Athol, and throughout Kootenai County with expert-level care — all delivered in a friendly, supportive environment.
Why Choose Peach Orthodontics?
Surgical orthodontics may sound intimidating — but when you’re in the care of an experienced, compassionate team, the process becomes manageable and rewarding. At Peach Orthodontics, we make sure you understand every step of your journey and feel confident in your treatment plan.
Why patients trust us for surgical orthodontics in Hayden:
- Specialized expertise — We handle complex orthodontic cases with precision and experience
- Team-based care — We collaborate with leading oral surgeons in North Idaho
- Advanced diagnostics — Digital imaging and bite analysis for accurate planning
- Patient-first philosophy — Clear communication, realistic expectations, and personal support
- Trusted by families — A long-standing reputation for quality care in the Hayden community
Surgical Orthodontics FAQs for Hayden Residents
Is jaw surgery painful?
Most patients experience some swelling and discomfort after surgery, but it’s manageable with prescribed pain medication and typically subsides within a week or two.
How long is the total treatment time?
Surgical orthodontics can take 18–24 months, including pre- and post-surgical orthodontic care. Your surgeon and orthodontist will give you a personalized timeline.
Will I need braces even if I have Invisalign?
Some cases can be treated with Invisalign before or after surgery, but traditional braces are more common due to the precision needed for surgical cases.
Can surgical orthodontics improve my facial profile?
Yes — correcting jaw alignment can significantly improve facial balance and aesthetics, especially in cases of jaw size discrepancy or asymmetry.
Is this covered by insurance?
In many cases, orthognathic surgery is considered medically necessary and may be partially covered by insurance. We’ll help you verify benefits and review all costs upfront.