orthodontist Leesburg VA

Surgical Orthodontics & Corrective Jaw Surgery in Northern Virginia

Expert treatment for complex jaw and bite conditions — led by Dr. Ron Hessamfar, with 20+ years of experience managing advanced orthodontic cases in Ashburn, Woodbridge, and Alexandria, VA.

What Is Surgical Orthodontics?

Surgical orthodontics — also known as orthognathic surgery — is a specialized treatment that combines braces with corrective jaw surgery to correct severe bite problems and jaw bone abnormalities that cannot be resolved with orthodontics alone. It is recommended for patients whose jaws have finished growing and whose skeletal imbalances are too significant for braces or aligners to fix by themselves. At ABSC Orthodontics, Dr. Ron Hessamfar co-manages surgical orthodontic cases alongside a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon to deliver the safest, most effective outcomes for complex cases.

A Trusted Expert in Complex Orthodontic Care

A significant part of Dr. Ron Hessamfar’s practice is dedicated to treating complex orthodontic cases — including those requiring a carefully coordinated combination of surgery and orthodontics. Not every orthodontist manages cases at this level. Dr. Hessamfar’s depth of clinical experience means patients with the most challenging bite and jaw conditions receive a clear, well-planned path to a healthy, functional smile.

If you have been told your jaw or bite problem may require surgery, or if you have been living with a condition that braces alone haven’t resolved, a consultation with Dr. Hessamfar is the right first step. Learn more about common orthodontic questions or read on to understand how surgical orthodontics works.

Dr. Ron Hessamfar DMD MS orthodontist at American Braces and Smile Center Northern Virginia

Who Typically Needs Surgical Orthodontics?

Surgical orthodontics is most commonly recommended for adults, because their jaws have finished developing and significant skeletal problems can no longer be guided by growth-modification techniques used in children. Candidates typically have jaw discrepancies so severe that tooth movement with braces or aligners alone cannot correct the underlying structural issue.

Conditions that may require surgical orthodontics include:

  • Severe underbite — lower jaw protruding significantly beyond the upper jaw
  • Severe overbite — upper jaw excessively forward relative to the lower jaw
  • Open bite — front teeth that do not meet when the mouth is closed
  • Crossbite — upper and lower jaws misaligned side-to-side
  • Significant facial asymmetry caused by uneven jaw growth
  • Difficulty chewing, biting, or swallowing due to jaw positioning
  • Chronic jaw pain, TMJ issues, or obstructive sleep apnea related to jaw structure
  • Skeletal malocclusion that has not responded to orthodontic treatment alone

Whether surgical orthodontics is right for you will be determined by Dr. Hessamfar during your initial consultation, based on diagnostic records, X-rays, and a thorough clinical assessment.

Dr. Hessamfar AAO American Association of Orthodontists member Northern Virginia

How Does Orthognathic Surgery Work?

Surgical orthodontics is a multi-stage process that requires careful coordination between Dr. Hessamfar and an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Here is what the treatment journey typically looks like:

  • Pre-surgical orthodontics (12–18 months): Before surgery, you will wear braces to align and level your teeth so they will fit together correctly after the jaw is repositioned. This phase is essential — teeth must be in the right position before the jaw is moved.
  • Orthognathic surgery: Performed in a hospital setting under general anesthesia, the procedure repositions one or both jaws. Surgery typically takes several hours depending on complexity.
  • Recovery period: Most patients require a few weeks of downtime. Swelling and healing are normal parts of the process, and our team will provide full post-operative guidance.
  • Post-surgical orthodontics (6–12 months): After healing, you will return to Dr. Hessamfar for final fine-tuning with braces or aligners to perfect your bite and smile.
  • Retainers: Once braces are removed, retainers maintain your results long-term.

Understanding the Risks of Jaw Surgery

As with any major surgical procedure, orthognathic surgery carries certain risks. It is important to share your full medical history and any pre-existing conditions with both Dr. Hessamfar and your oral surgeon before treatment begins, so all risks can be assessed and minimized.

That said, orthognathic surgery is a well-established procedure with a long, documented history of successful outcomes. When performed by an experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon in collaboration with a skilled orthodontist, it is a safe and highly effective solution for severe jaw and bite conditions that significantly impact quality of life.

At ABSC, we believe an informed patient is a confident patient. Dr. Hessamfar will walk you through every aspect of your treatment — what to expect before, during, and after surgery — and answer every question until you feel completely comfortable moving forward.

Why Patients Choose Dr. Hessamfar for Surgical Orthodontics

Managing surgical orthodontic cases requires a higher level of clinical expertise, surgical coordination, and long-term treatment planning. Patients throughout Northern Virginia choose Dr. Hessamfar for complex cases because of his proven track record and commitment to individualized care.

  • 20+ years of clinical experience treating complex and surgical orthodontic cases
  • Voted Top Orthodontist — Northern Virginia Magazine, Washingtonian Magazine, Prince William & Loudoun County
  • Collaborative surgical care — Dr. Hessamfar works closely with leading oral and maxillofacial surgeons to coordinate seamless treatment
  • Thorough diagnostic process — advanced imaging, bite analysis, and full treatment planning before any commitment
  • Free, no-obligation consultation — your first step is always a conversation, not a commitment

Review your orthodontic costs and financing options — we work with most insurance providers and offer flexible payment plans for complex treatment cases.

Metal braces clear braces and Invisalign options at ABSC Orthodontics Ashburn VA

Three Convenient Locations Serving Northern Virginia

Patients seeking surgical orthodontic treatment trust ABSC across all three of our Northern Virginia offices — each delivering the same expert, personalized standard of care.

We serve patients throughout Prince William County, Loudoun County, and Fairfax County — including Manassas, Dale City, Leesburg, Sterling, Reston, Herndon, and Chantilly. Call us at 703-726-6561 or book a free consultation online today.

ABSC Orthodontics office Ashburn VA with happy smiling patients

What to Expect at Your Consultation

Your first consultation with Dr. Hessamfar is completely free and no-obligation. For complex cases, this visit is especially important — it is your opportunity to get a full, honest assessment of your condition and what treatment would involve.

During your consultation, Dr. Hessamfar will:

  • Perform a comprehensive clinical examination of your teeth, jaw, and bite
  • Take digital X-rays and cephalometric imaging to assess bone structure
  • Clearly explain your diagnosis and whether surgical orthodontics is recommended
  • Walk you through all available treatment options, including non-surgical alternatives if applicable
  • Answer every question you have — with no pressure and no rush

Read what patients are saying about their experience: patient reviews at ABSC Orthodontics.

Frequently Asked Questions About Surgical Orthodontics

Regular orthodontics uses braces or aligners to move teeth into proper alignment. Surgical orthodontics — also called orthognathic surgery — goes further by physically repositioning the jawbones themselves. It is recommended when a bite or jaw problem is skeletal in nature and cannot be corrected by tooth movement alone.

Total treatment time typically ranges from 2 to 3 years. This includes 12–18 months of pre-surgical orthodontics, the surgical procedure and recovery period, followed by 6–12 months of post-surgical orthodontic fine-tuning. Every case is different and Dr. Hessamfar will give you a personalized timeline at your consultation.

Yes. Orthognathic surgery is performed in a hospital under general anesthesia and most patients stay one to two nights for post-operative monitoring. Recovery at home typically takes several weeks, during which swelling gradually subsides and the jaw heals in its new position.

In many cases, orthognathic surgery is covered — at least partially — by medical insurance when it is deemed medically necessary to correct functional impairment. Our team at ABSC will help you understand your coverage before treatment begins. See our orthodontic costs and financing page for details.

The surgery itself is performed under general anesthesia, so you will not feel anything during the procedure. Post-operative discomfort, swelling, and temporary dietary restrictions are expected during recovery. Your surgical team will provide a full pain management and recovery protocol to keep you as comfortable as possible.

Surgical orthodontics is actually most commonly performed on adults. Because the jaw must have finished developing before surgery can permanently reposition it, treatment is typically not performed until the late teens or adulthood. Adults of any age with qualifying skeletal jaw problems are candidates.

Trusted by Patients With Complex Orthodontic Needs

“I had a severe underbite that affected my ability to chew and speak clearly. Dr. Hessamfar was straightforward about what my case required and walked me through everything. The combined treatment took about two years, but the results changed my life. I only wish I had done it sooner.”

— ABSC Orthodontics patient, Woodbridge, VA

Dr. Ron Hessamfar is a board-eligible orthodontist with over 20 years of experience treating complex and surgical orthodontic cases throughout Northern Virginia. He has been recognized as a Top Orthodontist by Northern Virginia Magazine and Best Orthodontist in Prince William and Loudoun County. His practice has also been recognized by Washingtonian Magazine for excellence in orthodontic care.

Read more patient reviews at ABSC Orthodontics.

Dr. Ron Hessamfar orthodontist Northern Virginia personal photo family

Get a Free Surgical Orthodontics Consultation

Dr. Hessamfar offers free, no-obligation consultations for all new patients — including complex and surgical cases. Get a clear, honest assessment at our Ashburn, Woodbridge, or Alexandria office.

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Happy patient with straight teeth after braces treatment at ABSC Orthodontics in Ashburn Virginia