Due to advancement in orthodontics (with mini-screws), what used to be a surgical case a decade ago may be treated non-surgically. However, for patients with severe skeletal problems, such as those shown above, orthognathic surgery (jaw surgery) may be not only necessary but also beneficial for the patient's healthy. 

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When mild skeletal problem is treated only with orthodontic treatment without surgery, it is the teeth movement that compensates for the skeletal discrepancy in the jaws. It may be harmful for the teeth and the supporting tissues in the long run, if teeth are moved too much beyond the envelope of their skeletal housings, which are the jaws. Therefore, a well-trained orthodontist's correct diagnosis is crucial in determining whether the skeletal problem can be solved with orthodontic treatment only or orthognathic surgery is needed.

 

It is understandable that a lot of patients want to avoid orthognathic surgery, but remember that solving severe skeletal problem with only teeth movement without surgery may not be the best for the health of the teeth, jaws, and supporting bones and gums in the long run.