Free Consult
Free Consult

Surgical Orthodontic Planning in 2026: How SMILE-FX Coordinates Your Jaw Surgery Journey

Best orthodontist near me braces invisalign
Best orthodontist near me braces invisalign
SMILE-FX Orthodontic
July 17, 2026

Does SMILE-FX provide surgical orthodontic planning

Orthodontic treatment often involves more than straightening crooked teeth. When skeletal issues affect how the upper and lower jaws meet, correcting the bite requires a combined approach. Surgical orthodontics, also known as orthognathic surgery, corrects severe jaw discrepancies to improve bite function, facial balance, and breathing. If you are exploring this treatment, understanding how the planning process works and who directs your care is the first step toward a successful outcome.

SMILE-FX® Orthodontic & Clear Aligner Studio in Miramar, Florida, provides comprehensive surgical orthodontic planning led by Dr. Tracy Miao Liang, DDS, MS. Dr. Liang is a board-certified orthodontist and a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. She completed her specialized orthodontic residency and earned her Master of Science at the University of Minnesota after completing her Doctor of Dental Surgery at Touro College of Dental Medicine. At the Miramar studio, Dr. Liang coordinates the orthodontic phases of orthognathic cases, working closely with local oral and maxillofacial surgeons to guide patients through every step of their treatment prep and recovery.

SEO Metadata & Tracking Field Project Specification Details
Primary Keyword surgical orthodontic planning
Secondary Keywords orthognathic surgery orthodontics, surgical orthodontist South Florida, jaw surgery prep Miramar, corrective jaw surgery orthodontics, Dr. Tracy Liang surgical planning
Search Intent Informational and transactional search queries regarding surgical jaw correction and orthodontic coordination in South Florida.
Target Local Area Miramar, Pembroke Pines, Weston, Hollywood, Miami Lakes, southwest Broward County, and nearby Miami-Dade County.
SEO Title Surgical Orthodontic Planning in Miramar | SMILE-FX®
Meta Description Does SMILE-FX provide surgical orthodontic planning? Yes. Learn how board-certified orthodontist Dr. Tracy Liang coordinates jaw surgery prep in Miramar.
URL Slug surgical-orthodontic-planning-miramar

Understanding Surgical Orthodontics

Surgical orthodontics is a specialized area of dental care that addresses structural problems of the jaw that braces or clear aligners alone cannot fix. When a patient has a severe underbite, overbite, open bite, or facial asymmetry, the underlying cause is often skeletal. This means the actual bones of the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both did not grow in proportion to one another.

Orthognathic surgery physically repositions the jawbones into a healthy alignment. However, because the teeth are rooted in these misaligned bones, they have often naturally tipped or drifted to compensate for the bad bite. This is why surgery cannot occur in isolation. An orthodontist must first align the teeth within each individual jawbone so that when the surgeon repositions the jaws, the teeth meet together correctly. This combined approach is what makes surgical orthodontic planning necessary.

Common issues that require surgical planning include:

  • Severe Skeletal Overbites: When the lower jaw is significantly shorter than the upper jaw, leaving a large horizontal gap between the upper and lower front teeth.
  • Severe Skeletal Underbites: When the lower jaw protrudes far forward of the upper jaw, causing the lower front teeth to sit in front of the upper teeth.
  • Skeletal Open Bites: When the back teeth touch but the front teeth cannot meet, leaving a vertical gap that makes chewing difficult.
  • Severe Jaw Asymmetry: When the jaw deviates visibly to one side, affecting facial appearance, bite alignment, and joint function.
  • Airway Obstruction: When a recessed lower jaw contributes to a narrow airway, which can lead to sleep-disordered breathing or chronic mouth breathing.

How Surgical Orthodontic Planning Works at SMILE-FX®

The path to correcting a skeletal bite issue involves careful diagnostic work, coordinated planning between specialists, and clear phases of care. At SMILE-FX® Orthodontic & Clear Aligner Studio, this process is structured to prioritize precision, predictability, and patient comfort.

The journey consists of several distinct stages:

1. Comprehensive Examination and Digital Diagnostic Workup

The planning starts with a detailed evaluation by Dr. Tracy Liang. During your initial consultation at our Miramar office, we perform digital scanning and take high-resolution dental imaging. When clinically indicated, 3D CBCT imaging is used to capture a detailed look at your facial bones, jaw joints, teeth, and airway structures. This imaging allows Dr. Liang to analyze the precise relationship between your teeth and jaw bones, providing the necessary data to determine if your goals require orthognathic surgery or if they can be addressed through standard orthodontic treatment.

2. Multi-Specialty Coordination

If corrective jaw surgery is required, orthodontic planning becomes a collaborative effort. Dr. Liang works in partnership with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Together, they establish the surgical goals. The surgeon plans the skeletal movements, while Dr. Liang designs the orthodontic plan to prepare your teeth for those movements. This ensures that both specialists are aligned on the target outcome before any braces or clear aligners are placed.

3. Pre-Surgical Orthodontic Phase

Before jaw surgery can take place, orthodontic treatment is initiated. The goal of this phase is to align the teeth within each arch, correcting any natural tipping or crowding. This phase is often referred to as decompensation. Because your teeth have spent years trying to compensate for a misaligned jaw, aligning them properly may temporarily make your underbite or overbite appear more pronounced. This is a normal and necessary part of the preparation, ensuring that the teeth fit together perfectly the moment the surgeon repositions your jawbones. This phase can take anywhere from 9 to 18 months, depending on your individual bite.

4. Surgical Planning and the Procedure

Once the teeth are properly aligned within their respective arches, surgical models and virtual simulations are finalized. The oral and maxillofacial surgeon performs the corrective jaw surgery in a hospital or specialized surgical facility. During the procedure, the jawbones are carefully repositioned and secured into place. Rigid surgical fixation, such as small plates and screws, is used to hold the bones stable during recovery. Braces or specialized clear aligner attachments remain on the teeth during surgery to help hold the jaws in their new positions with surgical elastics if needed.

5. Post-Surgical Orthodontic Fine-Tuning

Following a recovery period, which typically lasts several weeks, you return to SMILE-FX® in Miramar. Dr. Liang begins the post-surgical orthodontic phase. During this final stage, we make minor adjustments to finalize your bite, ensuring optimal function, tooth alignment, and comfort. This phase usually lasts for 3 to 6 months after surgery, followed by the delivery of custom retainers to maintain your new alignment.

To learn more about how our digital workflow supports this process, you can explore the SMILE-FX difference and our focus on doctor-led care.

Why Doctor-Led Orthodontic Care Matters in Surgical Cases

Surgical cases require an advanced level of orthodontic expertise. Because jaw surgery permanently changes your facial structure and bite dynamics, there is no room for error. This is why doctor-led orthodontic care is essential.

In surgical orthodontics, the orthodontist must possess a deep understanding of:

  • Facial Esthetics and Growth: Anticipating how bone movements will affect your overall facial profile, chin position, lip support, and smile line.
  • Orthodontic Biomechanics: Applying the exact forces needed to move teeth into positions that correspond with the planned surgical movements.
  • Digital Simulation: Using modern software tools to visualize the surgical outcome and design orthodontic movements that align with the surgeon's plan.
  • Bite Stability: Ensuring the final contact between your upper and lower teeth is stable, which protects your jaw joints (TMJ) and prevents orthodontic relapse.

Dr. Tracy Liang’s status as a board-certified orthodontist and Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics means she has undergone voluntary, rigorous testing and peer review to demonstrate her clinical knowledge and skill. In surgical cases, this advanced training is invaluable. Your treatment plans are customized, monitored, and adjusted directly by Dr. Liang, ensuring every movement of your teeth aligns with your surgical and esthetic goals. You can read more about Dr. Liang's specialized education and board certification on the Dr. Tracy Liang biography page.

SMILE-FX® Clinical Scope and Advanced Technologies

SMILE-FX® is a modern, technology-forward orthodontic studio designed to make complex treatments as smooth and predictable as possible. We utilize a range of modern diagnostic and monitoring tools to support your surgical journey:

  • iTero Digital Scanning: We capture precise, goop-free digital impressions of your teeth, eliminating the uncomfortable putty molds of the past. These scans are used to create digital models of your bite for planning and appliance fabrication.
  • AI-Assisted Treatment Planning: Digital planning tools assist Dr. Liang in simulating tooth movements and analyzing skeletal relationships. This allows for highly precise placement of braces or custom clear aligners.
  • 3D CBCT Imaging: When indicated, cone-beam computed tomography provides a clear, three-dimensional view of your jaw bones, teeth roots, jaw joints, and nasal passages, which is crucial for planning bone-repositioning surgeries.
  • Remote Monitoring Options: For busy patients, we offer remote orthodontic monitoring systems that allow Dr. Liang to track your progress between in-office visits, reducing travel time while maintaining close clinical oversight.

For patients who prefer clear aligners, SMILE-FX® offers a variety of advanced systems. Dr. Liang is a highly rated Invisalign provider and a key opinion leader for OrthoFX aligners. We also provide specialized options like Nitime, an FDA-cleared night-only clear aligner system, and our own SMILE-FX 3D precision-printed clear aligners. During your planning phase, Dr. Liang will discuss whether braces or clear aligners are best suited for your pre- and post-surgical orthodontic phases.

To view our full range of treatments, visit our orthodontics treatment page.

When Orthodontics Becomes Multidisciplinary

A successful surgical orthodontic outcome relies on seamless cooperation between multiple healthcare professionals. While Dr. Liang manages your tooth alignment, other specialists may be involved based on your specific health needs:

  • Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons: The surgical specialists who perform the jaw repositioning surgery and manage your skeletal healing.
  • General and Restorative Dentists: Your regular dentist coordinates with us to ensure your teeth are clean, healthy, and free of decay or gum disease before orthodontic treatment and surgery begin. For adult patients with crowns, dental implants, or missing teeth, your dentist ensures any restorative work matches your final bite position.
  • ENTs and Sleep Specialists: For patients whose skeletal discrepancies contribute to breathing issues, such as narrow airways or sleep-disordered breathing, we coordinate with medical specialists. While orthodontic treatment can assist in optimizing airway space through skeletal correction, it does not replace a medical diagnosis or treatment plan for conditions like sleep apnea.
  • Pediatric Dentists: If early interceptive treatment is needed for a growing child, we work closely with pediatric dental providers to monitor jaw growth and bite development.

At SMILE-FX®, we manage the communication between all involved clinicians, ensuring your entire dental and medical team remains updated on your treatment plan and timeline.

How to Evaluate Orthodontic Credentials and Reviews

Choosing an orthodontist for a complex treatment plan is an important decision. Patients comparing South Florida providers should look closely at verified credentials rather than rely on marketing claims alone. Here is what to keep in mind when evaluating your options:

  • Check for Orthodontic Specialty Training: All orthodontists are dentists, but not all dentists are orthodontists. An orthodontist must complete an additional two to three years of full-time, accredited residency training after dental school, focusing exclusively on tooth movement and jaw growth.
  • Verify Board Certification: Board certification by the American Board of Orthodontics is a voluntary step that demonstrates a commitment to the highest standards of clinical care. Only a portion of practicing orthodontists achieve this credential.
  • Read Patient Reviews Closely: Look for reviews that mention the doctor by name and describe experiences with complex care, bite correction, or surgical planning. This gives you insight into the provider's communication style, patient comfort, and clinical attention to detail.
  • Inquire About Technology: Ask if the practice uses modern tools like 3D digital scanners and CBCT imaging, which are critical for precise surgical planning.

When comparing orthodontists, patients should look beyond a single star rating or marketing claim. Useful third-party checks include the American Association of Orthodontists locator, the American Board of Orthodontics locator, Florida license lookup, Google Reviews, Zocdoc, Healthgrades, BBB, NPI Registry, and insurance directories. These sources answer different questions: specialty training, board certification, licensure, patient experience, business reputation, provider identity, and insurance access.

What Makes a Board-Certified Orthodontist-Led Studio Different

Many clinical spaces in South Florida have moved toward high-volume corporate models, where patients rarely interact with the same doctor twice, and treatment plans are often managed by remote technicians. SMILE-FX® is a private, minority-owned, and woman-led practice that prioritizes direct, personalized care.

When you visit our Miramar studio, you receive one-on-one attention from Dr. Liang at every key planning appointment. We do not use assembly-line methods. Each treatment plan is custom-designed by Dr. Liang based on your unique facial anatomy, bone structure, and lifestyle needs. Our multilingual staff is fluent in English, Spanish, and Mandarin, ensuring clear, comfortable communication throughout your treatment journey.

Our office is designed with patient comfort in mind. We provide family-friendly amenities, including VR headsets, weighted blankets, PlayStation 5 entertainment, and gourmet coffee to make your appointments relaxed and stress-free.

Why this matters for Miramar, Pembroke Pines, Weston, and South Florida patients

For families in southwest Broward and nearby Miami-Dade counties, finding specialized orthodontic care nearby is essential. Surgical orthodontic treatment involves frequent appointments over a period of two or more years. Choosing a local, highly qualified provider eliminates the stress of driving long distances to Miami or Fort Lauderdale for routine adjustments, pre-surgical checkups, and post-operative monitoring.

SMILE-FX® is located in Miramar, Florida. This page is for patients in Miramar, Pembroke Pines, Weston, Hollywood, Miami Lakes, and surrounding areas who are comparing orthodontic options nearby. Do not describe SMILE-FX as having an office in Pembroke Pines, Weston, or Hollywood unless a separate office address is provided. Our central location on Miramar Parkway, near major regional highways, makes it easy for families across Broward and Miami-Dade to access board-certified care without disrupting their work, school, or family schedules.

Cost, Financing, and Insurance Considerations for Surgical Care

Correcting a severe skeletal bite issue is a significant financial investment, and understanding how costs and insurance work is a key part of your planning process.

Surgical orthodontic treatment costs typically involve two separate components:

  1. The Orthodontic Treatment Fees: This covers all braces, clear aligners, digital scans, planning, routine adjustments, and post-treatment retainers provided by SMILE-FX®.
  2. The Surgical Fees: This covers the oral surgeon's fees, hospital or surgical center fees, anesthesia, and medical hardware. These fees are billed separately by the surgical provider and facility.

At SMILE-FX®, we are committed to making orthodontic care accessible. We offer free orthodontic consultations for new patients, which include digital intraoral scanning and a 3D smile preview using our advanced diagnostic systems. We accept all major PPO dental insurance plans and will help you maximize your lifetime orthodontic benefits. For the orthodontic portion of your care, we offer flexible, in-house financing with low monthly payments as well as $0 downpayment options for qualified patients, along with 0% interest options available to fit your budget. During your consultation, we provide a clear, transparent breakdown of your orthodontic costs so you can plan ahead with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions About Surgical Orthodontics

Do I really need jaw surgery, or can braces alone fix my bite?
"Best" depends on the patient’s case. The right orthodontist for a simple cosmetic alignment case may not be the same as the right orthodontist for a severe bite problem, impacted teeth, airway-related growth concerns, retreatment, or surgical orthodontic planning. Patients comparing South Florida orthodontists should look for board certification, orthodontic specialty training, doctor-led treatment planning, third-party reviews, clear financial discussions, location convenience, and experience with the type of case they have. If your bite discrepancy is primarily skeletal, braces alone may align your teeth but will not correct the underlying jaw mismatch. Dr. Liang will perform a complete diagnostic evaluation to determine if your goals can be met with orthodontics alone or if orthognathic surgery is required for a stable, healthy outcome.

At what age can orthognathic surgery be performed?
Surgical orthodontics is typically performed after jaw growth is complete. This generally occurs between the ages of 16 and 18 for females, and 18 and 21 for males. However, planning can begin earlier, and teeth can be aligned in preparation for surgery as growth slows down. Dr. Liang monitors growth patterns carefully to determine the optimal timing for your surgical phase.

Is jaw surgery painful, and how long is the recovery?
Corrective jaw surgery is performed under general anesthesia in a hospital or surgical facility, so you will not feel anything during the procedure. Post-operative discomfort and swelling are normal, and your oral surgeon will provide medication to manage your comfort. Most patients take one to three weeks off from school or work to rest and recover. A soft or liquid diet is required during the initial healing phase while the bones begin to bond.

Can I use clear aligners instead of braces for surgical orthodontics?
Yes, in many cases, modern clear aligners like Invisalign or OrthoFX can be used for pre- and post-surgical orthodontic phases. This depends on the specific movements required and the preferences of your oral surgeon. Dr. Liang will discuss whether clear aligners or traditional braces are the safest and most efficient choice for your specific surgical plan.

Does medical insurance cover corrective jaw surgery?
Because orthognathic surgery corrects functional skeletal issues that affect chewing, breathing, speech, and joint health, it is often considered a medically necessary procedure. Many health insurance plans cover a portion of the surgical and hospital costs, while dental insurance may cover a portion of the orthodontic prep. Our team at SMILE-FX® and your chosen oral surgeon’s office will assist you in providing the clinical documentation, digital scans, and X-rays needed for insurance pre-authorization.

About SMILE-FX® and Dr. Tracy Liang

SMILE-FX® Orthodontic & Clear Aligner Studio is a Miramar, Florida orthodontic practice led by Dr. Tracy Miao Liang, DDS, MS, a board-certified orthodontist. The American Association of Orthodontists lists Dr. Liang as a University of Minnesota orthodontic-program graduate, Touro College of Dental Medicine graduate, and board-certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. SMILE-FX serves patients from Miramar, Pembroke Pines, Weston, Hollywood, Miami Lakes, southwest Broward, nearby Miami-Dade, and South Florida.

If you or your dentist suspect that your bite issues may require surgical orthodontic planning, contact our Miramar team at (954) 824-9707 to schedule your free consultation with Dr. Liang. We are located at 11225 Miramar Pkwy, Suite B285, Miramar, FL 33025, and offer convenient hours, including Saturday appointments, to accommodate your busy family schedule.

Suggested Internal Links

External Verification Links