Surgical Orthodontics in San Diego, CA

Name: Signature Orthodontics
Address: 16918 Dove Canyon Rd, Suite 202, San Diego, CA, 92127, US
Telephone: 858-924-1800

Invisalign®

Invisalign® uses a series of clear aligners that are custom-molded to fit you. The virtually invisible aligners gradually reposition your teeth into a smile you'll be proud of. Since being certified, Dr. Jerome has treated over 5000 patients.

Invisalign Teen®

Invisalign Teen uses the same Invisalign® technology as adult aligners, moving teeth gradually with each set of clear, comfortable plastic aligners, But because teens (and their mouths) are constantly on the move, we've added a few special features. Invisalign clear aligners are twice as durable and 30% stronger than other retainers.

Invisalign First®

As a child grows, their smile grows with them. And even with baby teeth, it may be the perfect time for children ages 6 to 10 to start orthodontic treatment. This is known as phase 1 treatment. At this stage, orthodontists can see issues that may need early treatment to address a developing problem.

Comprehensive Care for Complex Jaw Alignment Issues

Surgical orthodontics, also known as orthognathic surgery, is a specialized treatment used to correct severe jaw irregularities that cannot be resolved with braces or aligners alone. At Signature Orthodontics in San Diego, Dr. John R. Jerome works closely with oral surgeons to develop customized treatment plans for patients who require both orthodontic care and surgical intervention.

Orthognathic surgery realigns the jaws to improve facial balance, function, and aesthetics. It's often recommended for adults with significant bite discrepancies, skeletal misalignment, or breathing issues caused by jaw positioning. With a combination of precise orthodontics and corrective jaw surgery, patients can achieve not only a healthier bite but also a more balanced facial appearance.

We serve patients across San Diego, 4S Ranch, Rancho Bernardo, and Rancho Santa Fe with personalized, advanced care every step of the way.

What Is Orthognathic Surgery?

Orthognathic surgery is a corrective jaw surgery performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. The procedure addresses conditions such as:

Severe underbite or overbite
Jaw asymmetry or misalignment
Open bite not correctable with orthodontics alone
Difficulty chewing, biting, or swallowing
TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders
Obstructive sleep apnea linked to jaw structure

Before surgery, you’ll undergo a comprehensive orthodontic evaluation. Dr. Jerome will begin treatment with braces to align your teeth in preparation for surgery. Once the teeth are properly positioned, your oral surgeon will perform the corrective jaw procedure. Post-surgery, additional orthodontic treatment fine-tunes your bite to ensure optimal results.

Learn more about the different types of braces and clear aligners used as part of pre- and post-surgical care.

When Is Surgical Orthodontics Necessary?

Surgical orthodontics is typically recommended when:

Growth has stopped (usually after age 16 for females, 18 for males)
The misalignment involves the jawbone rather than just the teeth
Braces or aligners alone can’t correct the issue

This approach may be necessary for patients with a poor bite relationship (malocclusion) that affects both appearance and oral function. If you’ve been told that traditional orthodontics won’t fully solve your concerns, surgical orthodontics may be the right solution.

Explore our patient information page to learn what to expect during your initial consultation and treatment planning.

The Role of Dr. John R. Jerome in Surgical Orthodontic Care

As an experienced San Diego orthodontist, Dr. John R. Jerome, D.D.S., M.S., specializes in diagnosing complex orthodontic and skeletal issues. He collaborates with top oral surgeons to ensure your surgical orthodontic treatment is as smooth and successful as possible.

Dr. Jerome’s role includes:

Coordinating treatment before and after jaw surgery
Using advanced digital imaging to plan ideal tooth and jaw positioning
Ensuring your bite is balanced post-surgery
Offering continuous monitoring and support throughout the process

Our practice is known for personalized care and advanced technology, making us a trusted choice for surgical orthodontics in the San Diego area.

Recovery and Results

Recovery from orthognathic surgery typically involves:

A few weeks of downtime after surgery
Dietary adjustments (soft foods) during initial healing
Continued orthodontic treatment for several months
Regular check-ins with both your surgeon and orthodontist

The long-term benefits can be life-changing, including improved function, comfort, facial balance, and self-confidence. If you're dealing with jaw-related discomfort or bite problems that aren’t resolving with braces or aligners, schedule a consultation to see if you’re a candidate for surgical orthodontics.

FAQs About Surgical Orthodontics

Who qualifies for orthognathic surgery?: Surgical orthodontics is typically for adults whose jaws have stopped growing and who have significant jaw misalignments that can't be corrected with braces alone.
How long does the full treatment process take?: The entire treatment, including pre-surgical braces, surgery, and post-surgical orthodontics, usually takes 18 to 24 months.
Is orthognathic surgery painful?: Patients are under general anesthesia during surgery. Post-operative discomfort is expected but manageable with medication and aftercare instructions.
Will I need to stay overnight in the hospital?: In most cases, yes. Patients usually stay one or two nights in the hospital for monitoring after jaw surgery.
Does insurance cover orthognathic surgery?: Insurance coverage varies. We work with you to determine your benefits and provide documentation to support medical necessity.

Schedule a Surgical Orthodontics Consultation in San Diego

If you're experiencing severe bite issues, jaw discomfort, or have been told you may need corrective jaw surgery, Dr. John R. Jerome at Signature Orthodontics can help. We offer comprehensive treatment plans combining orthodontics and surgery for lasting, life-changing results.

Call us today at 858-924-1800 or email us to schedule your surgical orthodontic evaluation at our conveniently located San Diego office:

16918 Dove Canyon Rd, Suite 202, San Diego, CA 92127

We proudly serve 4S Ranch, Rancho Bernardo, Rancho Santa Fe, and surrounding communities.