Jaw surgery (orthognathic treatment)

Complex cases,
expertly coordinated.

When a jaw needs surgical correction, Dr. Sytek plans and coordinates treatment with the oral and maxillofacial surgery team at the University of Michigan. These are some of the most rewarding cases we take on.

Jaw surgery consultation at Sytek Ortho in Alpena, MI

The University of Michigan partnership

Planned with the U of M surgical team.

Some bite problems come from how the jaws themselves are positioned, not just how the teeth are arranged. When that's the case, moving teeth alone won't fully fix it. Orthognathic surgery repositions the jaw so the bite works the way it should, and orthodontic treatment lines up the teeth before and after.

Coordinated with the U of M surgical team

Dr. Sytek collaborates closely with the oral and maxillofacial surgery team at the University of Michigan on planning and execution.

Trained there, still teaches there

She trained in the U of M program and still teaches residents there, so your surgical care is coordinated with one of the region's leading programs.

Orthodontic care stays in Alpena

You don't have to leave Northeast Michigan to start. Your orthodontic work happens right here, and the surgical portion is arranged through the U of M team.

In our hands

Why we take on these cases.

Portrait of Dr. Lauren Sytek, orthodontist at Sytek Ortho in Alpena, Michigan

Jaw surgery cases are some of the most rewarding transformations we complete. If the relationship between the upper and lower jaws is off, there are so many potential benefits to getting things lined up properly. If you are a candidate for surgery and nervous about what that involves, we will walk you through every step of the process.

Dr. Lauren Sytek

The coordinated process

How a surgical case works,
step by step.

Surgical cases take longer than routine treatment and involve coordination between our office and the surgical team.

  1. Consultation and evaluation

    Dr. Sytek looks at your bite, reviews any records from a referring dentist or physician, and tells you honestly whether surgery is part of the plan.

  2. Pre-surgical consultation

    A pre-surgical consultation with the University of Michigan team. For our patients this is often done virtually, given the four-hour drive.

  3. Surgery

    Performed with the University of Michigan oral and maxillofacial surgery team.

  4. Post-surgical refinement

    Final orthodontic work to settle the bite once the jaw has healed. Dr. Sytek stays involved at every stage.

Dr. Lauren Sytek discussing a treatment plan with a patient

Who this is for

The right candidate for
Jaw Surgery.

Upper and lower jaws that don’t line up in a way braces alone can correct Significant overbite, underbite, or open bite rooted in jaw position Patients whose dentist, physician, or previous orthodontist has raised surgery as a possibility The only way to know for sure is an evaluation. If surgery isn’t necessary, Dr. Sytek will tell you. If it is, see how it coordinates with Damon Ultima or Oliv aligners for the pre- and post-surgical work.

Book a Consultation

  • Upper and lower jaws that don't line up in a way braces alone can correct
  • Significant overbite, underbite, or open bite rooted in jaw position
  • Patients whose dentist, physician, or previous orthodontist has raised surgery as a possibility
Book a Consultation

What patients say

Reviews from real
Alpena families.

“You guys were very kind, patient, and friendly. You always took the time to explain everything thoroughly. You were very considerate and made sure that I understood the procedure of what was going on before moving forward.”

Amelia E.

“My experience with Sytek Ortho has been great! Everybody is always very welcoming and I never leave without a smile on my face!”

Kylie W.

“We are thrilled with the outcome of Parker’s orthodontic care. Dr. Sytek and all of the staff at Sytek Ortho are wonderful.”

Curley Family

“I didn’t like to smile before, but after having braces at Sytek Ortho, I have more confidence with my smile.”

Shawna M

“Dr. Sytek and staff did an amazing job. I love my teeth!”

Bella B.

“We could not be happier with Bently and Emerson’s orthodontic results. The team was incredibly flexible and always available to answer questions. Their treatment experience was positive from start to finish, and their confidence truly shines through their smiles.”

Kamyszek Family

“We’re so happy with the way Noah’s smile turned out and we’re so happy we could do this treatment right here in Alpena. Dr. Kendziorski referred Noah and he’s one of the earlier completed cases with Sytek Ortho.”

Roznowski Family

“The team at Sytek Ortho is like family to me. They made sure I loved my teeth. They are truly the best people. I miss them!”

Delayni R.

“My experience with Sytek Ortho was awesome! Everyone there was very kind and helpful. I am very happy, and my teeth look great.”

Darryl H.

“They were all so nice! And brought back my confidence back!”

Lily S.

“I truly love Dr. Sytek. She gave me so much confidence in my smile, and I was treated incredibly well throughout the entire process. The environment was always so welcoming and they always made me feel right at home.”

Jazzy W.

“I had an amazing experience with Dr. Sytek and the entire orthodontic team. The process was smooth, comfortable, and the results were incredible. I would highly recommend Dr. Sytek to anyone considering orthodontic treatment!”

Riley K.

FAQ

Common questions about
Jaw Surgery.

Other FAQs

Usually, yes. Orthodontic treatment before and after surgery is what lines the teeth up so the corrected bite fits together properly.

The surgical part is handled with the oral and maxillofacial surgery team at the University of Michigan. Your orthodontic care stays with Dr. Sytek in Alpena. The pre-surgical consultation with the University of Michigan team is often done virtually, given the four-hour drive.

Longer than routine treatment, because it includes orthodontics before and after surgery. Dr. Sytek will map out a realistic timeline for your specific case at your consultation.

Insurance claims for jaw surgery are managed through the oral surgeon’s office, which for us is usually the University of Michigan. They are very good at working with different plans and can help you work out your benefits and costs.

Related treatments

Other treatment options to consider.

Most common

Damon Ultima

Braces for pre- and post-surgical orthodontics.

Aligners

Oliv Aligners

Aligners as part of the coordinated plan.

About

Meet Dr. Sytek

Trained at U of M, still teaches there.

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